dCS Vivaldi Apex DAC

The dCS Vivaldi Apex DAC is the digital-to-analogue converter at the heart of the Vivaldi system — dCS's reference-level stack and the culmination of over three decades of digital audio engineering. The Apex upgrade, introduced across the Vivaldi range, represents a fundamental revision to the core conversion architecture rather than an incremental improvement. At £40,500, it is one of the most serious DACs available at any price.

Ring DAC with Apex Architecture

The Vivaldi Apex DAC is built around dCS's proprietary Ring DAC — a conversion topology that dCS have developed and refined in-house since the early 1990s. Rather than using an off-the-shelf DAC chip, the Ring DAC uses an array of single-bit elements operating in parallel, with sophisticated noise-shaping algorithms controlling how digital audio data is mapped to the analogue output. The Apex revision introduces a redesigned analogue output stage with new circuit topology and component selection, addressing the noise floor and distortion characteristics of the previous Vivaldi DAC at a fundamental level. The result is a measurably lower noise floor and improved linearity, particularly at low signal levels where digital conversion is hardest.

Digital Processing and Upsampling

The Vivaldi Apex DAC accepts PCM data up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD128 natively. When used with the dCS Vivaldi Upsampler, incoming data — whether from a network source, a CD transport, or a computer — is upsampled to DXD or DSD before being passed to the DAC. This separates the upsampling workload from the conversion stage, allowing each component to operate in its area of specialisation. The Vivaldi Apex DAC can also accept a master clock signal from the dCS Vivaldi Master Clock, synchronising the entire system to a single, ultra-low-jitter reference.

Inputs and Connectivity

The Vivaldi Apex DAC provides a comprehensive set of digital inputs: AES3, dual AES3, SPDIF on BNC and RCA, and a proprietary dCS interface for connection to other Vivaldi components. Analogue outputs are provided on both XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced connectors. The output stage is transformer-coupled, a design choice dCS have maintained throughout the Vivaldi range for its contribution to noise isolation and output impedance characteristics.

Clocking

The Vivaldi Apex DAC includes dCS's Word Clock input, accepting a 44.1kHz or 48kHz reference from the Vivaldi Master Clock. Locking the DAC to an external master clock eliminates the jitter contribution of the DAC's own internal clock, which becomes audible at the performance level the Vivaldi system operates at. For those building a complete Vivaldi system, the Master Clock is not optional — it is the foundation the rest of the system depends on.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Vivaldi Apex DAC is for the listener who has decided that digital audio at the reference level is the goal, and who wants the best that current engineering can deliver. It is most naturally used as part of a complete Vivaldi system — with the Vivaldi Upsampler, Vivaldi Master Clock, and Vivaldi CD/SACD Transport — but it also performs at the highest level as a standalone DAC in a system of equivalent quality. Those looking for the dCS experience at a lower entry point should consider the dCS Bartók Apex or the dCS Rossini Apex DAC.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. dCS is one of the most technically rigorous companies in digital audio, and the Vivaldi Apex DAC represents the pinnacle of what they make. Dave and Chris can demonstrate the full Vivaldi system at our Norwich showroom and help you understand how each component contributes to the whole.

Contact us at [email protected], call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.