$100,000 is no longer uncommon today, but at the time of its release, this price greatly exceeded typical audio equipment costs. This was the price of philosophy itself. When dCS (Data Conversion Systems) unveiled the Vivaldi system in late 2012, it was precisely this—a presentation of “philosophy” in the audio world 1.
A CD transport, DAC, upsampler, and master clock. This system, comprising four massive silver (or black) boxes 2, encompassed “everything” in digital playback at the time, with a total price of $108,496 3, truly worthy of being called an “absolute monarchy.”
But what we audiophiles should truly question is not the price—it’s the “philosophy.” Was dCS’s philosophy of what they believed to be “correct sound” truly equivalent to the “music” that moves our souls?
This article thoroughly dissects what the original Vivaldi—before the APEX upgrade—aimed for, what it achieved, and what it left behind (intentionally or unconsciously), through contemporary data, competitor comparisons we can now analyze with cooler heads, and generational perspectives.
dCS Vivaldi (Original) — Overview
Related Articles
dCS Varèse Music System Review: Organized Sound
A comprehensive review of the dCS Varèse Music System: establishing a new benchmark in digital playback
EMM Labs DA2 V2 Review: Metaphysics of Digital Reproduction
EMM Labs' flagship DAC from Canada. The culmination of DSD purism pursued by Ed Meitner, co-developer of SACD/DSD format. This $30,000 monumental converter achieves organic sound free from digital artifacts through 16xDSD proprietary discrete converter and thorough jitter elimination.
Linn Klimax DSM/3 Review: Organik DAC Opens New Frontiers in Music Reproduction
An in-depth review of the Linn Klimax DSM/3 featuring the fully proprietary Organik DAC. A multifaceted analysis of this flagship streamer/DAC/preamplifier's sound quality, technology, and value proposition, achieving the ultimate balance of transparency and naturalness.
Meitner Audio MA3 vs EMM Labs DA2 V2: Validating a $20,000 Price Gap
Comparative analysis of Ed Meitner's sister brands. The MA3 (~$9,500) and DA2 V2 (~$30,000) share identical MDAC2™ core technology while implementation differences deliver contrasting sonic performance and value. Detailed examination of chassis, board, power supply technical differences and their audible impact.
Before we begin the “ascent” that is this review, let’s accurately understand the height of the mountain we’re climbing. This is our “climbing permit.”
- dCS Vivaldi (Original) System:
Table 1: Vivaldi System Launch Pricing (c. 2012-2014)
| Component | USD | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vivaldi Transport | $39,999 | 4 |
| Vivaldi DAC | $34,999 | 4 |
| Vivaldi Upsampler | $19,999 | 4 |
| Vivaldi Master Clock | $13,499 | 4 |
| System Total (4-Box) | $108,496 | 3 |
- Vivaldi DAC Key Specifications:
Table 2: Vivaldi DAC (Original) Key Specifications
| Item | Specification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DAC Topology | dCS proprietary Ring DAC™, 5-bit, 2.822/3.07MS/s | 3 |
| Analog Output | 1x XLR (Balanced), 1x RCA (Single-ended) | 2 |
| Digital Input | USB, AES, S/PDIF, SDIF-2, etc. | 2 |
| PCM Filters | 4 (～6) types (depending on Fs) | 2 |
| DSD Filters | 4 (～5) types (Filter 5 added in V2.0) | 2 |
| Output Level | 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V (selectable) | 9 |
| Dimensions / Weight | 444 x 151 x 435mm / 16.2kg | 2 |
1. Was Vivaldi a “Buy”? — Summary of Heated Reviews
There is no “absolute” in audio reviews. This is true even for the Vivaldi. Here, we survey the “battlefield” of pros and cons—how media and actual users received the Vivaldi’s sound.
Table 3: Review Summary - The Two Sides of Vivaldi
| Media | Quoted Extract (Original) | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| The Absolute Sound (R. Harley) | “The sheer density of information makes the Vivaldi sound so analog-like, and conventional digital playback seem a bit ‘skeletal’…” | ★★★★★ |
| Stereophile (M. Fremer) | “…produced a texturally supple, delicate, musically involving sound filled with color and life.” | ★★★★★ |
| 6moons (Show Report) | “I found the experience to be disappointing, boring, lacking in emotional impact and also fatiguing.” | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hi-Fi News (A. Everard) | “…there’s been something slightly too precise about its sound…a little too, well, academic.” | ★★★☆☆ |
- Aggregation and Bias Assessment:
- Proponents (TAS, Stereophile): Robert Harley 11 and Michael Fremer 12 welcomed Vivaldi as a “savior.” Common to both was their enthusiasm that the “high information density” and “textural suppleness” transcended the “skeletal” feel of conventional digital, finally reaching an “analog-like” realm.
