dCS 新旗艦：dCS Vivaldi

[Leo Yeh]

dCS Vivaldi DAC







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 enhanced digital 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

[Leo Yeh]

dCS Vivaldi upsampler





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

[Leo Yeh]

dCS Vivaldi clock





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

[Eton]

讀完 Vivaldi 規格書後, 對 dCS Scarlatti 系列用家, 幾個有意義的重點：

1. IEEE1394 (firewire) 界面消失了!
顯然沒被 dCS 認定為新世代機種, 傳輸高解析數位規格的界面, 取而代之的是 Dual AES (雙平衡頭), 簡單講, 就是從轉盤唱 SACD 一路到 DAC 就是要用兩條數位平衡線。
DSD: 1bit 2.822/3.07Mbps, Vivaldi Transport 讀取 SACD 的獨家加密數位信號, Transport 直入 DAC 不經過 Upsampler
或
DXD: 24bit 352.8K/384K可以是 Vivaldi Transport 讀 CD 16/44.1 被 Vivaldi Upsampler 昇頻過後的 24/252.8 數位信號 或 透過網路讀取 24/96, 24/192 以上的 24/252.8, 24/384K數位音樂檔

2. Clock 可同時輸出兩個頻率 44.1KHz 與 48KHz 或兩倍頻 88.2 與 96, 或四倍頻 176.4 與 192, 顯然為了自家轉盤以外的網路高解析數位音樂播放如 24/192 以上格式做準備, 操控性與 Clock 的頻率在 Scarlatti 系列就是尚未準備好, 因此極限在 24/96, 所以 Scarlatti Clock 2012/8/1 出貨的機器在硬體規格上也不同了, Scarlatti Upsampler, DAC 也得軟體升級才到 24/192! Scarlatti 系列用家不要太傷心, 您用 SACD / CD 為主的訊源, dCS 還給您一條升級的路, 而且還是在頂峰上的!

3. dCS Ring DAC 是 dCS 從數位化錄音室高階設備走入家用 High End 二十幾年來一直延用的線路設計理念, 他的運算能力極限應該在 DSD (SACD 規格), 這次的改款 Ring DAC 理念不變, 純然是硬體運算速度要跟上 DXD, 那就要看, 未來的數位音樂媒體的主流是什麼? 相信不是比 SACD 更高規格的 DXD 唱片, 而是來自網路, 網路購買檔案或雲端串流的兩種型式, 試算一下, 一小時 24/384 的無壓縮音樂有多大的檔案? (60分鐘 X 60 秒 X 24 bit X 384000 clock rate X 2 channel) / (1024 X 1024 X 1024) = 38.899Gbyte , 無損失壓縮檔 Flac 約可減半那就是19.45Gbyte, 以現今的網路速度還有您硬碟空間, 我會說 dCS Vivaldi 非常有前瞻性!!

[bluesky]

謝謝 Eton:

分析非常中肯透徹。

只是這樣的升級 就一定完全不能在原有的框架(Scarlatti)下進行嗎？
1394消失、新版的Ring Dac......
一定要換個造型，換個售價嗎？

從Paganini、Scarlatti、到Vivaldi，外觀完全不同，
難道 外匡、材質、用料，都沒有know-how的累積嗎？
伴隨著又增加的售價，不免讓人.....

當年dCS 有許許多多的第一，
只是身為dCS的用家，
真的希望這是 dCS 往前邁入另一個20年的開始。

[chsiang]

High End音響應該要有比其他等級的器材更能保值的方式

真的技術累積到一定程度而推出新產品是天經地義的

但是對於舊產品的支援還是要有, 不然同樣是售價可觀的舊旗艦

若是因此而失了升級之路, 那產品的價值就會出現問題,

當然沒有聽到新的dCS之前, 無法斷言這樣的新產品的進步幅度,

不過確實有可能造成既有用家的一些疑慮......

[將軍]

謝謝 Eton:

分析非常中肯透徹。

只是這樣的升級 就一定完全不能在原有的框架(Scarlatti)下進行嗎？
1394消失、新版的Ring Dac......
一定要換個造型，換個售價嗎？

從Paganini、Scarlatti、到Vivaldi，外觀完全不同，
難道 外匡、材質、用料，都沒有know-how的累積嗎？
伴隨著又增加的售價，不免讓人.....

當年dCS 有許許多多的第一，
只是身為dCS的用家，
真的希望這是 dCS 往前邁入另一個20年的開始。

個人非常認同你的想法!!
產品不能一成不變;
但也不能一直在變!!

[drkao]

謝謝 Eton:

分析非常中肯透徹。

只是這樣的升級 就一定完全不能在原有的框架(Scarlatti)下進行嗎？
1394消失、新版的Ring Dac......
一定要換個造型，換個售價嗎？

從Paganini、Scarlatti、到Vivaldi，外觀完全不同，
難道 外匡、材質、用料，都沒有know-how的累積嗎？
伴隨著又增加的售價，不免讓人.....

當年dCS 有許許多多的第一，
只是身為dCS的用家，
真的希望這是 dCS 往前邁入另一個20年的開始。

大家聽了這麼多年的 1 BIT
有機會建議大家回來聽聽 "多BIT"
現在我只覺得MSB很好聽, 音樂非常順耳
常常一張接一張

[hidoson]

還沒有聽過，但單純以外型來說，我個人喜好puccini那神來一筆的弧線。
不過新旗艦的線路板是白色的，記得以前技嘉的藍色主機板與微星的紅色主機板，還真算是另類的內在美~！

[nickhsu]

個人非常認同你的想法!!
產品不能一成不變;
但也不能一直在變!!

將軍大講到重點了!
產品一定有生命週期,但週期太短就會讓用家誤以為之前的產品是否未臻成熟,急於推出搶市?!