Clearaudio Master Innovation - pictures

Bottom platter bearing, to the left the motor control optical speed sensor.

Upper platter magnetic bearing

Price is €18000 + Universal arm €3900.

The sound with Universal tonearm and Lyra Atlas is excellent, relaxed, organic and very analog.

Stahl-Tek Opus Prime dac

$40000

The new top model.
For the bright blue light one can use LightDims.

Chocolate/Cake Turntable

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Biwired balanced interconnects

To get much better performance from interconnect cables is to biwire them, both cables must be balanced.

Two pair of balanced cables are connected together into 1 pair in the same xlr plug at both ends in a special configuration.

This configuration cancels out the cables weaknesses and enhance the best in them.

Before the biwiring, it was like that I have listened with many thick curtains in front of me all the time.
The sound don't get a little better, but much better.

This cable configuration design comes from Germany, and are only known by a exclusive small group of people.

This technology will be patented, so I can't tell you the name of the company and how the configuration is done.

CH Precision C1 Usb with native DSD

Native playback of DSD format has become possible with firmware update 2.5.

Dalby Audio Design D7-1000i Ultimate interconnect

€5800 1,5m

Light Harmonic Da Vinci DAC

$20,000

I heard it at HighEnd 2012, and the sound was very good.

Specifications

Finish Options

Standard
Black

Upgrade
Silver
Titanium
Rose Gold

Dimensions
18.5" (L) x 18.5"(W) X 7.87" (H)

Weight
61 lbs/28.0 kg

Converter Type
Bit-perfect R2R architecture with patent pending 3-layer buffer.

Analog Outputs
Output Levels: 2.0V rms unbalanced / 4.0V rms balanced.

Balanced Outputs
1 stereo pair on 3-pin male XLR connector.

Unbalanced Outputs
1 stereo pair on RCA Phono connector.

Digital Inputs
1x Asynchronous USB 2.0 interface on standard USB-B connectors. Will accept up to 32 bit PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384K S/s

1x Asynchronous AES/EBU on 3-pin female XLR connectors. Will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192K S/s.

1x Asynchronous SPDIF on one RCA Phono connectors. Will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192K S/s

Clock Frequencies
3X Clock architecture without PLL. TCXO with -166 dBc/Hz @ 10MHz. 45.1584MHz for 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 352.8K Mode. 49.152MHz for 48, 96,192,384K Mode. 13M Hz for USB interface.

THD
Better than 0.01%

LSB Auto-Correction
Always enabled

Residual Noise
Better than –108dB @ 20Hz - 20kHz @ -0dBFS

Filters
Digital Filters: None.
User selectable Analog Filter: -3dB @ 100KHz.

Power Supply
Factory set for 115~120 , 220~230 V AC, 49 – 62Hz.

Power Consumption
2 Watts in Standby mode/ 58 Watts operational maximum.

Raysonic Reference CD9 Tube CD-Player

Raysonic REFCD9 uses Phillips CD-Pro2 transport mechanism, establishes another benchmark in triode vacuum-tube CD-Player performance by combining a true balanced and single-ended tube output stage with tube rectified current sources in the power supply.

Based on a zero-feedback,pure tube circuit design, the REFCD9 reveals the manifold layers of music with utmost transparency while projecting a deep and highly focused 3D soundstage. Its bass is extended and powerful, its midrange pure, liquid and permeated with natural warmth, while the top is extraordinarily clean and finely detailed. REFCD9 CD-Player offers an uncompromising quality level in every aspect.

Ayon Eris Linestage

€6000

Eris

Kharma Exquisite Classique speakers with FM Acoustics and dCS

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Viard Audio Design Platinum HD

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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

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

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

dCS Vivaldi Transport

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 (24/352.8) 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

dCS Vivaldi Technical Overview

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 MS/s) or standard high resolution PCM (24 bit data up to 192 kS/s).

