The dCS Bartók Reaches Apex
he new dCS Bartók Apex ($20,950 or $22,950 with headphone amp) features extensive changes to the company's Ring DAC, including a reconfiguration of the DAC's circuit board and an all-new analog output stage. There are also modifications to the reference supply that feeds the Ring DAC, resulting in lower output impedance; enhancements to the filter, summing and output stages; and improvements to the symmetry of summing stages. All of this yields important sonic benefits, including, according to dCS, "Noise and distortion [that] have been further reduced, and linearity increased by over 12dB." The Bartók Apex supports all major lossless codecs, including MQA, and is compatible with a wide range of streaming services and music management platforms, including Roon, TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, Internet Radio and Spotify. It also supports streaming via Apple AirPlay, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect. A selection of digital inputs, along with multi-stage DXD oversampling with optional DSD/64 or DSD/128 upsampling, and user-selectable DSP and DSD filters, give the Bartók Apex great flexibility. Mappers originally available for Vivaldi Apex and Rossini Apes are now available in the Bartók. The Bartók Apex's precision-machined aerospace-grade aluminum chassis reduces mechanical vibration and magnetic effects for enhanced audio performance, while its multi-stage power regulation, twin mains transformers, and separate power supplies for digital and analog sections ensure maximum sonic purity and overall reliability. As with all dCS DACs, the Bartók Apex’s firmware can be easily updated to deliver new product features and enhancements. Earlier Bartók DACs can be upgraded for $9000; this includes new internal circuit
boards as well as a new back plate that indicates the inclusion of the Apex upgrade. dCS
also has a special program for those who purchased a Bartók within the past year. These
owners should check with their dealers for details. |
