ЦАПы — dCS Varèse

The Varèse is a modular digital music system from dCS of Cambridgeshire, England, in which conversion is handled by a pair of Mono DACs fed from a separate Core processor. The full system comprises two Mono DACs, a Varèse Master Clock, the Core and a User Interface with remote control, and a CD/SACD transport and a digital input/output module can be added. Units are made in limited quantities, and shipping began in late 2024, with the transport planned for 2025.

Key specs that matter

Each Mono DAC carries a Differential Ring DAC. Analogue outputs come on both XLR and RCA sockets, and the level for a full-scale input can be set in the menu to 0.2 V, 0.6 V, 2 V or 6 V rms. The system accepts PCM from 44.1 to 384 kS/s at up to 24 bits and DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512 in native and DoP form, with FLAC, WAV and AIFF files. A Mono DAC measures 444 mm wide, 131 mm high and 437 mm deep and weighs 18.7 kg, while the Core is 244 mm high at the same width and weighs 33.1 kg. The User Interface unit stands 131 mm high, runs 450 mm deep and weighs 14.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

The work is split between boxes. The Core performs nearly all digital signal processing, including filtering and oversampling, handles network streaming and noise shaping, and accepts inputs such as Ethernet and USB-A, so the Mono DACs are left to do only the digital to analogue step. All components link through ACTUS, a bespoke dCS interface that carries audio, control and timing signals between units over a single cable type. Clocking uses Tomix, a patented new timing technology from the company. The Core was also designed with room for further expansion modules. In the US the Core system, including network port, USB-A input, User Interface, remote and an ACTUS cable, was listed at USD 111,000, and the pair of Mono DACs with their cables at USD 105,000.

Pairing

The Master Clock adds USD 38,000, the I/O module USD 13,500 and the CD/SACD transport USD 37,500, and a complete setup with clock and I/O module but without a transport came to USD 267,500. With the highest output setting, each Mono DAC may connect straight to a power amp, or to a line stage at one of the lower settings.

Alternatives

Within the dCS range the Vivaldi APEX DAC offers a single-chassis converter with a Ring DAC running at 3 or 6 MHz, housed in a 444 x 151 x 435 mm case weighing 16.2 kg.