Pushing Boundaries: dCS's Varèse Digital Playback System
CS calls its new Varèse digital playback system the product of "radical innovation." It brings together new thinking and new technologies aimed at improving sonic and measured performance, while also making a system that's easier to use. Varèse comprises five different components and six chassis: the Core ($111,000), the User Interface (comes with the Core), the Master Clock ($38,000), and a pair of mono DACs ($105,000). Also included with the Core are the dedicated Varèse Remote Control and a new app for controlling the system, dCS Mosaic ACTUS. A dedicated CD/SACD Transport ($37,500) will also be available in 2025. Finally, an I/O Module ($13,500) can be fitted in one of the Core's expansion bays. Its inputs and outputs allow the connection of external digital sources -- CD transports, PCs, streamers, A-to-D converters -- to the Varèse system. Among the new technologies used are dCS Tomix, a patented new clocking technology; ACTUS, a bespoke interface that carries audio, control and timing signals between components; and the Differential Ring DAC, a new version of the dCS Ring DAC that "represents the biggest change to our DAC architecture in a generation." Varèse also features several mechanical and electronic innovations, including new circuit design and enhanced power supplies. According to dCS, the measured benefits of Varèse's
advancements are reduced jitter, increased linearity, a lower noise floor and the
elimination of crosstalk. In terms of the Varèse system's musical performance, dCS says,
"Listeners have noted an even broader, more expansive soundstage; an increased sense
of effortlessness, musicality, and rhythmic flow; even more tangible vocals; improved
texture, timing, and impact of bass instruments; and enhanced speed and tunefulness at
lower frequencies, among other qualities." And ". . . there's one thing that all
who have encountered Varèse agree [on]: it has the ability to connect them even more
intimately with their music." |
