Vivaldi DAC uses the latest groundbreaking technology from dCS including ‘next generation’ versions of the dCS Ring DAC™, Digital Processing Platform and Clocking System so that, as the hub of a digital audio system, an array of features guarantee amazing performance from any digital source.
The unique design of the legendary dCS Ring DAC™ combines exceptional linearity with very high speed operation enabling it to deliver true 24 bit performance even at low signal levels. The latest generation of our Ring DAC™ incorporates a number of important technical advances that have resulted in it offering enhanced dynamic range, reduced jitter, improved channel separation and greatly improved musical realism.
The powerful digital processing platform of Vivaldi DAC is based around Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips,
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips and a microcontroller system. All of these use code developed and maintained in the UK by dCS. Vivaldi DAC represents true stateof- the-art in digital audio by offering twice the logic capacity of previous generations, emphasised by its unmatched sonic and measured performance.
dCS were pioneers in the use of external clocks in digital audio systems and the redesigned multi-stage Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) system used in Vivaldi DAC sets worldbeating standards for accuracy and control of troublesome jitter from the incoming audio stream.
Vivaldi DAC features standard AES3, Dual AES, SDIF-2 and SPDIF inputs in addition to an asynchronous USB 2.0 interface. The enhanceddigital volume control allows direct connection to a power amplifier so that in the majority of systems there is no need for a separate preamplifier. Maximum output can be set at either two or six volts to suit different amplifier and speaker combinations.
Featuring a completely new interface designed to handle all high resolution musical formats up to DXD (24 bit data at 352.8 and 384kS/s) plus DSD, the optimised DSP filters available to Vivaldi DAC owners will ensure you can extract every last nuance of musical detail and emotion by tuning the system to suit your personal preference.
The dCS ‘soft’ approach to programmable logic makes it extremely easy for users to update Vivaldi DAC software, whether adding new features, installing performance upgrades or adapting to changes in digital formats.
Used as a standalone DAC or as part of a complete Vivaldi digital audio playback system Vivaldi DAC gives a performance of effortless realism each and every time.
Key Features
Utilising the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform which offers stateof-the-art measured performance and unrivalled musical experience.
Designed for maximum flexibility by accepting audio data from a variety of digital sources.
Flexible output configuration can be optimised in systems with and without pre-amplifiers.
Comprehensive clocking architecture plus an auto-clocking mode used in Vivaldi range improves ease of use and
minimises jitter.
USB interface allows easy connection to a computer, accepting PCM data at up to 24/192 and DOP (DSD over PCM). The interface runs in Asynchronous USB mode, which makes the DAC immune to jitter from the typical computer’s noisy clock.
Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and improved tolerance to AC supply variations.
Multi-stage regulation ensures sensitive analogue circuitry is not affected by digital interference.
Features separate power circuits for the digital and analogue sections to further enhance the power supply cleanness.
Aerospace grade machined aluminum chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects
and vibration.
Specifications
Type
Digital-to-Analogue Converter.
Converter Type
dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology.
Analogue Outputs
Output Levels: 2V rms or 6V rms on all outputs for a full-scale input, set in the menu.
Balanced Outputs: 1 stereo pair on 2x 3-pin male XLR connectors (pin 2 = hot, pin 3 = cold). These outputs are electronically balanced and floating, the signal balance ratio at 1kHz is better than 40dB. Output impedance is 3Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (a 10kΩ-100kΩ load is recommended).
Unbalanced Outputs: 1 stereo pair on 2x RCA Phono connectors. Output impedance is 52Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (a 10kΩ-100kΩ load is recommended).
Digital Inputs
USB 2.0 interface on a type B connector. Operates in asynchronous mode, will accept streamed PCM data up to 24 bits at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192kS/s and DOP (DSD over PCM). Can operate in USB Audio Class 1 or Class 2 mode.
4x AES/EBU on 3-pin female XLR connectors. Each will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192kS/s OR 2x Dual AES pairs at 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 & 384kS/s or dCS-encrypted DSD.
3x SPDIF on 2x RCA Phono and 1x BNC connectors. Each will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192kS/s.
1x SPDIF optical on a Toslink connector, will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 & 96kS/s
1x SDIF-2 interface on 2x BNC connectors, will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 & 96kS/s or SDIF-2 DSD (auto-selected). If the unit is not in Master mode, this interface requires a compatible Word Clock input, locked to the data rate.
Word Clock I/O
3x Word Clock inputs on 3x BNC connector, accept standard Word Clock at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz. The data rate can be the same as the clock rate or an exact multiple 0.125x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x) of the clock rate. Sensitive to TTL levels.
