dCS Vivaldi CD/SACD Transport MKII
Best ultimate performance for discerning audiophiles seeking sonic perfection.
Engineered for the ultimate listening experience, the Vivaldi APEX series reflects dCS uncompromising attitude, relentless innovation, and obsessive attention to detail. Presenting the Vivaldi CD/SACD Transport II. The Mark II Transport ensures Vivaldi listeners experience the finest sound from their silver discs. It combines proven dCS Technologies and a dual wavelength laser mechanism in a meticulously crafted aluminum chassis. Utilizes the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform for state-of-the-art measured performance and unrivalled musical experience. Plays Red Book CDs in their native 16/44.1 format and simultaneously upsamples the data to either DSD, DSDx2 or DXD. Plays SACDs in their native DSD format and simultaneously downsamples the data to 16/44.1 format. Configuration Menu provides option to save / restore settings while EasyPlay feature improves ease of use. Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and superior tolerance to AC supply variations. Multi-stage power regulation ensures sensitive clock / PLL circuitry is unaffected by digital interference. Aerospace-grade machined aluminum chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects and vibration.
$38300.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 415
#2 in CD Players & Recorders
Price vs Category Average
+731%
Above average
Type
Upsampling CD/SACD Transport
/ Upsampling CD/SACD Transport
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking the ultimate digital signal source from physical media.
- Discerning listeners valuing heirloom-quality audio components and lasting value.
- Existing dCS Vivaldi owners and those building a top-tier modular audio system.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious audiophiles and those seeking high-value audio solutions.
- Newcomers to high-end audio and those preferring integrated, all-in-one components.
- Stream-first listeners and those prioritizing convenience over physical media collections.
Performance breakdown
Digital Processing Precision
Advanced upsampling algorithms extract maximum detail from every silver disc.
Build Integrity
Aerospace-grade aluminum chassis effectively eliminates vibration and magnetic interference.
Power Supply Stability
Multi-stage regulation ensures clock circuitry remains isolated from digital noise.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive output options integrate seamlessly into any high-end reference system.
Operational Ease
EasyPlay and intuitive configuration menus simplify complex high-fidelity playback.
Clocking Accuracy
Professional-grade word clock I/O provides exceptional synchronization for jitter-free audio.
Key Specs
Type
Upsampling CD/SACD Transport
Finish
Silver or Black
Mechanism
Sound United D&M SACD mechanism
Dimensions
444mm/17.5” long x 435mm/17.2” deep x 178mm/7.0” high. Allow extra depth for cable connectors. Allow space for air flow around the unit
Weight
23.0kg/50.7lbs
Digital Outputs
1 x Dual AES Pair on 2 x 3-pin male XLR connectors (AES1+2). While an SACD is playing, the interface outputs encrypted DSD data. While a CD is playing, the Settings > Upsample Mode menu page sets the interface to output either encrypted DSD data (1 bit at 2.822MS/s) or DXD data (24 bits at 352.8kS/s) or DSDx2 data (1 bit at 5.644MS/s); 1 x AES interface on 3-pin male XLR connector (AES3). Outputs 16/44.1 data, whether a CD or SACD is playing. 2 x SPDIF interface on 1 x RCA Phono and 1 x BNC connectors. Each outputs 16/44.1 data, whether a CD or SACD is playing
Wordclock I/O
1 x Word Clock Input on BNC connector, accepts standard Word Clock at 44.1, 88.2 or 176.4kHz. Sensitive to TTL levels. Lock range is +/-300ppm. 1 x Word Clock Output on 1x BNC connector. With the Transport in Master mode, a TTL-compatible Word Clock is output
Clock Accuracy
The calibration accuracy when shipped is +/-10ppm, (not temperature compensated)
Features
- Latest dCS Digital Processing Platform
- Upsamples CD data to DSD, DSDx2, or DXD
- Downsamples SACD data to 16/44.1
- Improved power supplies for stability
- Aerospace-grade aluminum chassis
- Tuned acoustic damping panels
- EasyPlay feature for ease of use
- Configuration Menu for settings
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the dCS Vivaldi CD/SACD Transport MKII for its truly exceptional sound reproduction, often describing it as transformative and revealing new layers in familiar recordings. The build quality and sophisticated design also receive high acclaim, reflecting its premium status. Users appreciate the meticulous engineering and robust construction, which contribute to a sense of enduring luxury and reliability. This transport is seen as a pinnacle of digital audio playback, delivering an immersive and emotionally engaging listening experience that justifies its significant investment for serious audiophiles.
Know before you buy
No, this unit is a dedicated transport. It is designed to extract digital data from your discs and transmit it to an external DAC, such as the dCS Vivaldi DAC, for conversion.
Yes. The Vivaldi MKII allows you to upsample standard CD data to DSD, DSDx2, or DXD formats before sending the signal to your DAC, providing greater flexibility in how you experience your music.
The transport plays SACDs in their native DSD format. It also offers the capability to downsample SACD data to 16/44.1 format, allowing you to output the signal through standard digital connections if needed.
The unit features a comprehensive set of outputs, including a Dual AES pair for high-resolution data, a standard AES/EBU output, and both RCA and BNC SPDIF connectors to ensure compatibility with a wide range of high-end DACs.
Yes, the Vivaldi MKII includes a Word Clock input on a BNC connector, allowing it to lock to an external master clock for improved timing accuracy and reduced jitter in your system.
Software updates for the transport are straightforward and are loaded directly from a CD-R, ensuring your unit stays current with the latest dCS processing improvements.
The Vivaldi MKII weighs over 50 pounds and features an aerospace-grade aluminum chassis with acoustic damping. Ensure your equipment rack is sturdy enough to support the weight and that you leave sufficient space around the unit for proper airflow.
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$38300