dCS Paganini Digital Audio Converter (DAC) - Complete Kit - $18k MSRP

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General:
This Paganini DAC arrived at our shop in perfect working condition and complete like the day it left the factory.

It shows little to no signs of wear and is performing flawlessly.

The current version (Rossini) will set you back over $30k.

More from dCS:

The dCS Ring DAC™ found in all dCS DACs is a discrete balanced design that supports all high resolution musical formats up to DSD. The optimised DSP filters available in Paganini DAC ensure that you can extract every last nuance of musical detail and emotion by tuning the system to your personal preference.

Paganini DAC features standard AES3 and S/PDIF inputs in addition to the IEEE 1394 interfaces. The digital volume control allows direct connection to a power amplifier; there is no need for a preamplifier. Maximum output can be either two or six volts to suit different amplifier/loudspeaker combinations. The unit can be used in Master mode to provide a clock for source components, and can be locked to an external word clock signal generated by a dCS Master Clock – this produces a substantial performance improvement.

Paganini DAC is intended for use with the matching upsampling Paganini CD/SACD Transport or with any industry-standard CD Transport, digital streamer or music server.

The PCM inputs on all dCS DACs are industry-standard AES/EBU, S/PDIF or SDIF interfaces. There should be no difficulty using them with other manufacturers’ equipment, provided it also complies with industry standards.

Key Features:
- Flexible output configuration can be optimised in systems with or without preamplifiers.
- All dCS products use a sophisticated multi-mode Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL), which significantly reduces clock jitter.
- Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and superior tolerance to AC supply variations.
- Aerospace-grade aluminium chassis and laminated acoustic damping panels reduce magnetic effects and vibration.
- Low-power LC display makes the user interface easier to read, keeps power requirements down and minimises electrical noise.
- ‘Soft’ approach to programmable logic allows new software to be loaded from a dCS update CD to add new features and adapt to changes in digital formats.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
See picture of rear

General Sound:
Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested on our bench with both CD and DVD. XLR and RCA working as they should.

Included:
Unit, remote, manual, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Reviews:
Click Here

Original MSRP:
$18,000.00

Specs:
Type
Digital-to-Analogue Converter.

Colour:
Silver or Black.

Converter Type:
Proprietary dCS 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 load is recommended). Unbalanced Outputs: 1 stereo pair on 2x RCA Phono connectors. Output impedance is 52Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (a 10kΩ load is recommended).

Digital Inputs:
IEEE 1394 interface on 2x 6-way connectors. The interface accepts dCS-encrypted DSD (1 bit data at 2.822MS/s). 2x 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 & DOP OR 1x Dual AES pair at 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kS/s & DOP or dCS-encrypted DSD. 2x SPDIF on 2x RCA Phono connectors. Each will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kS/s & DOP

Wordclock I/O Inputs:
Word Clock input on 1x BNC connector. Accepts standard Word Clock at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192kHz. The data rate can be the same as the clock rate or an exact multiple (0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x) 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 -110dB0 @ 20Hz-20kHz unweighted (6V Setting).

Spurious Responses:
Better than -100dB0 @ 20Hz-20kHz.

Filters:
PCM mode: 4 filters give different trade-offs between the Nyquist image rejection and the phase response. 2 extra filters are available at 44.1, 176.4kS/s and 192kS/s. DSD mode: 4 filters progressively reduce out-of-audio band noise level (inherent in the 1 bit nature of DSD).

Software Updates:
Loaded from CD via PCM digital inputs.

Local Control:
dCS premium remote control provided with Paganini Transport or RS232.

Power Supply:
Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 49-62Hz.

Power Consumption:
22 Watts typical/30 Watts maximum.

Dimensions:
460mm/18.1” x 400mm/15.8” x 110mm/4.4”. Allow extra depth for cable connectors.

Weight:
24 lbs.

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Digital AES/EBU (XLR Connector) Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - 14AWG (Gauge) Power Cords - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for DACs:

We 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.

 After 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. We 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.

 After proper function is verified, we set the DAC up 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 DACs under evaluation to our long term test rig for a long test stint to verify stability under real world operating conditions.