dCS Vivaldi Transport II – First look
All Image Credit: dCS
Despite the popularity of streaming, physical media still draws many audiophiles to its format, providing, as it does, some of the highest levels of audio quality. dCS, like several other high end audio manufactures, seem to agree with their latest release of the Vivaldi Transport II. A dedicated transport engineered to provide audiophiles the best possible sound from their CD’s and Super Audio CD’s.
The Transport II ensures Vivaldi listeners experience the finest sound from their silver discs. It combines proven dCS technologies and a dual wavelength laser mechanism in a meticulously crafted aluminum chassis. This latest MKII came about as the original Vivaldi Transport, that was designed using a TEAC Esoteric Neo VMK-3 mechanism, is no longer available. This MKII version not only features a new Sound United D&M SACD mechanism but has also had its power supplies improved helping to reduce noise and system temperatures.
The Vivaldi Transport II plays Red Book CDs in their native 16/44.1 format and simultaneously up-samples the data to either DSD, DSDx2 or DXD. While SACDs are played in their native DSD format and simultaneously down-sampled to 16/44.1 format.
Being a pure transport the rear panel connectivity is all digital allowing the user to not only select a DAC of matching quality, but use an even more stable external word clock. The outputs include;
- A dual AES pair of 3-pin male XLR connectors (AES1+2) that support encrypted DSD data when an SACD is spinning, and up-sampled PCM data to DSD when a CD is playing. They can be set to provide either encrypted DSD data (1 bit at 2.822MS/s) or DXD data (24 bits at 352.8kS/s) or DSDx2 data (1 bit at 5.644MS/s).
- The third 3-pin male XLR connectors (AES3) outputs 16/44.1 data, whether a CD or SACD is playing.
- One coaxial and one TOSLINK SPDIF connector that each outputs 16/44.1 data, whether a CD or SACD is playing.
Finally, this sturdy 51lbs model features an aerospace-grade aluminum case that is available in anodized silver or matt black finish, and has the distinctive sculpted wave appearance matching that seen throughout the Vivaldi range.
Features:
- Utilizes the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform for state-of-the-art measured performance and unrivalled musical experience
- Plays Red Book CDs in their native 16/44.1 format and simultaneously upsamples the data to either DSD, DSDx2 or DXD
- Plays SACDs in their native DSD format and simultaneously downsamples the data to 16/44.1 format
- Configuration Menu provides option to save / restore settings while EasyPlay feature improves ease of use
- Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and superior tolerance to AC supply variations
- Multi-stage power regulation ensures sensitive clock / PLL circuitry is unaffected by digital interference
- Aerospace-grade machined aluminum chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects and vibration
Specifications:
- Type: Upsampling CD/SACD Transport
- Mechanism: Sound United D&M SACD mechanism
- Digital Outputs: 1 x Dual AES Pair on 2 x 3-pin male XLR connectors (AES1+2). While an SACD is playing, the interface outputs encrypted DSD data. While a CD is playing, the Settings > Upsample Mode menu page sets the interface to output either encrypted DSD data (1 bit at 2.822MS/s) or DXD data (24 bits at 352.8kS/s) or DSDx2 data (1 bit at 5.644MS/s); 1 x AES interface on 3-pin male XLR connector (AES3). Outputs 16/44.1 data, whether a CD or SACD is playing. 2 x SPDIF interface on 1 x RCA Phono and 1 x BNC connectors. Each outputs 16/44.1 data, whether a CD or SACD is playing
- Wordclock I/O: 1 x Word Clock Input on BNC connector, accepts standard Word Clock at 44.1, 88.2 or 176.4kHz. Sensitive to TTL levels. Lock range is +/-300ppm. 1 x Word Clock Output on 1x BNC connector. With the Transport in Master mode, a TTL-compatible Word Clock is output
- Clock Accuracy: The calibration accuracy when shipped is +/-10ppm, (not temperature compensated)
- Software Updates: Updates are loaded directly from CD-R
- Local Control: dCS Universal Remote (supplied with Vivaldi DAC as standard) via the Mosaic app, RS232 app or a third party device
- Power Supply: Factory set to either 100, 115/120, 220 or 230/240V AC, 50/60Hz
- Power Consumption: 16W typical / 50W maximum. Consumes less than 0.5W when powered down from the front panel
- Finish: Silver or Black
- Dimensions: 444mm/17.5” long x 435mm/17.2” deep x 178mm/7.0” high.
- Weight: 23.0kg/50.7lbs
Availability:
November 2023
MSRP (TBC):
- US: $36,500.00
- UK: £31,500.00
- EU: €36,500.00
For more information visit the dCS web site.
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