Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Three-box networked upsampling D/A processing system with volume control and remote. Vivaldi Apex DAC features dCS proprietary Ring DAC topology with a choice of 3MHz or 6MHz operation. Analog outputs: 1 pair balanced on XLR. Output levels: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V RMS for full-scale input, set in the menu. Output impedance: 3 ohms. Minimum load: 600 ohms (10–100kohm recommended); 1 pair unbalanced on RCA. Output levels: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V RMS for full-scale input, set in the menu. Output impedance: 52 ohms. Minimum load: 600 ohms (10–100k ohms recommended). Digital inputs: USB 2.0 on B-type connector, accepts 24/44.1–384kHz PCM, DSD64 & 128 in DoP; 4 AES3 inputs on 3-pin female XLR accept 24/32–192khz PCM & DSD64 in DoP; 2 Dual AES pairs accept 24/88.2–384kHz PCM, DSD64 & 128 in DoP; 2 S/PDIF on RCA accept 24/32–192kHz PCM & DSD64 in DoP; 1 S/PDIF on BNC accepts 24/32–192kHz PCM & DSD64 in DoP; 1 S/PDIF on TosLink accepts 24/32–96kHz PCM; 1 SDIF-2 interface on 2 BNC accepts 24/32–96kS/s PCM or SDIF-2 DSD (auto selected); this interface requires a compatible word clock input locked to the correct data rate. Three word clock Inputs on BNC accept standard Word Clock at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz. Data rate can be the same as the clock rate or an exact multiple. One word clock output on BNC. 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 –113dB, 20Hz–20kHz unweighted (6V setting). L/R crosstalk: –115dB, 20–20kHz. Spurious responses: –105dB, 20–20kHz. Filters, PCM: 4 give different trade-offs between image rejection and phase response. 2 extra filters at 44.1, 176.4, 192, 352.8, and 384kS/s. DSD: 4 progressively reduce out-of-audio band noise; Filter 5 has improved transient response.
Dimensions: 6" (151mm) H × 17.5" (444mm) W × 17.2" (435mm) D. Weight: 35.65lb (16.2kg), DAC.
Finish: Silver, black.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: DAC: VDC9328; Upsampler Plus: VPP59070; Master Clock: VCK57721.
Price: DAC: $46,500; Upsampler Plus with Ethernet network port: $25,000; Master Clock: $19,500. Approximate number of dealers: 24. Warranty: three years parts and labor for original owner. dCS-installed Apex upgrade for owners of Vivaldi DACs and Vivaldi One: $9000.
Manufacturer: dCS (Data Conversion Systems), Ltd., Unit 1, Buckingway Business Park, Anderson Rd., Swavesey, Cambridge CB24 4AE, England, UK. US distributor: Data Conversion Systems Americas, LLC, PNC Bank Bldg., 300 Delaware Ave., Suite 210, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA. Tel: (302) 473-9050. Web: dcsaudio.com.
Dimensions: 6" (151mm) H × 17.5" (444mm) W × 17.2" (435mm) D. Weight: 35.65lb (16.2kg), DAC.
Finish: Silver, black.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: DAC: VDC9328; Upsampler Plus: VPP59070; Master Clock: VCK57721.
Price: DAC: $46,500; Upsampler Plus with Ethernet network port: $25,000; Master Clock: $19,500. Approximate number of dealers: 24. Warranty: three years parts and labor for original owner. dCS-installed Apex upgrade for owners of Vivaldi DACs and Vivaldi One: $9000.
Manufacturer: dCS (Data Conversion Systems), Ltd., Unit 1, Buckingway Business Park, Anderson Rd., Swavesey, Cambridge CB24 4AE, England, UK. US distributor: Data Conversion Systems Americas, LLC, PNC Bank Bldg., 300 Delaware Ave., Suite 210, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA. Tel: (302) 473-9050. Web: dcsaudio.com.