- Bias Check: These are typical long-term reviews with manufacturer-loaned equipment, making them prone to positive bias (so-called “Puff Pieces”) toward very expensive products. Harley’s phrase “analog-like” 11 became an influential keyword that defined Vivaldi’s reputation in the audio world thereafter.
- Critics/Skeptics (6moons, Hi-Fi News): In contrast, the 6moons show report 13 delivered harsh criticism of a $300,000 system (including Vivaldi) as “boring” and “fatiguing”—inconceivable for a $100,000 system.
- Bias Check: The 6moons report 13 was based on a transient show audition, and the possibility that setup or mismatches with other components (Magico M3, D’Agostino) caused the issue cannot be ruled out. However, this criticism of “lacking emotional impact” is an important counter-narrative that cannot be ignored.
- Most Important Testimony: Hi-Fi News’s 14 Andrew Everard, in reviewing the APEX (successor), recalled the original Vivaldi as “slightly too precise” and “academic” 14.
- Bias Check: This “retrospective” is extremely valuable in bias assessment. The emergence of the new product (APEX) clarified the original’s character (= APEX was created to make the original’s “academic” aspects more “human”) 14, suggesting deep insight rather than mere puff piece.
- Proponents (TAS, Stereophile): Robert Harley 11 and Michael Fremer 12 welcomed Vivaldi as a “savior.” Common to both was their enthusiasm that the “high information density” and “textural suppleness” transcended the “skeletal” feel of conventional digital, finally reaching an “analog-like” realm.
- Decoding Vivaldi’s “Duality”
- (Claim) Harley’s “analog-like” and 6moons’s “boring” are not contradictory.
- (Evidence) What Harley called “analog-like” was absolutely not the LP’s “warmth” or “groove.” It was “the complete information integrity of the master tape spinning in the studio” 11.
- (Conclusion) Vivaldi’s sound possesses “perfect information reproduction.” Whether one interprets this as “like analog (= master tape)” (Harley camp) or “too precise, lacking music’s ‘fluctuation’ or ‘passion’” (6moons/Hi-Fi News camp)—this duality is the essential sonic character of Vivaldi (Original).
2. What Makes Vivaldi Vivaldi — Technical Features and Design Philosophy
Why did Vivaldi arrive at that “academic” 14 sound? It wasn’t by chance. The answer is entirely inscribed in dCS’s bloodline and the design philosophy of their creation—the “Ring DAC” heart.
dCS Bloodline: Pro Audio Precision as the Ultimate Truth
dCS did not begin as a garage manufacturer for audiophiles. Their roots lie in military aviation (Sea Harrier fighter radar systems) and professional recording studios 16.
- 1989: dCS 900 16 - The world’s first 24-bit ADC (analog-to-digital converter). This was not a machine for “enjoying music pleasantly,” but a tool for mastering engineers like Bob Ludwig to “accurately record sound” 16.
- 1993: dCS 950 17 - The world’s first 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter). This was also for professional use, but pioneering Japanese audiophiles recognized that “this ‘ugly box’ sounds better than any expensive Hi-Fi equipment,” opening the path to the Hi-Fi market 17.
- 2007: Scarlatti 11 - Establishment of the Hi-Fi flagship.
dCS sound should be “accurate” by design. Their DNA lies in “accurate studio mastering” 16. Their products’ supreme mission was to “not alter” the sound artists intended. Vivaldi (2012) is a direct descendant of that bloodline 1.
Therefore, when Vivaldi’s sound is characterized as “academic” 14 or “analytical” 18, this is not a flaw but the “correct” realization of their design philosophy. They aimed for “correct sound,” not “enjoyable sound.”
Anatomy of the “Ring DAC” Heart: Why Don’t They Use Off-the-Shelf Chips?
Vivaldi does not rely on off-the-shelf DAC chips from ESS or AKM. They build their proprietary “dCS Ring DAC” on FPGA (programmable integrated circuits) 2.
- Basic Principle: Ring DAC is a type of R-2R ladder DAC, but with a crucial difference.
