dCS Varèse: The new flagship raises the bar in digital audio

dCS, a company with a long-standing history in digital audio system production, has been at the forefront of digital audio manufacturing since 1987. Their renowned product lines include the Vivaldi, Rossini, and Bartók series, along with the Lina headphone amplifier. To enhance audio resolution, dynamics, and accuracy, the company employs its proprietary RingDAC APEX digital-to-analog conversion technology. dCS is now launching a new, more extensive series named Varèse, which consists of five components: The Core (a streaming device), two Mono DACs (one for each channel), the Master Clock, and the User Interface. This system requires both enthusiasm and financial investment to assemble.

The English company’s new flagship raises the bar in digital audio even higher

The Mono DACs in the system feature modifications to the dCS DAC architecture, utilizing a Differential Ring DAC, which represents an advanced iteration of the Ring DAC, delivering enhanced performance as claimed by the manufacturer.

These Mono DACs are equipped with Tomix technology, introducing a novel Master Clock methodology. Tomix is a patented clocking innovation that enables the Varèse Mono DACs to function in complete synchronization, ensuring that the conversion of each digital audio sample to analog occurs precisely at the correct moment for both the left and right channels, while upholding the utmost timing accuracy for each DAC.

dCS Varèse

Analog outputs are available via RCA and XLR connections from the Mono DAC units.

The User Interface features a large display on the front, complemented by a uniquely designed round remote control. The modules interconnect through a specialized protocol known as dCS Actus, which necessitates a specific cable and connectors. Actus is a patented interconnection system for Varèse devices, facilitating the transmission of audio, control, and timing signals between devices through a single cable.

The Core streamer of the system is compatible with all high-resolution formats and streaming services, managing a wide range of functions. These include audio input, conversion, noise shaping, and filtering processes that occur prior to the signals being sent to the Varèse Mono DAC.

dCS states that the Varèse series showcases a distinctive architecture designed for unparalleled precision and fidelity. They emphasize that the system’s groundbreaking design and tailored technologies surpass anything dCS has previously attempted.