DCS dCS Vivaldi Apex - entire system - DAC - Master clock - Upsampler

dCS Vivaldi Apex system, one previous owner, mint condition, original box and equipment.
Vivaldi Transport still available too.


dCS Vivaldi DAC APEX (price 23.900€)
The dCS Vivaldi DAC APEX represents the latest and most sophisticated evolution of the British manufacturer’s reference digital-to-analog converter. Launched in 2022, the “APEX” suffix denotes a major hardware overhaul of the renowned Ring DAC™ technology, raising the bar for high-end audio reproduction even further.
Unlike a simple software update, the APEX upgrade involved a near-total redesign of the internal electronics (New Output Stage, Power Supply and Layout, Componentry).
Ring DAC™ Technology
The beating heart remains the Ring DAC™, a proprietary dCS technology (not based on commercial off-the-shelf chips like ESS or AKM)
Discrete Architecture: It utilizes a precision resistor matrix controlled by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) software.
Key Technical Specifications:
Digital Inputs: USB 2.0, AES/EBU, Dual AES, S/PDIF (RCA/BNC)
Supported Formats: PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz, DSD128, full MQA™
Analog Outputs: Balanced (XLR, 3Ω) and Unbalanced (RCA, 52Ω)
Output Levels menu-selectable: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, or 6V rms
Clock Management: 3 Word Clock Inputs + 1 Output
Weight: 16.2 kg


dCS Vivaldi Master Clock (price 12.900€)
The dCS Vivaldi Master Clock acts as the "conductor" for the entire Vivaldi system. It ensures that every component (Transport, DAC, and Upsampler) operates in perfect synchrony, virtually eliminating jitter (timing errors within the digital signal).
Classified as a Grade 1 Master Clock, the Vivaldi Clock is not a simple pulse generator, but a masterpiece of micro-engineering:
Dual Crystal Oscillators: It features two independent crystal oscillators—one for frequencies based on 44.1 kHz (CD, SACD) and one for 48 kHz (professional audio/video).
Temperature Correction: Unlike other clocks that heat the crystals (oven-controlled), dCS uses a sophisticated microcontroller-driven system.
Two Output Groups: It features 8 Word Clock outputs on 75Ω BNC connectors, divided into two independent banks of four. This allows different frequencies (e.g., 44.1 and 96 kHz) to be sent to various components simultaneously.
Chassis: Machined from solid aluminum with internal acoustic damping panels.
Weight: 13.6 kg.


dCS Vivaldi Upsampler (price 14.900€)
Itr is the nerve center of the Vivaldi system. It manages everything from network streaming to external digital sources, converting every signal into the optimal format for the Ring DAC.
The Vivaldi Upsampler is a high-performance Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC). Its primary role is to take an incoming digital signal from an external source and upsample it to DXD (24-bit / 352.8 or 384kHz) or DSD (64 or 128). This process allows the downstream DAC to operate under ideal conditions, eliminating much of the digital filtering workload.
Key Features
Streaming and Network: Acts as a universal UPnP endpoint. It is compatible with Roon Ready, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Deezer. It also supports Apple AirPlay integration.
dCS Mosaic App: The dedicated control software. It allows you to manage your music library, adjust Upsampler filters, and perform firmware updates for all connected Vivaldi components.
Isolation and Inputs: Features asynchronous USB inputs (for PC/Mac), network inputs (Ethernet), and classic digital inputs (AES, SPDIF).
Connectivity
Outputs: 2x AES (used as a pair to transmit DXD or encrypted DSD signals to the DAC).
Inputs: Network (RJ45), USB (Type B and A), AES/EBU, 2x RCA SPDIF, 1x BNC SPDIF, 1x Toslink.
Word Clock: Inputs and outputs for synchronization with the Vivaldi Master Clock



We are dealer and distributor in Italy and ship worldwide.
We accept wire transfer on our company bank account or PayPal (adding 6% commissions).
You can find the advice on our website at: www.mondoaudio.it/prodotti/usato/