- The Key is “Mapping”: 5-bit data is assigned to “48 latches (current sources)” in the Ring DAC core 1. This “assignment (mapping)” is rapidly switched at random 19.
- Why do this?: The 48 current sources (resistors) inevitably have microscopic “individual variations (errors).” By randomizing and averaging these errors, distortion (non-linearity) tied to specific signal levels is converted into “white noise” unrelated to the audio signal 19.
(Claim) With off-the-shelf chips, distortion depends on the signal and becomes “coloration” of the music. (Evidence) Ring DAC converts errors into random noise 19. (Conclusion) As a result, dCS DACs achieve “vanishingly low distortion” 19 and extremely high “linearity” 20. This is the source of that “precise” sound.
The Meaning of the Vivaldi 2.0 Update (2016)
About four years after launch, dCS released Vivaldi 2.0 1. While this included hardware changes (Upsampler network board, etc.), the DAC’s core update was software-based 9.
- New Mapper Addition 9:
- MAP 2 (Original): 3MHz operation
- MAP 1, MAP 3 (New): 6MHz operation
Ring DAC’s “mapping” (error randomization) should theoretically convert errors to noise more efficiently the faster it operates (decorrelate) 19. The doubling from 3MHz to 6MHz 9 is an attempt to bring this noise conversion process even closer to “perfection.” This is evidence that dCS never stopped pursuing “precision,” and we can infer this update further sharpened Vivaldi (Original)‘s character.
Table 4: Flagship DAC Technology Stacks (c. 2012-2015)
| Manufacturer | Model (contemporary) | DAC Technology | Price (DAC) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dCS | Vivaldi DAC | Proprietary FPGA (Ring DAC) | $34,999 | 6 |
| MSB | Diamond DAC IV | Proprietary R-2R Ladder (modules) | $35,000+ | 21 |
| CH Precision | C1 | PCM1704 | $36,000+ | 22 |
| Esoteric | Grandioso D1 | AKM (multiple commercial chips) | $46,000 (Pair) | 24 |
3. Benchmark “Wow!” — Objective Performance from Measurement Data
“Ear” discussions come after we’ve cleared the “data.” If dCS claims “Ring DAC eliminates distortion” 19, we must verify that evidence in benchmarks. Fortunately, John Atkinson of Stereophile 26 and Paul Miller of Hi-Fi News 27—two of the world’s most trusted measurers—tested Vivaldi.
- John Atkinson (Stereophile) Measurements 26:
- Distortion: At full-scale signal (50Hz), 3rd harmonic at -130dB (0.00003%), 2nd harmonic at -126dB (0.00005%) 26. This is nearly at measurement limits, proving dCS’s “distortion-free” claim 19 is accurate.
- Jitter: “Superb jitter rejection” 26.
- Overall: Vivaldi “betters the Scarlatti in virtually every respect” 26.
- Paul Miller (Hi-Fi News) Measurements 27:
- S/N Ratio: 108.9-109.1dB 27. This is also a very low noise floor, consistent with Atkinson’s measurements.
- Distortion: 0.00002% at 1kHz 27. Even lower than Atkinson’s figures—astoundingly low distortion.
- Jitter: Here’s the interesting part. USB/Network inputs show very low 10psec, but CD input shows relatively high 116psec, and even SACD at 30psec 27.
Vivaldi Embodied “The Limits of Measurements”
Vivaldi’s measurements are at the “nearly perfect” level humanity reached in 2012 26. This is Ring DAC’s technical victory 19.
However, remember this. As we saw in Section 1, this supposedly “perfect” DAC was criticized as “boring” 13 and “academic” 14.
If “perfect measurements” meant “perfect sound,” such criticism shouldn’t exist.
Vivaldi (Original) may have symbolized “the end of measurement supremacy.” Its sound is dCS’s (at that time) answer to the question: “What does perfect measurement sound like audiophilically?” It was the “academic” sound Hi-Fi News described 14. This discovery is precisely what sparked discussions in 6moons 13 and Audio Science Review forums 28, and very likely became the motivation for dCS to later develop APEX (= more human sound) 14.
Was the $40,000 Transport Already Obsolete?
We must point out another ironic truth.
Paul Miller’s measurements 27 show that CD playback via the Vivaldi Transport ($39,999) 6 (jitter 116psec) is more than 10 times “inferior” in jitter compared to USB/Network via the Vivaldi Upsampler ($19,999) 6 (jitter 10psec) 27.
