ЦАПы — dCS MCD 16

The MCD 16 is a 16-channel digital-to-analogue converter from dCS, the Cambridge company founded in 1987, and the first dedicated multichannel converter in its history. It is a converter only, not an AV processor, and is aimed at multichannel music and film systems. The first public demonstration took place in Vienna at High End 2026, held from 4 to 7 June 2026, production is scheduled to start in autumn 2026, and dCS has said that pricing and the complete technical specification will be published closer to availability.

Key specs that matter

Sixteen output channels are served by eight individual Ring DAC circuits, the discrete converter topology that dCS uses in every product, including its stereo DACs. Each channel has its own discrete Class A output stage, and the output level can be switched between 2 V and 6 V. The analogue outputs are on XLR connectors. Digital audio arrives as AES3, either through a single DB25 connector that carries all 16 channels or through eight XLR AES inputs reached with a breakout cable. For control the converter offers IP control, a web browser page for all system settings, an RS232 port and 12 V trigger inputs and outputs.

Engineering and use context

dCS describes the product as an extension of its existing principles rather than a departure from them - the same discrete Ring DAC design found in its two-channel products, applied across sixteen independent channels. The stated design goal is to keep timing integrity and resolution consistent across all channels at the same moment, in line with the company's wider aim of accuracy and precision in conversion. The maker also points to lower harmonic distortion across the whole dynamic range as a reason for choosing the Ring DAC. According to dCS, the per-channel Class A stage with its two output levels is there so that the signal leaves the MCD 16 on its own terms, whatever amplifier or cable follows it.

Pairing

dCS names the Trinnov Altitude CI as a processor the MCD 16 is designed to work with, and states that any processor with multichannel AES digital outputs can feed it. The Lyngdorf MP-60 is compatible once fitted with its optional AES output card, and dCS lists the Lyngdorf SDA-2400 and MXA-8400 multichannel amplifiers as compatible on the output side.

Alternatives

The dCS Vivaldi Apex DAC is the brand's two-channel Ring DAC converter with balanced and single-ended outputs switchable from 0.2 V to 6 V.