dCS Scarlatti Stack - SACD/CD Transport, DAC, and Master Clock - WOW

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Crazy sophisticated digital stack from dCS and state of the art for playing disks even after all these years.

Includes the Scarlatti SACD/CD Transport, DAC, and Master Clock. NO need to search around for all these components, we've got the complete stack.

We even have the optional Upsampler available in a separate listing but the color does not match.

The transport, which is the delicate bit, just came back from dCS after being serviced for ensured long term reliability and piece of mind.

Accessories include: QTY 4 BNC cables, QTY 2 puck feet for stacking, and QTY 1 Firewire cable.

Transport will ship in the original manufacturers box, but the rest of the components will be packed in-house using our specialized process.

Please note no remote control is included.

MASTER CLOCK
Clocking is vital in a digital audio source because any timing errors that occur in the DAC will be converted directly into errors in the analogue output. dCS DACs can act as the system master clock, but listening tests have shown that there is no substitute for a high-quality, dedicated master clock.

DAC
Scarlatti DAC used state-of-the-art dCS technology including the dCS Ring DAC™ Digital Processing Platform and Clocking System so that, as the hub of a digital audio system, an array of features guarantees amazing performance from any digital source.

CD/SACD TRANSPORT
Scarlatti Transport uses the TEAC Esoteric VRDS Neo™ mechanism which employs super-rigid construction and a brushless motor with heavy flywheel for stable disc rotation. All signal processing and electronics in the transport have been designed by dCS.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

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

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Good

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

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

The SkyFi Testing Process for CD Players:
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. When the unit is first powered on we check the drawer mechanism function.

After the visual inspection we connect the CD Player’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 start with a test CD with precision test signals to verify proper output on both channels. If the CD player has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time. If this check passes, we move onto evaluation with actual music CDs. We listen for clicks, skips, and drops during playback. At this time we also check the transport functions including skip, ff, rw, play, pause, repeat, and programming if applicable. If the unit has a remote control, all remote control functions are verified.

If the CD player is capable of SACD playback we test its ability to read SACD layers on multiple discs including standard and hybrid SACDs. At this time we also check the unit’s digital outputs where applicable. If SACD layers are being properly read we should see the digital outputs mute during playback. On redbook CD playback we verify that each digital output maintains proper lock on our bench DAC.

After bench testing is completed, CD players are set up for testing on our long term test rig. During extended testing we make sure that unit can play through several different discs from beginning to end with no skips or lock ups.

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.