The Vivaldi Transport, using Esoteric’s premium “VRDS-Neo” mechanism, represents one of the pinnacles of physical media playback 2. Nevertheless, at the time of launching the $108k system in 2012 1, dCS (probably unintentionally) demonstrated with data that “physical media cannot match file playback’s jitter performance.” This is bitter irony regarding the value proposition of the entire 4-box system, especially the expensive Transport.
4. Listening Impressions — The Boundary Between “Precision” and “Musicality”
The data (measurements) show it’s an “honor student.” But how do our “ears” perceive it? Here, we dissect Vivaldi’s sound by genre, borrowing the “ears” of reviewers worldwide.
Table 5: Listening Impressions - Evidence Board
| Reviewer / Media | Quoted Extract (Original) |
|---|---|
| Robert Harley / TAS | ”The Vivaldi’s spatial presentation is stunning, with depth, image focus, and sense of space between images that must be heard to be believed.” |
| Michael Fremer / Stereophile | ”…texturally supple, delicate, musically involving sound…” |
| Andrew Everard / Hi-Fi News | ”…a marginal reluctance to let rip and tingle the spine.” |
| AudioShark User | ”Whenever I hear dCS they seem to lean analytical and rigid.” |
- Sonic Characteristics (by genre):
- Classical (Orchestra / Chamber):
- (Claim) Vivaldi’s domain.
- (Evidence) Harley’s praised “spatial presentation” and “image focus” 11 perfectly unravel orchestral complexity. Fremer’s “textural suppleness” 12 beautifully renders string harmonics.
- (Conclusion) However, this is also the essence of Hi-Fi News’s “academic” 14 description. Every hall reflection, performer’s breath, page turn—all presented as equivalent “information.” Optimal for “analysis,” but closer to hearing the “blueprint” than the music’s “passion.”
- Jazz (Vocal / Trio):
- (Claim) Competent, but MSB’s shadow looms.
- (Evidence) dCS’s “neutral and smooth” character 21 renders vocals and saxophones smoothly.
- (Conclusion) However, forums note MSB has “less ‘hash’ (graininess) around vocals” 29, “more dynamic and ‘live’ feel” 21. Vivaldi’s “precision” may slightly filter—or lay back—the jazz club’s “raw heat” and “live feel” 21.
- Rock / EDM:
- (Claim) Perhaps the least suitable genre.
- (Evidence) Hi-Fi News’s phrase “reluctance to let rip” 14 says it all.
- (Conclusion) Perfectly controlled bass and distortion-free highs make rock’s “rawness” and EDM’s “attack” too “polite.” A What’s Best Forum user questions whether Vivaldi lost the “dynamic verve” 21 Scarlatti may have had. Vivaldi is “analytical and rigid” 18, doesn’t “let rip.”
- Classical (Orchestra / Chamber):
5. Vivaldi Scorecard — 5-Axis Evaluation and Bias Check
So, if we were to score the 2012 “absolute ruler” now, what would it look like?
Table 6: Vivaldi (Original) 5-Axis Scorecard
| Evaluation Axis | Score (out of 5) | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Performance | ★★★★★ (5.0) | Indisputably perfect. Ring DAC 19 design philosophy and Atkinson/Miller’s “nearly perfect” benchmarks 26 represent 2012’s technical achievement. |
| Musical Appeal | ★★★☆☆ (3.5) | The biggest debate point. “Boring” 13 and “academic” 14. The “reluctance to let rip emotionally” 14 must be penalized regarding music’s “appeal.” Fremer’s “musically” 12 is a different vector. |
| Build Quality | ★★★★★ (5.0) | Aerospace-grade machined aluminum chassis 30. 16.2kg DAC 2, 23.2kg Transport 7. “Mass” and “finish” worthy of—or exceeding—the price. |
| Price-to-Value | ★☆☆☆☆ (1.5) | Over $100k 3. This isn’t a “value” issue—it’s “price” run amok. Especially the Transport ($40k) being inferior to USB input ($20k Upsampler) in jitter performance 27 severely unbalances value. |
| Futureproofing / Serviceability | ★★★★☆ (4.5) | 4.5 points. A 2012 product received major update in 2016 (V2.0) 1, and in 2022 (APEX) 15 could have its heart replaced with latest generation for $9,000 33. This long-term support justifies high initial investment—dCS’s greatest “value.” |
- Bias Check (Summary):
- (Positive) Vivaldi (Original) is a monumental product that, in 2012, answered the question “How close can digital approach analog (master tape) information density?” with “measurements” 11.
