{"product_id":"dcs-bartok-apex-streaming-dac-like-new-1","title":"dCS Bartók Apex Streaming DAC - Like New","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dCS Bartók APEX is a reference-level digital-to-analog converter that combines world-class conversion technology with seamless modern streaming capability. With an original MSRP of $20,000, this is a truly a cost no object piece.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the heart of the Bartók APEX is dCS’s renowned Ring DAC™ architecture, built around powerful field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and proprietary mapping algorithms. This unique topology is engineered to deliver exceptional linearity and vanishingly low distortion. In listening tests, the result is nothing short of spectacular—remarkably transparent, detailed, and musically engaging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeyond its extraordinary DAC performance, the Bartók APEX is a fully featured network streamer. Through the intuitive dCS Mosaic app, you’ll enjoy effortless access to internet radio and leading streaming platforms including Spotify Connect, Tidal, and Apple AirPlay, all just a few taps away.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe overall feel and build quality of the piece are also worth mentioning—it is spectacular. Fit, finish, and attention to detail are exactly what you would expect from the British-based company \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis unit will be carefully packed and shipped in its original factory box to ensure safe travels to your home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnit Serial #:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBSD 0B2 1D1 1A2 1C1 B01 0060900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain System Software Version:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ev2.01\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNetwork Board Software VersionL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ev529\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore From dCS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned for ease of use and superior sound, the Bartók APEX can flex to serve whatever mood or music you ask it to. With its wide range of inputs and outputs, high-performance UPnP streamer, and extensive choice of filters, it offers limitless capabilities and an effortless listening experience.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatible with all major file formats, it provides instant access to music from a wide range of streaming services, including Roon, TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz, Deezer and Internet Radio\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also plays files direct from personal devices or storage drives via USB, AES or S\/PDIF inputs, and from Apple devices using Apple Airplay.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts streaming interface supports all major lossless codecs, plus DSD in native and DoP formats, and ensures true 24-bit resolution audio when streaming via Ethernet.\u003cbr\u003ePlayback is easily managed via our Mosaic app, which allows you to access music from multiple sources and adjust the settings on your system through a single, intuitive interface.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable on all Android and iOS devices, the Mosaic control app is supported by a powerful processing platform that runs on custom code developed by dCS.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis software-driven design means its performance can be upgraded and enhanced over time, allowing us to add new streaming functionalities as platforms and services develop.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform brings state-of-the-art signal processing and flexibility\u003cbr\u003e- dCS Ring DAC™ fitted, as used in the dCS Vivaldi digital playback system\u003cbr\u003e- High-quality streaming from TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer and internet radio via the dCS Mosaic Control app\u003cbr\u003e- Roon Ready, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and UPnP compatible\u003cbr\u003e- USB, AES, Dual AES and S\/PDIF digital audio inputs\u003cbr\u003e- Accepts encrypted SACD data from dCS Transports via Dual AES inputs\u003cbr\u003e- Multi-stage DXD oversampling design with switchable DSD upsampling; user-selectable PCM and DSD filters\u003cbr\u003e- Auto clocking system improves ease of use and minimises jitter\u003cbr\u003e- Firmware-upgradeable for future functionality and performance upgrades\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Cosmetic Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExtremely light signs of wear on the top cover and rear panel. Excellent condition Overall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOwnership:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSingle Owner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eConnections:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRCA, AES, Coaxial Digital, BNC World Clock, USB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral Sound:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCosmetic Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8\/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/pages\/our-rating-scale\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorking Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorking perfectly and tested on our bench with both CD and DVD. XLR and RCA working as they should.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnit, Box, Power cord\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePacking:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal Manufacturers Packing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal MSRP:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e$20,950.00\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecs:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Upsampling Network DAC\u003cbr\u003e- 16kg \/ 35.3lbs\u003cbr\u003e- dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology\u003cbr\u003e- Ethernet network port on RJ45 connector, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 384kS\/s PCM, DSD\/64 \u0026amp; DSD128 in DFF\/DSF format; USB 2.0 interface on B-type connector, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 384kS\/s PCM, DSD\/64 \u0026amp; DSD128 in DoP format; USB On-The-Go interface on A-type connector, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 384kS\/s PCM, DSD\/64 \u0026amp; DSD128 in DFF\/DSF format; 2 x AES\/EBU inputs on 3-pin female XLR connectors, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 192kS\/s PCM, DSD\/64 \u0026amp; DSD\/128 in DoP format; 1 x Dual AES pair, accepts 24-bit 88.2 – 384kS\/s PCM, DSD\/64 \u0026amp; DSD\/128 in DoP format; 1 x SPDIF on RCA Phono connector, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 192kS\/s PCM \u0026amp; DSD\/64 in DoP format; 1 x SPDIF on BNC connector, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 192kS\/s PCM \u0026amp; DSD\/64 in DoP format; 1 x SPDIF optical on TOSLINK connector, accepts 24-bit 44.1 – 96kS\/s PCM\u003cbr\u003e- 1 x pair balanced outputs on 2 x XLR connectors. Output levels: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms for a full-scale input, set in the menu. Output impedance: 3Ω. Maximum load: 600Ω (10k-100kΩ is recommended); 1 x pair unbalanced outputs on 2 x RCA connectors. Output levels: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms for a full-scale input, set in the menu. Output impedance: 52Ω. Maximum load: 600Ω (10k-100kΩ is recommended)\u003cbr\u003e- 2 x Word Clock Inputs on 2 x BNC connectors, accept standard Word Clock at 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 of the clock rate. Sensitive to TTL levels; 1 x Word Clock Output on 1x BNC connector. With Sync Mode set to Master, a TTL-compatible Word Clock is output\u003cbr\u003e- Full decoding and rendering of MQA data from the Network and USB2 inputs. Final rendering of unfolded MQA data only from the other inputs\u003cbr\u003e- 24-bit data: Better than –113dB0, 20Hz - 20kHz unweighted (6V output setting)\u003cbr\u003e- Better than -115dB0, 20Hz – 20kHz\u003cbr\u003e- Better than -105dB0, 20Hz – 20kHz\u003cbr\u003e- PCM mode: up to 6 filters give different trade-offs between the Nyquist image rejection and the phase response. DSD mode: 4 filters progressively reduce out-of-audio band noise level, plus Filter 5 which has an improved transient response\u003cbr\u003e- User selectable PCM upsampling to DXD, DSD or DSDx2\u003cbr\u003e- Download and update functionality available via dCS Mosaic Control app\u003cbr\u003e- dCS Mosaic Control app for unit configuration and playback. RS232 interface (controlled by a 3rd party automation system). dCS Universal Remote is available as an optional extra\u003cbr\u003e- Factory set to either 100, 115\/120, 220 or 230\/240V AC 50\/60Hz\u003cbr\u003e- 25 Watts typical \/ 50 Watts maximum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e444mm \/ 17.5” x 430mm \/ 17.0” x 115mm \/ 4.6“. Allow extra depth for cable connectors\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e35 lbs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eApproximate Age:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2018\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLink to Manual:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dcsaudio.zendesk.com\/hc\/en-gb\/article_attachments\/12524113628828\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Cables:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - Hero Ascent Series RCA Interconnects - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-hero-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - Silver Streak Summit Series RCA Interconnects - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-silver-streak-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Ascent Series Hero Analog Interconnects (PAIR) - BALANCED XLR Connectors\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-hero-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Summit Series Silver Streak Analog Interconnects (PAIR) - BALANCED XLR Connectors\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-silver-streak-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable Coaxial Digital Interconnect SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-d-60-digital-interconnect-rca-bnc-or-wbt-terminations-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable Optical Digital Interconnect SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-opt-1-optical-digital-interconnect-toslink-connector-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - Digital AES\/EBU (XLR Connector) Interconnect - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-orchid-aes-ebu-reference-digital-interconnect-brand-new-speciality-series\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Digital AES\/EBU Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-cables-and-interconnects-collection-all\/products\/kimber-kable-select-series-reference-usb-cable-ks-usb-cu-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Select Series Reference USB Cable\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - PK14 Ascent Series Power Cords - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-ascent-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Good\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - PK14 Ascent Series Power Cords - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-ascent-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - PK14 Palladian Summit Series 14AWG Power Cord - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-palladian-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - 14AWG (Gauge) Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTesting Process:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect resistors and other passive components for signs of overheating. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the visual inspection we connect the DAC's RCA outputs to our Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates a real world input impedance and allows us to monitor the output on an oscilloscope. We are equipped to test optical, coaxial, and USB inputs at Redbook CD Quality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start with a test signal to verify signal lock and proper output on both channels. If the DAC has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time. If the DAC has multiple Optical and Coaxial inputs they are all checked for proper lock. USB inputs are tested with a MacBook Pro. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter proper function is verified, we setup the DAC for a listening test to evaluate general audio reproduction quality and monitor for clicks, pops, or any other audible signs of issues related to dropped signal lock or failing audio output stages. We often connect the DAC under evaluation to our long term test rig for a long test stint to verify stability under real world operating conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"dCS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47807614648574,"sku":"107408","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/3275\/9084\/files\/dcs-bartok-apex-streaming-dac-like-new-cd-digital-578.jpg?v=1771353680","url":"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/en-gb\/products\/dcs-bartok-apex-streaming-dac-like-new-1","provider":"SkyFi Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}