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Bartók Apex DAC
Bartók Apex DAC
Der dCS Bartók APEX DAC bietet modernste Digitaltechnik, Ring DAC™-Technologie und exzellente Streaming-Funktionen für kompromisslosen Klang und höchste Flexibilität in jedem High-End-Audiosystem.
dCS Bartók APEX DAC
A no-compromise upsampling network DAC for the highest demands
The dCS Bartók APEX DAC is a no-compromise high-end digital converter for music lovers who demand absolute purity, precision, and future-proof technology. In its APEX version, dCS brings its most advanced developments from the Vivaldi and Rossini reference ranges into an elegant, timeless component — designed and hand-built in England for the highest standards of sound, usability, and longevity.
Key Features & Technologies
- Latest dCS Digital Processing Platform for maximum signal purity and flexibility
- Legendary dCS Ring DAC™ topology as used in the dCS Vivaldi system, further optimized in the APEX version
- High-end streaming: TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer and internet radio via dCS Mosaic Control app
- Roon Ready, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, UPnP compatible
- Digital inputs: USB, AES, Dual AES, S/PDIF
- Accepts encrypted SACD data from dCS transports via Dual AES
- Multi-stage DXD upsampling, optional DSD upsampling, user-selectable PCM and DSD filters
- Auto Clocking system for effortless operation and minimal jitter
- Firmware upgradable for future features and performance enhancements
Sound & musicality at the highest level
Bartók APEX DAC combines dynamic power, microscopic resolution and natural musicality. The new APEX analogue output stage further reduces distortion, improves linearity and delivers greater refinement, vitality and control. Every musical nuance — from explosive swings to the finest textures — is reproduced with ease and precision.
Timbre, timing and spatial imaging shine both in pure DAC use and as the digital hub of a reference hi-fi system.
Hand-built in England — made to last
Each unit is meticulously hand-assembled in Cambridgeshire, UK, where rigorous engineering and attention to detail are part of dCS’ DNA. A modular architecture and robust chassis ensure longevity, reliability and uncompromising performance — even after years of intensive use.
Intuitive control & flexible use
With the dCS Mosaic app you can control streaming services, sources and system settings intuitively from any iOS or Android device. The software architecture enables regular updates and continuous feature expansion.
With support for virtually all file formats, lossless codecs and DSD (native & DoP), Bartók APEX DAC offers maximum flexibility — and a reference-level sound for many years to come.
Technical Specifications
| Type | Upsampling Network DAC |
| Colour | Silver or Black |
| Dimensions | 444 mm / 17.5" × 430 mm / 17.0" × 115 mm / 4.6" Allow extra depth for cable connectors |
| Weight | 16 kg / 35.3 lbs |
| Converter Type | dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology |
| Digital Inputs | Ethernet network port (RJ45), up to 24-bit 44.1–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DFF/DSF format USB 2.0 type B, up to 24-bit 44.1–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format USB On-The-Go type A, up to 24-bit 44.1–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DFF/DSF format 2 × AES/EBU (3-pin XLR), up to 24-bit 44.1–192kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format Dual AES pair, up to 24-bit 88.2–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format SPDIF on RCA, BNC or Toslink, up to 24-bit 44.1–192kHz PCM, DSD/64 in DoP format |
| Analogue Outputs | 1 × pair balanced (XLR): 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms, menu selectable 1 × pair unbalanced (RCA): 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms, menu selectable Output impedance: 30Ω (XLR), 52Ω (RCA). Maximum load: 600Ω (XLR), 600Ω (RCA); 10k–100kΩ recommended. |
| Wordclock I/O | 2 × Word Clock inputs (BNC), accepts standard Word Clock at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz. 1 × Word Clock output (BNC, TTL-compatible). |
| MQA | Full decoding and rendering of MQA data from the network and USB2 inputs. |
| Residual Noise | 24-bit data: Better than –113dB, 20Hz–20kHz unweighted (6V output setting) |
| L/R Crosstalk | Better than –115dB, 20Hz–20kHz |
| Spurious Responses | Better than –105dB, 20Hz–20kHz |
| Filters | PCM mode: Up to 6 filters, from sharp to slow, trade-offs between Nyquist image rejection and phase response. DSD mode: 4 filters, progressively reduce out-of-audio-band noise, plus Filter 5 (improved transient response) |
| Conversions | User selectable PCM upsampling to DXD, DSD or DSDx2 |
| Software Updates | Download and update functionality available via dCS Mosaic Control app |
| Local Control | dCS Mosaic Control app; RS232 interface (3rd party control); dCS Universal Remote available as an option |
| Power Supply | Factory set for 100, 115/120, 220 or 230/240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 25 Watts typical / 50 Watts maximum |
Technical Specifications – dCS Bartók APEX DAC
| Type | Upsampling Network DAC |
| Colour | Silver or Black |
| Dimensions | 444mm / 17.5" × 430mm / 17.0" × 115mm / 4.6" Allow extra depth for cable connectors |
| Weight | 16kg / 35.3lbs |
| Converter Type | dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology |
| Digital Inputs | Ethernet network port (RJ45), up to 24-bit 44.1–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DFF/DSF format USB 2.0 type B, up to 24-bit 44.1–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format USB On-The-Go type A, up to 24-bit 44.1–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DFF/DSF format 2 × AES/EBU (3-pin XLR), up to 24-bit 44.1–192kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format Dual AES pair, up to 24-bit 88.2–384kHz PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format SPDIF on RCA, BNC or Toslink, up to 24-bit 44.1–192kHz PCM, DSD/64 in DoP format |
| Analogue Outputs | 1 × pair balanced (XLR): 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms, menu selectable 1 × pair unbalanced (RCA): 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms, menu selectable Output impedance: 30Ω (XLR), 52Ω (RCA). Maximum load: 600Ω (XLR), 600Ω (RCA); 10k–100kΩ recommended. |
| Wordclock I/O | 2 × Word Clock inputs (BNC), accepts standard Word Clock at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz. 1 × Word Clock output (BNC, TTL-compatible). |
| MQA | Full decoding and rendering of MQA data from the network and USB2 inputs. |
| Residual Noise | 24-bit data: Better than –113dB, 20Hz–20kHz unweighted (6V output setting) |
| L/R Crosstalk | Better than –115dB, 20Hz–20kHz |
| Spurious Responses | Better than –105dB, 20Hz–20kHz |
| Filters | PCM mode: Up to 6 filters, from sharp to slow, trade-offs between Nyquist image rejection and phase response. DSD mode: 4 filters, progressively reduce out-of-audio-band noise, plus Filter 5 (improved transient response) |
| Conversions | User selectable PCM upsampling to DXD, DSD or DSDx2 |
| Software Updates | Download and update functionality available via dCS Mosaic Control app |
| Local Control | dCS Mosaic Control app; RS232 interface (3rd party control); dCS Universal Remote available as an option |
| Power Supply | Factory set for 100, 115/120, 220 or 230/240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 25 Watts typical / 50 Watts maximum |
Der dCS Bartók APEX DAC bietet modernste Digitaltechnik, Ring DAC™-Technologie und exzellente Streaming-Funktionen für kompromisslosen Klang und höchste Flexibilität in jedem High-End-Audiosystem.