- (Negative) However, that answer was too “precise” and “academic” 14, received by some listeners (and 6moons) 13 as “lacking music’s passion.”
- (Conclusion) Evaluation changes 180° depending on what you seek. For “complete analysis” of recordings: 100 points. For “passionate experience” of music: 60 points. This review 13 and dCS’s own APEX (= added humanity) 14 are evidence.
6. Analytical Overview — Vivaldi’s Achievements and Flaws
Speaking of Vivaldi as “just a DAC” is meaningless. These four boxes were the “current” itself of 2010s high-end audio. Here, we analyze Vivaldi’s true position through battles with rivals and the generational transition drama with its “father” Scarlatti.
Vivaldi House Sound: The Identity of “dCS Tone” Called “Neutral”
Many reviewers characterize dCS sound as “neutral.” But that doesn’t mean “characterless.”
Vivaldi’s sound thoroughly removes “distortion” and “digital roughness (skeletal)” 11 through Ring DAC 19 (= Smoothness), consequently presenting source “information” as-is (= Scholarly).
This is the identity of dCS tone. It’s not “colorless transparent” neutral. “Sound that balances high resolution with smoothness (softness) that never feels digitally rough.” This is their “house sound.”
Sonic Strengths and Weaknesses (Competitive Comparison)
Related Reviews (Sound & Comparison)
dCS Varèse Music System Review: Organized Sound
A comprehensive review of the dCS Varèse Music System: establishing a new benchmark in digital playback
EMM Labs DA2 V2 Review: Metaphysics of Digital Reproduction
EMM Labs' flagship DAC from Canada. The culmination of DSD purism pursued by Ed Meitner, co-developer of SACD/DSD format. This $30,000 monumental converter achieves organic sound free from digital artifacts through 16xDSD proprietary discrete converter and thorough jitter elimination.
Linn Klimax DSM/3 Review: Organik DAC Opens New Frontiers in Music Reproduction
An in-depth review of the Linn Klimax DSM/3 featuring the fully proprietary Organik DAC. A multifaceted analysis of this flagship streamer/DAC/preamplifier's sound quality, technology, and value proposition, achieving the ultimate balance of transparency and naturalness.
“Comparison is life.” Let’s pit Vivaldi’s “academic smoothness” against contemporary monsters (MSB, CH, Esoteric).
- vs. MSB Select (Diamond IV): dCS’s “Detail” or MSB’s “Fluidity”?
- (Claim) The longest-running rivalry. Diametrically opposed sound philosophies.
- (Evidence) Forum comparisons 21 describe dCS as “neutral, smooth, fast,” MSB as “sweet (midrange), dynamic, ‘live’ feel.” dCS is “laid back” 21.
- (Conclusion) dCS user (still-one) testimony 29 gets to the core. “MSB removes vocal ‘hash’ (graininess), vocals sound better,” but “Vivaldi extracts ‘detail’ MSB can’t retrieve.”
- dCS Strength: Analytical-level detail reproduction.
- dCS Weakness (vs. MSB): Lacking “live” feel, vocal “rawness.”
- vs. CH Precision C1: dCS’s “Softness” or CH’s “No Smoothing Whatsoever”?
- (Claim) A high-level battle over the definition of “neutral.”
- (Evidence) High Fidelity comparison review 23 is decisive. CH C1.2 is “uncommonly precise” with “no smoothing whatsoever.” Vivaldi 2.0 has “some softness,” sounds “smoothed out.”
- (Conclusion) dCS’s “academic smoothness” is perceived as “coloration (= softness, smoothing)” against CH Precision.
- dCS Strength (vs. CH): Non-fatiguing, smooth and “supple” sound 12.
- dCS Weakness: Concedes slightly to CH in “ultimate accuracy” of attack.
- vs. Esoteric Grandioso (P1/D1): dCS’s “Natural Smoothness” or Esoteric’s “Midrange Heat”?
- (Claim) Japanese yokozuna vs. British giant.
- (Evidence) Soundstage Ultra 34 places Vivaldi and Grandioso (separates) in the same top tier, noting both extract slightly more “brilliance and sweetness” from violins than Esoteric K1.
- (Evidence) However, a dCS Community user 35 who switched from Esoteric describes Esoteric’s house sound (forward mid and upper-high) as “curated sound (manufactured sound),” “fatiguing,” praising dCS’s “natural smoothness” and “extraordinary clarity.”