Network connectivity to stream high resolution audio files stored on a computer or on network storage via UPnP™. Asynchronous USB input also allows direct connection of a PC, supporting high resolution audio up to and including 192kS/s and DSD over USB.

Apple™ authenticated and supports playback of iPod/iPhone  stored digital  media, bypassing the internal DAC to ensure optimal performance.

An array of independently selectable digital inputs and filter options elevates the performance of Red Book CD from CD Players or high resolution audio from digital streamers and servers to a previously unsurpassed level.

Vivaldi DAC
Features standard digital inputs in addition to an asynchronous USB 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 the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform designed to handle all high resolution musical form ats up to DXD (24 bit data at 352.8 and 384kS/s) plus DSD, The optimised DSP filters available will ensure you can extract every last nuance of musical detail and feeling while tuning the system to suit your personal preference.

Utilises the latest generation of our state of the art dCS Ring DAC™ that delivers enhanced dynamic range, reduced jitter, improved channel separation and greatly improved musical realism.

Vivaldi Master Clock
A powerful yet simple to use Grade 1 master clock. Featuring two banks  of clock outputs capable of outputting different frequencies, the new auto clocking mode in Vivaldi improves ease of use and minimizes jitter.

Used as part of the Vivaldi digital audio playback system it improves on an already spectacular sound and takes it into an entirely new domain. Images snap into sharper focus and the music displays a substantially greater sense of authority and power as well as, most importantly, offering noticeably higher resolution of detail.

Vivaldi Transport
Extracts revelatory levels of detail from both CD and SACD. All signal processing is controlled by electronics designed by dCS and it uses the TEAC Esoteric VRDS Neo™ mechanism which provides a brushless motor with heavy flywheel for stable disc rotation and super rigid construction.

Features a Dual AES output that supports dCS-encrypted DSD to a dCS DAC from CD or SACD. Also offers the option of upsampling CD data to DXD.

Digital Processing Platform
The dCS Vivaldi range features a number of exciting  new technology developments from dCS with one of the biggest being a complete redesign of our powerful digital processing platform. This platform is based around Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips and a microcontroller system. All of these run code developed and maintained by dCS.

The two FPGAs used in previous generation of processing platform have been replaced in Vivaldi by a single device with more than twice their capacity combined. The FPGA  features 100,000 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), higher operating speed,  and a more flexible infrastructure. We have taken advantage of the hugely increased capacity of this FPGA to stream-line inter processor communications, greatly increasing the maximum processing capacity of the system.

Other major enhancements are increased flash memory size, FPGA RAM,  and additional parallel interfaces to the DSPs, all of which improve the capacity, flexibility, speed of data transfer and performance of the platform.

Our  PCM interface and Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuitry are essentially discrete, and this means our hardware is completely controlled and reconfigurable by software. The latest version of our Digital Processing  Platform  features an enhanced PLL system where  we have greatly improved the linearity of the Phase detector circuit, allowing us to put more gain around the PLL for further improved jitter performance.

We have also taken the opportunity to enhance and improve our clock distribution system to provide greater flexibility and integrity in complex-clocked systems.

The overall result of these enhancements is much cleaner and consistent clocking, streamlined inter-platform connectivity, and much lower jitter.


dCS Ring DAC™
The legendary dCS Ring DAC™  combines exceptional linearity with very high speed operation. It is designed like no other DAC and has been instrumental in  our pioneering efforts to develop high resolution audio at very high sample rates. The new Ring DAC™ used in Vivaldi has been completely redesigned to take advantage of new technologies.

The excellent channel separation delivered by previous versions was due  in part  to the balanced architecture and the “Dual Mono” design of the board. The new  Ring DAC design takes this approach even further.

Enhanced Ring DAC Core
All previous generations of the Ring DAC core consisted of high-speed quad latches and metal-film resistors. The new Ring DAC uses individual latch chips to  eliminate  on-chip crosstalk between latches and improve jitter.  Additionally, the total number of latches has increased to  make better use of the available Ring DAC dynamic range.

