The dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC represents the zenith of digital-to-analog conversion, forming the crucial link in the dCS Vivaldi flagship playback system. At its core lies the revolutionary dCS Ring DAC™ APEX architecture, a proprietary, discrete R2R design that has been extensively re-engineered. The APEX upgrade introduces a reconfigured circuit board, enhanced power supply filtering, and an entirely new analog output stage, resulting in a remarkable 12 dB improvement in linearity, significantly reduced distortion, and a profoundly more transparent and dynamic sound.

This state-of-the-art DAC accepts virtually any digital audio format, including PCM up to 24 bit/384 kHz and DSD128, through a comprehensive suite of inputs like asynchronous USB, AES/EBU (including Dual AES for ultra-high resolutions), and various S/PDIF connections. It also features a full MQA decoder and renderer. The Vivaldi APEX DAC boasts sophisticated jitter management, multiple user-selectable DSP filters, and an enhanced digital volume control, allowing direct connection to a power amplifier. Housed in a meticulously crafted aerospace-grade aluminum chassis, the Vivaldi APEX DAC delivers an audio experience of unparalleled realism, detail, and emotional depth, redefining the standard for digital playback.

- dCS Ring DAC APEX™ hardware further reduces distortion and improves linearity for enhanced musical performance
- Utilises the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform for state-of-the-art measured performance and unrivalled fidelity
- Designed for maximum flexibility by accepting audio data from a variety of digital sources
- Flexible output configuration can be optimised in systems with or without preamplifiers
- Comprehensive clocking architecture plus an auto-clocking mode used in the Vivaldi range improves ease-of-use and minimises jitter
- USB interface allows easy connection to a computer, accepting PCM data at up to 24/384 and DoP (DSD/64 or DSD/128 over PCM)
- The interface runs in asynchronous USB mode, making the DAC immune to jitter from noisy computer master clocks-
- Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and superior tolerance to AC supply variations
- Multi-stage regulation ensures sensitive analogue circuitry is unaffected by digital interference
- Separate power circuits for the digital and analogue sections further enhance the purity of the power supply
- Aerospace-grade machined aluminium chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects and vibration
- Features a full MQA™ decoder. This MQA™ implementation is unique, as it is the first opportunity to enable a DAC which, by providing exact rendering to beyond 16x (768 kHz), matches the desired temporal response with very low modulation noise

Type:
Digital-to-Analogue Converter
Finish:
Silver or Black
Converter Type:
dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology, with a choice of 3MHz or 6MHz operation
Analogue Outputs:
1 x pair balanced outputs on 2x XLR connectors. Output levels: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms for a full-scale input, set in the menu. Output impedance: 3Ω. Maximum load: 600Ω (10k-100kΩ is recommended)
1x pair unbalanced outputs on 2x RCA connectors. Output levels: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms for a full-scale input, set in the menu. Output impedance: 52Ω. Maximum load: 600Ω (10k-100kΩ is recommended)
Digital Inputs:
USB 2.0 interface on B-type connector, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 384kS/s PCM, DSD/64 & DSD128 in DoP format
4x AES/EBU inputs on 3-pin female XLR connectors, accepts 24-bit 32 – 192kS/s PCM & DSD/64 in DoP format
2 x Dual AES pairs, accepts 24-bit 88.2 – 384kS/s PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format
2 x SPDIF on RCA Phono connectors, accepts 24-bit 32-192kS/s PCM & DSD/64 in DoP format
1 x SPDIF on BNC connector, accepts 24-bit 32-192kS/s PCM & DSD/64 in DoP format
1 x SPDIF on TOSLINK connector, accepts 24-bit 32 – 96kS/s PCM
1 x SDIF-2 interface on 2x BNC connectors, accepts 24-bit 32 – 96kS/s PCM or SDIF-2 DSD (auto selected). This interface requires a compatible Word Clock input, locked to the correct data rate
Wordclock I/O:
3 x Word Clock Inputs on BNC connectors, accept standard Word Clock at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz. The data rate can be the same as the clock rate or an exact multiple of the clock rate. Sensitive to TTL levels
1 x Word Clock Output on 1x BNC connector. With Sync Mode set to Master, a TTL-compatible 44.1kHz Word Clock is output. In Universal Master Mode, a 38.4kHz Word Clock is output for use with the Vivaldi Upsampler
Residual Noise:
Better than -113dB0 @ 20Hz-20kHz unweighted (6V setting)
L R Crosstalk:
Better than -115dB0, 20-20kHz
Spurious Responses:
Better than -105dB0 @ 20-20kHz
Filters:
PCM mode: 4 filters give different trade-offs between the Nyquist image rejection and the phase response. 2 extra filters are available at 44.1, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384kS/s
DSD mode: 4 filters progressively reduce out-of-audio band noise level (inherent in the 1 bit nature of DSD), plus Filter 5 which has an improved transient response
Software Updates:
Loaded from CD-R via PCM inputs or PC via USB interface
Local Control:
dCS Universal Remote is supplied as standard. RS232 (controlled by the Vivaldi Upsampler / app or a third party device)
Power Supply:
Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 50-60Hz
Power Consumption:
23 Watts typical/50 Watts maximum
Dimensions:
444mm/17.5” x 435mm/17.2” x 151mm/6.0” high. Allow extra depth for cable connectors. Allow space for air flow around the unit
Weight:
16.2kg/35.65lbs

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.