Bartk APEX is a distillation of our past, present, and future30 years of innovation in a single beautiful, flexible, and futureproof chassis embodying the essence of dCS. Combining a DAC, Music Streamer, Upsampler, Pre-amp, and (optional) Headphone Amplifier, the Bartk APEX offers a singular experience for headphone and stereo listeners. Now with the APEX Ring DAC, our next-generation DAC hardware, we've once again redefined the state-of-the-art for digital audio. This upgrade allows us to take Bartk world-leading measured performance to a new leveltechnology that provides an even more immersive musical experience.
Bartk APEX DAC Key Features
- Latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform brings state-of-the-art signal processing and flexibility
- dCS Ring DAC fitted, as used in the dCS Vivaldi digital playback system
- High-quality streaming from TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer and internet radio via the dCS Mosaic Control app
- Roon Ready, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and UPnP compatible
- USB, AES, Dual AES and S/PDIF digital audio inputs
- Accepts encrypted SACD data from dCS Transports via Dual AES inputs
- Multi-stage DXD oversampling design with switchable DSD upsampling; user-selectable PCM and DSD filters
- Auto clocking system improves ease of use and minimises jitter
- Firmware-upgradeable for future functionality and performance upgrades
Specifications:
| Type | Upsampling Network DAC |
| Chassis Options | Silver or Black |
| Dimensions | 444mm (17.5) x 430mm (17.0) x 115mm (4.6) (Allow extra depth for cable connectors) |
| Weight | 16kg (35.3lbs) |
| DAC Technology | dCS proprietary Ring DAC topology |
| Network & USB Inputs | Ethernet network port (RJ45), USB 2.0 (B-type), USB On-The-Go (A-type), supporting up to 24-bit/384kS/s PCM, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DFF/DSF format |
| Other Digital Inputs | 2 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x Dual AES pair, 1 x SPDIF on RCA Phono, 1 x SPDIF on BNC, 1 x SPDIF optical on TOSLINK |
| Balanced Outputs | 1 x pair on XLR connectors (0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms), Output impedance: 3 (Max load: 600, recommended 10k-100k) |
| Unbalanced Outputs | 1 x pair on RCA connectors (0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, 6V rms), Output impedance: 52 (Max load: 600, recommended 10k-100k) |
| Word Clock Inputs | 2 x BNC connectors (accepts 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192kHz; TTL levels) |
| Word Clock Output | 1 x BNC connector (TTL-compatible, Sync Mode as Master) |
| MQA Support | Full decoding and rendering from Network & USB2 inputs. Final rendering of unfolded MQA data from other inputs |
| Dynamic Range | 24-bit data: Better than 113dB0, 20Hz - 20kHz unweighted (6V output setting) |
| THD N | Better than -115dB0, 20Hz 20kHz |
| Channel Separation | Better than -105dB0, 20Hz 20kHz |
| PCM & DSD Filters | PCM: up to 6 filters; DSD: 4 filters, plus improved transient response with Filter 5 |
| Upsampling | PCM upsampling to DXD, DSD, or DSDx2 (user selectable) |
| Software | Download and updates via dCS Mosaic Control app |
| Control Options | dCS Mosaic Control app, RS232 interface (3rd party automation system), Optional dCS Universal Remote |
| Power Supply | Factory set to 100, 115/120, 220 or 230/240V AC 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 25W typical / 50W maximum |