Word Clock output on 1x BNC connector. In Master mode, a TTL-compatible 44.1kHz Word Clock is available.
Residual Noise
Better than -113dB0 @ 20Hz-20kHz unweighted (6V Setting).
L-R crosstalk
Better than -115dB0, 20-20kHz.
Spurious Responses
Better than -105dB0 @ 20-20kHz.
Filters
A choice of filter responses give different trade offs between Nyquist image rejection and the phase response
Software Updates
Loaded from CD-R or via USB interface.
Local Control
dCS Premium Remote is supplied as standard.
RS232 (controlled by a third party device).
A dCS-programmed Nevo Q50 is available for the Vivaldi range as an optional extra..
Power Supply
Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 49-62Hz.
Power Consumption
23 Watts typical/30 Watts maximum.
Dimensions
444mm/17.5” x 435mm/17.2” x 151mm/6.0” high.
Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
Color
Silver / Black
Vivaldi Transport is designed to extract revelatory levels of detail from both CD and SACD and is the ultimate machine for silver disc replay. All signal processing in Vivaldi Transport is controlled by electronics designed by dCS. It uses the TEAC Esoteric VRDS Neo™ mechanism which provides a brushless motor with heavy flywheel for stable disc rotation and super rigid construction.
The powerful digital processing platform of Vivaldi Transport is based around Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips and a microcontroller system. All of these use code developed and maintained in-house by dCS. Vivaldi Transport represents true state-of-the-art in digital audio by offering twice the logic capacity of previous generations, delivering unmatched sonic and measured performance.
In order to enhance the cleanness of the power supply and isolate the mechanism from the electronics Vivaldi Transport features a completely new chassis design that has separate power circuits for the digital processing and CD/SACD mechanism sections. This has resulted in near silent operation.
Vivaldi Transport features a Dual AES output that supports dCS-encrypted DSD (1 bit data at the rate of 2.822MS/s) to a dCS DAC from CD or SACD. Vivaldi Transport also offers the option of upsampling CD data to DXD (24 bit data at the rate of 352.8kS/s) and transmitting this data over the same Dual AES interface. SACDs are played in their native DSD format, again using the Dual AES interface. Native CD data is available from 4 PCM outputs (1x AES/EBU and 2x SPDIF, 1x SDIF-2), as is down-sampled SACD data.
Vivaldi Transport is intended to be used with the matching Vivaldi DAC or with any suitable industry standard DAC. The unit may be run either in Master mode or with the DAC as the system clock. Performance will be enhanced further by adding Vivaldi Clock to the system.
The dCS ‘soft’ approach to programmable logic makes it extremely easy for users to update Vivaldi Transport software, whether adding new features, installing performance upgrades or adapting to changes in digital formats.
Used as part of a complete Vivaldi digital audio playback system Vivaldi Transport gives a performance of effortless realism each and every time.
Key Features
Utilising the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform which offers stateof- the-art measured performance and unrivalled musical experience.
Plays Red Book CDs in their native 16/44.1 format AND upsamples the data to either DSD or DXD.
Plays SACDs in their native DSD format AND downsamples the data to CD format.
Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and improved tolerance to AC supply variations.
Multi-stage regulation ensures sensitive analogue circuitry is not affected by digital interference.
Features separate power circuits for the digital processing and CD/SACD mechanism sections to further enhance the power supply cleanness.
Aerospace grade machined aluminum chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects
and vibration.
Specifications
Type
Upsampling CD/SACD Transport.
Mechanism Dual laser CD/SACD mechanism (TEAC VRDS NEO™ VMK3)
Digital Outputs
1x Dual AES interface on 2x 3-pin male XLR connectors, outputs dCS-encrypted DSD data, whether a CD or SACD is playing. A menu setting changes the format to DXD (24/352.
when a CD is playing.
1x AES/EBU on 3-pin male XLR connector, outputs CD format data (16 bits at 44.1kS/s), whether a CD or SACD is playing.
2x SPDIF on 1x RCA Phono and 1x BNC connectors. Each outputs CD format data, whether a CD or SACD is playing.
1x SPDIF optical on a Toslink connector, outputs CD format data, whether a CD or SACD is playing.
1x SDIF-2 interface on 2x BNC connectors, outputs CD format data, whether a CD or SACD is playing..
Clocking
Word Clock output on 1x BNC connector. With the transport in Master mode, a TTL-compatible 44.1kHz
Word Clock derived from the internal crystal oscillator is available on this output. The calibration accuracy when shipped is +/-10ppm, not temperature compensated.
Word Clock input on 1x BNC connector, accepts standard Word Clock at 44.1, 88.2 or 176.4kHz.
Sensitive to TTL levels.
Software Updates
Updates are loaded directly from CD-R.
