dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC
Best high-end digital converter for uncompromising audiophiles seeking ultimate sonic fidelity.
The dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC/Network Streamer represents the pinnacle of digital audio playback, engineered for an uncompromising listening experience. It features the enhanced dCS Ring DAC APEX™ hardware for reduced distortion and improved linearity, delivering unparalleled fidelity. This versatile streamer accepts audio data from various digital sources, including USB, AES3, Dual AES, SDIF-2, and S/PDIF. Its flexible output configuration and enhanced digital volume control allow direct connection to a power amplifier. With UPnP streaming capabilities and compatibility with services like Roon, TIDAL, and Spotify, it offers effortless access to high-resolution music.
$48800.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 488
#7 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
+1017%
Above average
Input Interfaces
322.0
/ AES, Dual AES, SDIF-, S/PDIF, USB
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking the absolute pinnacle of digital transparency and detail
- Collectors valuing heirloom-grade craftsmanship and premium industrial design
- Investors looking for long-term value through modular hardware upgrades
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing value over ultra-luxury status
- Minimalists wanting a simple, standalone plug-and-play audio solution
- Listeners without a fully optimized, high-resolution reference audio chain
Performance breakdown
Conversion Fidelity
The Ring DAC APEX architecture sets the industry standard for sonic transparency.
Jitter Suppression
Advanced clocking architecture ensures timing precision remains virtually flawless.
Streaming Versatility
Seamless integration with Roon and high-res services via the Mosaic platform.
Build Integrity
Aerospace-grade aluminum chassis provides exceptional resonance control and structural rigidity.
Connectivity Depth
Extensive digital input options accommodate virtually any high-end source component.
System Integration
Flexible output stages allow for direct connection to power amplifiers.
Key Specs
Input Interfaces
AES3, Dual AES, SDIF-2, S/PDIF, USB 2.0
Supported Formats
PCM, DSD, MQA
Chassis
Aerospace-grade machined aluminium with tuned acoustic damping panels
Power Supplies
Separate circuits for digital and analogue sections
Warranty
3 Year Warranty
Features
- Next-generation dCS Ring DAC APEX™ hardware for enhanced musical performance
- Latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform for state-of-the-art measured performance
- Flexible output configuration for systems with or without preamplifiers
- Comprehensive clocking architecture with auto-clocking mode to minimize jitter
- Asynchronous USB mode for immunity to computer jitter
- Improved power supplies for lower running temperature and superior tolerance to AC variations
- Full MQA™ decoder for exact rendering beyond 16x (768 kHz)
- Mosaic platform for seamless music browsing and system control via mobile app
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC for its unparalleled audio performance and exquisite build quality. Enthusiasts describe a transformative listening experience, highlighting its exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and ability to render musical detail with astonishing realism. The sophisticated design and robust construction are frequently praised, reinforcing its status as a benchmark product. While a significant investment, users perceive its sonic capabilities and craftsmanship as delivering an ultimate high fidelity experience, solidifying its position at the pinnacle of digital audio reproduction.
Know before you buy
The APEX hardware is a significant redesign of the core Ring DAC architecture. It reduces distortion and improves linearity, resulting in a more transparent, detailed, and natural sound compared to previous versions.
Yes. The unit features high-quality digital volume control and flexible output configurations, allowing you to bypass a traditional preamplifier and connect directly to your power amplifier for a shorter, cleaner signal path.
Yes, it is fully compatible with Roon, TIDAL, and Spotify. It also supports UPnP streaming, allowing you to browse and play your high-resolution music library seamlessly through the dCS Mosaic control app.
The Vivaldi APEX uses a sophisticated, multi-stage clocking system with an auto-clocking mode. This design minimizes jitter—timing errors in the digital signal—which is essential for maintaining precise imaging and a stable soundstage.
Yes, it includes a full MQA decoder. This allows the unit to perform the final 'unfolding' of MQA files, ensuring you hear the exact resolution intended by the studio recording.
The Vivaldi APEX is highly versatile, featuring inputs for USB 2.0, AES3, Dual AES, SDIF-2, and S/PDIF. This allows you to connect a wide range of digital transports, servers, and computers.
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