Twin Reference Generators
The ultra-low impedance, low-noise reference generator has been replaced by a separate lower noise generator for each channel, reducing co-channel interaction at this super-critical point in the chain.

Analogue Circuitry
Further improvements to the analogue circuitry include redesigned gain switching for better consistency between 2v and 6V settings and higher precision servo circuitry to reduce DC offsets even further.  Analogue stages and circuit board layout have been optimized for yet lower noise and further improved crosstalk.

Performance Enhancements
The Ring DAC mapping ROMs have been replaced by a pair of high-speed FPGAs. These are programmed from flash memory each time the DAC powers up, so that performance improvements or new Ring DAC operating modes can be added by a software update.

dCS Vivaldi dac - inside

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dCS Vivaldi Series

From the top - Transport, Dac, Upsampler and Master Clock.

Total price - $110,000

Vivaldi is designed to play music from any source and processes all high resolution PCM music formats up to DXD (24 bit data at 352.8 and 384kS/s), plus DSD. The optimised DSP filters and clocking architecture ensure listeners can extract every last nuance of musical detail and feeling while tuning the system to suit their personal preference.

Vivaldi DAC utilises the next generation of the state-of-the-art dCS Ring DAC™ which combines exceptional linearity with very high speed operation, enabling it to deliver true 24 bit performance even at low signal levels. The new dCS Ring DAC™ used in Vivaldi represents the most significant reworking of the design in its 20+ year history, and it incorporates a number of important technical advances that have resulted in enhanced dynamic range, reduced jitter, improved channel separation, and greatly improved musical realism.

Vivaldi Upsampler can access music from any digital source (PCM digital inputs, USB, UPnP network streaming, iPod™/iPhone™), converting the audio from its native sample rate to either high resolution DXD, DSD or standard high resolution PCM. The array of independently selectable digital inputs and filter options in Vivaldi elevates the performance of Red Book CD from CD Players or high resolution audio from digital streamers and servers to a previously unsurpassed level.

Vivaldi CD/SACD Transport has been designed to extract revelatory levels of detail from both CD and SACD. It features a Dual-AES output that supports DSD or DXD and a completely new chassis design that provides separate power supplies for digital processing and CD/SACD mechanism circuits as well as near-silent operation.

Vivaldi Master Clock features two banks of clock outputs capable of outputting different frequencies simultaneously, thereby improving ease of use while minimising jitter. Used as part of the Vivaldi digital audio playback system it improves on an already spectacular sound and takes it into an entirely new domain. Images snap into sharper focus, the music displays a substantially greater sense of authority and power, and most importantly offers noticeably higher resolution of fine detail.

Audio Research Reference DAC - pictures

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Aura Fidelity Lotus Grande Tower integrated amplifier

Grande Tower is the first product in the new Lotus series.

Output power 8/4 ohm - 300/360 watt
Freq response - 18-32000k
S/N - 120dB
Damping factor - 1100

Inputs
3 rca
1 xlr

1 rca pre out

Options
Phono stage
Active crossover

SOTA Cosmos IV - pictures

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Vitus Audio Signature SIA-025 integrated amplifier - pictures

1000 VA transformer

€18500

Synästec Audio Origo SACD player

€45000

Features:

The perfect source
Music lovers who have a substantial collection of CDs and SACD desire to have their music played in the most original, uncompressed and unaltered form. They need is a digital disc player that will perform this direct music reproduction every time they pull out their favourite music from the shelf. The perfect machine is here--the Synaestec Audio Origo SACD player, a equipment which bridges the digital domain to the realistic analog world.
 
Stairway to perfection

The heart of the Origo SACD player is the all time legendary PCM1704K, the premium grade 24 bit pure ladder Digital to Analog Converter. A ladder-type DAC has no internal processor or digital modulator, in other words, the boundary between the digital and the analog is clear.