Local Control
dCS Premium Remote handset is supplied with Vivaldi DAC.
RS232 (controlled by a third party device).
dCS-programmed Nevo Q50 Remote handset is available for the Vivaldi range as an optional extra.
Power Supply
Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 49-62Hz.
Power Consumption
28 Watts typical/40 Watts maximum.
Dimensions
444mm/17.5” x 435mm/17.2” x 196mm/7.8”.
Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
Color
Silver / Black
Vivaldi Master Clock is a powerful yet simple to use Grade 1 master clock based on dCS pioneering developments in studio and home audio. Featuring two banks of clock outputs capable of outputting different frequencies, Vivaldi Master Clock uses the latest groundbreaking technology from dCS.
In a digital audio system samples must be accurate in level and time but jitter, which exists in all digital systems, can result in timing errors in these samples causing the analogue signal to be reconstructed inaccurately. In a dCS system our DACs can act as the system master clock, but listening tests have shown that there is no substitute for a highquality, dedicated master clock.
dCS were pioneers in the use of external clocks in digital audio systems and our clocking technology has been continually refined so that our latest multi-stage Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) system sets world-beating standards for accuracy and control of troublesome jitter from the incoming audio stream.
All dCS Master Clocks are subjected to rigorous in-house testing. The crystal oscillators are pre-aged and selected for long term stability and then individually calibrated over a wide temperature range to ensure consistent optimal performance. Vivaldi Master Clock uses a sophisticated microcontroller system to ensure smooth correction as the temperature changes and this approach gives a more stable result than either oven controlled crystal oscillators or even atomic clocks.
All dCS master clocks are designed to generate industry standard Word Clock on 75 ohm co-axial cable. Other anufacturers’ equipment that has been designed to accept standard Word Clock can be used with our clocks.
Vivaldi Master Clock may be slaved to an external reference (such as an atomic clock or GPS reference) if increased accuracy is desired. Our sophisticated multi-mode Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) significantly reduces jitter from the reference source.
The dCS ‘soft’ approach to programmable logic allows the user to easily update Vivaldi Master Clock software, whether this is to add new features, improve performance or adapt to changes in digital formats.
Used as part of the Vivaldi digital audio playback system Vivaldi Master Clock improves on an already spectacular sound
and takes it into an entirely new domain. With a clock added to a dCS system images snap into sharper focus and the music displays a substantially greater sense of authority and power as well as, most importantly, offering noticably higher resolution of detail.
Key Features
Utilising the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform which offers stateof-the-art measured performance and unrivalled musical experience.
Designed for maximum flexibility as output configuration can be optimised in systems with a variety of digital audio sources.
Dual crystal oscillators with microcontrollerenhanced temperature correction.
New auto-clocking mode used in the Vivaldi range improves ease of use and minimises jitter.
Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and improved tolerance to AC supply variations.
Multi-stage regulation ensures sensitive analogue circuitry is not affected by digital interference.
Aerospace grade machined aluminum chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects
and vibration.
Specifications
Type
Class 1 Master Clock.
Clock Frequencies
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz.
Clock Accuracy
Better than +/-1ppm when shipped.
Typically +/-0.1ppm when shipped and stabilised.
Word Clock outputs
Two groups of 4 independently buffered outputs on 75Ω BNC connectors.
Each group may be set to a different clock frequency.
Reference Input
External Reference Input on 1x 75Ω BNC connector. Accepts either Word Clock or AC coupled signals at 1MHz, 5MHz & 10MHz. Lock range is +/-300ppm.
Start Up Time
Typically 1 minute to rated accuracy.
Software Updates
Loaded from CD-R via reference input.
Local Control
dCS Premium Remote handset is supplied with Vivaldi DAC.
RS232 (controlled by a third party device).
A dCS-programmed Nevo Q50 is available for the Vivaldi range as an optional extra.
Power Supply
Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 49-62Hz.
Power Consumption
10 Watts typical/123 Watts maximum.
Dimensions
444mm/17.5” x 435mm/17.2” x 126mm/5.0”.
Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
Color
Silver / Black
Vivaldi Upsampler is designed to act as the hub of a digital audio system and will transform your listening experience, taking your music collection to levels you have not heard before.
Operating as a digital-to-digital converter Vivaldi Upsampler accesses music from any digital source and converts the audio from its native sample rate to either high resolution DXD (24 bit data at 352.8 or 384 kS/s), DSD (1 bit data at 2.822 or 3.07MS/s) or standard high resolution PCM (24 bit data up to 24/192kS/s). The results gained from Vivaldi Upsampler are extraordinary – a more vibrant, 3-dimensional, transparent and effortless performance.