- dCS Strength (vs. Esoteric): Less colored, naturally unfatiguing clarity.
- dCS Weakness: Lacks Esoteric’s midrange “heat” and “drive” 35.
Generational Comparison: Scarlatti vs. Vivaldi
Here, let’s answer a question often raised by users: “Why do some prefer Scarlatti (2007) over Vivaldi (2012)?”
According to The Absolute Sound 5, Vivaldi is a “considerable upgrade” from Scarlatti, particularly improving “image stability” and “overall musical coherence.”
This “evolution” is key to solving the mystery.
Vivaldi improved “stability” and “coherence” 5. Conversely, this suggests Scarlatti was more “unstable” and “lower coherence” than Vivaldi—or viewed differently, potentially had a more “raw” and “visceral” sound.
Scarlatti (2007) is the “first generation” Hi-Fi flagship closer to dCS’s pro gear 16 bloodline 16. Forums mention Scarlatti’s (expected) “dynamic verve” 21.
(Claim) Evolution to Vivaldi was a process of gaining “stability” and “smoothness.” (Evidence) Scarlatti has “verve” 21, Vivaldi has “stability” 5 and “academic” 14 sound. (Conclusion) Those who prefer Scarlatti may be people who perceive Vivaldi’s achieved “refinement” as “domestication with fangs removed.” They loved Scarlatti’s “uncontrollable energy” over Vivaldi’s “perfect control.”
7. Conclusion & Recommended Users
Thank you for following this lengthy analysis. Ultimately, is the $100k Vivaldi (Original) an “instrument” that moves our souls, or a “scalpel” that dissects sources?
Overall Rating (★x5)
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.0 / 5.0) (Perfect technology and build. Price and musical appeal drag it down, futureproofing recovers)
- Overall Assessment:
- This Unit’s Essence: A precision 3D printer that perfectly renders digital source “blueprints” with overwhelming information and control.
- Who It Resonates With: “Analysts” who want to see every corner of recordings, “seekers” demanding the system’s final answer.
- Nickname: “The Digital Architect”
- Recommended For:
- Those wanting to extract all recorded “information” without losing a single bit 19.
- Those wanting to introduce “perfect objectivity” like Stereophile measurements 26 as system reference.
- Analytical listeners 18 who value “academic” 14 as “accurate,” not “boring.”
- Those trusting dCS’s long-term support 1, who can adopt as “base” assuming future APEX upgrade ($9,000) 33.
- Not Recommended For:
- Future Update/Mod Potential:
- Vivaldi (Original)‘s greatest value is ironically the “futureproofing” demonstrated 10 years after launch.
- (Evidence) The “APEX” upgrade announced in 2022 32 is a substantial major update renewing Ring DAC board and analog output stage 15.
- (Conclusion) Hi-Fi News praised how APEX made original’s “academic” sound “more natural, more organic, more… human” 14.
- Acquiring Vivaldi (Original) used now means experiencing the “first half” of dCS’s 10-year journey from “precision” to “humanity.” And for an “additional ticket” of $9,000 33, you can join the journey’s “second half (= conclusion)” anytime.
