dCS Bartok APEX DAC

dCS built the Bartok APEX DAC as a single-chassis system combining a DAC, music streamer, upsampler, and preamplifier, with an optional Class A headphone amplifier version.

It is dCS's entry point into its high-end ecosystem while using the same patented Ring DAC architecture, now upgraded with Ring DAC APEX hardware for improved dynamics, rhythm, and timing, as the brand's flagship products, hand-assembled and tested at dCS's UK headquarters.

The standard APEX DAC connects to a wide range of amplifiers and speakers; the headphone version adds an integrated Class A headphone amplifier delivering 1.4W rms into 33 ohms.

Either can take the Lina Master Clock if you want to go further; ask us to add one, since it's sold as part of the Lina DAC configurations rather than its own listing.

Specifications

• Converter: dCS Ring DAC, APEX hardware
• Digital inputs: Ethernet, USB 2.0 Type B, USB Type A, two AES/EBU on XLR, dual AES pair, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, TOSLINK
• Analogue outputs: balanced XLR at 3 ohms, unbalanced RCA at 52 ohms, levels 0.2V to 6V rms
• Word clock: two inputs on BNC, 44.1 through 192 kHz
• Residual noise: better than -113 dB at 24 bit, 6V setting
• Crosstalk: better than -115 dB
• MQA: full decoding and rendering from network and USB inputs
• Upsampling: user selectable to DXD, DSD or DSDx2
• Headphone outputs (headphone version): balanced 4 pin XLR and 6.35 mm jack, 1.4W rms into 33 ohms, 0.15W rms into 300 ohms, minimum 33 ohms
• Dimensions: 444 x 430 x 115 mm
• Control: dCS Mosaic app, RS232, optional remote
• Frequency response: not published by dCS