Vivaldi Upsampler features a wired network connection and can stream high resolution audio files stored on a computer or on network storage via UPnP™. The additional asynchronous USB input on Vivaldi Upsampler also allows direct connection of a PC and supports high resolution audio up to and including 192kS/s and DSD over USB. The USB interfaces run in an Asynchronous USB mode, which makes Vivaldi Upsampler immune to jitter from the typical computer’s noisy clock.
Vivaldi Upsampler is Apple Authenticated and supports playback of iPod/iPhone-stored digital media, bypassing the iPod/iPhone internal DAC to ensure optimal performance. USB memory hardware is also supported.
An array of independently selectable digital inputs (RJ45, USB, AES, SPDIF, SDIF-2, Toslink) completes the versatility
of this powerful machine and elevates the performance of Red Book CD from CD Players or high resolution audio from digital streamers to a previously unsurpassed level.
dCS were pioneers in the use of external clocks in digital audio systems and the redesigned multi-stage Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) system used in Vivaldi Upsampler sets world-beating standards for accuracy and control of troublesome jitter from the incoming audio stream.
The dCS ‘soft’ approach to programmable logic makes it extremely easy for users to update Vivaldi Upsampler software, whether adding new features, installing performance upgrades or adapting to changes in digital formats.
Used as part of a complete Vivaldi digital audio playback system Vivaldi Upsampler gives a performance of effortless realism each and every time.
Key Features
Utilising the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform which offers stateof-the-art measured performance and unrivalled musical experience.
Designed for maximum flexibility as output configuration can be optimised in systems with a variety of digital audio sources.
Dual crystal oscillators with microcontrollerenhanced temperature correction.
New auto-clocking mode used in the Vivaldi range improves ease of use and minimises jitter.
Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and improved tolerance to AC supply variations.
Multi-stage regulation ensures sensitive analogue circuitry is not affected by digital interference.
Aerospace grade machined aluminum chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects
and vibration.
Specifications
Type
Digital-to-Digital Converter.
Converter Type
dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology.
Digital Inputs
Network interface on an RJ45 connector – Acts as UPnP™ renderer and streams digital music from a NAS or local computer over a standard Ethernet network, decoding all major lossless formats including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, WMA up to 24 bit 192kS/s native sample rate. Other supported file formats include ALAC, MP3, M4a, AAC and OGG. Some formats are limited to lower sample rates.
USB 2.0 interface on a type B connector. Operates in Asynchronous USB mode, Audio Class 1 or Class 2. Class 2 mode will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s and DSD in DOP format.
USB-on-the-go interface on A-type connector, streams audio files from a USB flash drive or iPod/iPhone. Will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s and DSD in DOP format. Operates in asynchronous USB mode.
AES3 on a 3-pin female XLR connector.
4x SPDIF on 2x RCA Phono, 1x BNC connectors and 1x TosLink optical connector.
1x SDIF-2 PCM interface on 2x BNC connectors + Word Clock
All electrical digital inputs will accept PCM data at up to 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s. The Toslink input and SDIF-2 interface are limited to a maximum of 96kS/s.
Digital Outputs
2x AES3 on 3-pin female XLR connectors. Each outputs 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kS/s, OR as a Dual AES pair at 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 or 384kS/s or dCS-encrypted DSD.
2x SPDIF on RCA Phono and BNC connectors. Each outputs 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s.
Conversions
Data from any input may be converted to 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 or 384kS/s or DSD (1 bit data at 2.822MS/s). The output sample rate must be equal to or greater than the input sample rate.
Word Clock I/O
Word Clock input on 2x BNC connector. Accepts standard Word Clock at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz. Sensitive to TTL levels.
Word Clock output on 1x BNC connector. Outputs standard Word Clock at a frequency equal to the (single wire) output data rate, or 44.1kHz when set to output DSD.
Spurious Responses
Better than -100dB0 @ 20Hz-20kHz for Fs> 32kS/s, 20Hz-14kHz for 32kS/s.
Filters
A choice of filter responses give different trade offs between Nyquist image rejection and the phase response.
Software Updates
Loaded from CD-R via PCM audio input or via USB.
Local Control
dCS Premium Remote handset is supplied with Vivaldi DAC.
RS232 (controlled by a third party device).
dCS-programmed Nevo Q50 or the Premium Remote are available as an optional extra.
Vivaldi Controller App available for iOS, Android, Mac OSX & Windows.
Power Supply
Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 49-62Hz.
Power Consumption
15 Watts typical/18 Watts maximum.
Dimensions
444mm/17.5” x 435mm/17.2” x 125mm/5.0”.
Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
Weight
14.2 kg/31.3lbs.
Color
Silver / Black