Also, a ladder-type DAC does not rely on error correction, precision is achieved by a time-consuming laser trimming process in the R2R resistor network. This is why they are so expensive and rarely used in new digital players. In the Synaestec Audio Origo SACD player, four of these select DAC chips are used in each channel in a parallel balanced configuration, to produce an absolutely distortion-free analog output signal.


Stable spin

The Origo is equipped with a disc loading system produced by the Esoteric Company, which has been heavily modified by Synaestec audio. This precision disc loader is installed on a 35mm-thick machined aluminium platform to eliminate any possible mechanical vibration. The jitter-sensitive master clock is located right on the external DSP board and the disc loader is operated in slave mode to avoid the need to throw the critical clock signal through long distances.
 
Baking clock

While the Rubidium atomic clock is widely being used in advanced GPS application, there is an even better solution for high-end digital audio systems. The Oven-controlled-Crystal-Oscillator (OCXO) used in the Origo is a sophisticated SC-cut quartz crystal oscillator housed in a temperature regulated chamber, shielding itself from fluctuations in ambient conditions. This OCXO does not only excel equally in terms of aging and long term stability compared with an atomic clock, but it is also superior to the latter in phase noise and jitter performance, a truly ideal reference clock for digital audio systems.

Having the most precise clock in a CD player is crucial, and bringing the clock signal to the DAC accurately would be equally important. Synaestec has adopted for the Origo the same high-speed matched load differential transmission line technology used in high-definition video interface. The technology is capable of processing extremely high data rate up to several Giga bits per second with less than 1ps added jitter. The differential architecture of this high-speed clock interface prevents interference between clock and data line, and also prevents digital noise leakage into the analog circuit.


Faster and better

Synaestec has chosen the dedicated ASIC chips for asynchronous up-sampling and over-sampling. These customized ICs offer much higher processing speed as well as reliability than their programmable counterparts. The linear phase FIR digital filter in these ASIC chips provides 768KHz final sampling rate to the DAC, which is twice the rate of other hybrid type DAC. Furthermore, their theoretically perfect filter performance is maintained with any given input sampling rate.

 
Passively activated

The high sampling rate of the Origo effectively expels digital artifacts much further away from audible frequency, allowing the use of very gentle analog filters in audio output. Thus the designated analog reconstruction filter has a minimalist design built with all passive components, just audio grade resistors and polypropylene film capacitors. There is no additional active analog circuit that might contribute to noise, distortion or excessive phase shift in this output filter. In short, nothing but pure music.
 
Zero interference

Every individual functional part of the Origo disc player is both physically and electrically isolated. Aluminium panels 5mm thick are used as shielding between each section, such as power supply, disc loader, micro-controller, DSP and the DAC. All the non-audio related circuits are galvanic isolated by high-speed digital capacitive barrier isolators. This means several different pieces of equipment seamlessly pieced together, without any harmful interference. Nothing but music, pristine, perfect.

Specifications:
 
Digital inputs:
1 symmetrical
1 asymmetrical
USB
 
Digital outputs:
1 symmetrical
1 asymmetrical
 
Analogue outputs:
1 symmetrical
1 asymmetrical
 
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+0 / -1.0 dB)
 
THD+N: < 0,001%
  
Noise floor: <-160dBr
 
Channel separation: > 130dB
 
Digital-In:
Input impedance
symmetrical 100 Ohm
asymmetrical 75 Ohm

Minimium input level 0.2V pk-pk
 
Digital-Out:
Output impedance
symmetrical 110 Ohm
asymmetrical 75 Ohm

Output level:
symmetrical 1.6V pk-pk
asymmetrical 1.2V pk-pk
 
Analogue-Out:
Output impedance
symmetrical 150 Ohm
asymmetrical 75 Ohm

Full scale output voltage: 3.9Vrms
 
Power consumption: 50W
 
Weight: 38kg net
 
Dimension: 485 mm x 485 mm x 185 mm (W x D x H)