References
1. dCS Launches New Flagship Vivaldi 2.0 System - The Absolute Sound, https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/dcs-launches-new-flagship-vivaldi-20-system/ 2. Vivaldi - The Pioneer - dCS Audio, https://dcsaudio.com/product/vivaldiapex 3. dCS Vivaldi digital playback system Specifications | Stereophile.com, https://www.stereophile.com/content/dcs-vivaldi-digital-playback-system-specifications 4. 太陽、dCSのDSD対応DACやSACDトランスポートなど4製品 - AV …, https://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/576166.html 5. dCS Vivaldi Version 2.0 - The Absolute Sound, https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/dcs-vivaldi-version-20/ 6. dCS Vivaldi Digital Playback System - TONEAudio MAGAZINE, https://www.tonepublications.com/review/dcs-vivaldi-digital-playback-system/ 7. The dCS Vivaldi System - DIGITAL DONE RIGHT - DigitalOcean, https://dcsltd.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/media/2014/03/STR-Jan-2014-dCS-Vivaldi.pdf 8. dCS Vivaldi digital playback system - Stereophile.com, https://www.stereophile.com/content/dcs-vivaldi-digital-playback-system 9. Software History - Vivaldi DAC – dCS Support, https://dcsaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360021699020-Software-History-Vivaldi-DAC 10. dCS Vivaldi Apex D/A processor Measurements - Stereophile.com, https://www.stereophile.com/content/dcs-vivaldi-apex-da-processor-measurements 11. Review Preview: dCS Vivaldi Digital Playback System - The …, https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/review-preview-dcs-vivaldi-digital-playback-system/ 12. Stereophile reviews the dCS Vivaldi | - dCS Audio, https://dcsaudio.com/edit/dcs-vivaldi-digital-playback-system-equipment-review 13. 6moons audioreviews: Ubiq Audio Model 1 - 6Moons.com, https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/ubiq/5.html 14. dCS Vivaldi APEX Outboard DAC | Hi-Fi News, https://www.hifinews.com/content/dcs-vivaldi-apex-outboard-dac 15. Apex Upgrade | - dCS Audio, https://dcsaudio.com/apex-upgrade 16. Our Heritage | dCS - dCS Audio, https://dcsaudio.com/timeline 17. The dCS Story in depth – M & S | Ultimate High-Fidelity - Mono & Stereo, https://www.monoandstereo.com/the-dcs-story-in-depth/ 18. DAC Comparison not going well … - AudioShark Forums, https://www.audioshark.org/threads/dac-comparison-not-going-well-%E2%80%A6.22397/ 19. Ring DAC | Peerless Performance - dCS Audio, https://dcsaudio.com/ring-dac 20. Robert Harley Explains the dCS Ring DAC - The Absolute Sound, https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/robert-harley-explains-the-dcs-ring-dac/ 21. Anyone compare MSB sound to dCS Vivaldi or Scarlatti sound …, https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/anyone-compare-msb-sound-to-dcs-vivaldi-or-scarlatti-sound-please-share-impressions.13191/ 22. Stereophile’s Products of 2023 Digital Source Component of the Year, https://www.stereophile.com/content/stereophiles-products-2023-digital-source-component-year 23. REVIEW: CH Precision D1.5 + C1.2 SACD transport + … - High Fidelity, https://highfidelity.pl/@main-1328&lang=en 24. DCS Vivaldi stacks vs Esoteric Grandioso G1, D1, P1 stacks | Stereophile.com, https://www.stereophile.com/content/dcs-vivaldi-stacks-vs-esoteric-grandioso-g1-d1-p1-stacks 25. REVIEW: Esoteric K-01XD | Super Audio CD Player JAPAN - High Fidelity, https://highfidelity.pl/@main-1056&lang=en 26. dCS Vivaldi digital playback system Measurements | Stereophile.com, https://www.stereophile.com/content/dcs-vivaldi-digital-playback-system-measurements 27. 022-027_dCS Vivaldi_v8_PFCBPMSP.indd - Moremusic.nl, https://www.moremusic.nl/reviews/dcs/HFN_dCS_Vivaldi_set.pdf 28. ASR forums and their $75 dongle DAC ideology - Audio Systems - dCS Community, https://dcs.community/t/asr-forums-and-their-75-dongle-dac-ideology/2038 29. dCS Vivaldi vs MSB - dCS Products - dCS Community, https://dcs.community/t/dcs-vivaldi-vs-msb/2260 30. THE dCS Vivaldi One APEX is Announced! - The Sound Advocate, https://www.thesoundadvocate.com/2022/05/the-dcs-vivaldi-one-apex-is-announced-at-95000/ 31. dCS Vivaldi One APEX - Hi-Fi+, https://hifiplus.com/articles/dcs-vivaldi-one-apex-digital-player/ 32. An icon returns: The dCS Vivaldi One APEX, https://dcsaudio.com/edit/the-vivaldi-one-apex 33. Elevating Excellence: A Guide to Upgrading Your dCS DAC to the APEX Version, https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/elevating-excellence-a-guide-to-upgrading-your-d-cs-component-to-apex 34. Esoteric Grandioso K1 SACD/CD Player-DAC - SoundStage! Ultra, https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/778-esoteric-grandioso-k1-sacd-cd-player-dac 35. What brand of dac did you own before switching to dCS?, https://dcs.community/t/what-brand-of-dac-did-you-own-before-switching-to-dcs/4121 36. Upgrade Your dCS Audio with the Latest APEX Ring DAC - Paragon Sight & Sound, https://www.paragonsns.com/blogs/new-products/dcs-apex-upgrade
