My current system consists of an Aurender W20SE, dual aes connected to a Vivaldi Apex dac (no external masterclock) which in turn is connected directly to an ARC ref 160S with TAD E1TX-K speakers. Although satisfied and not really in need for further optimisation, I do have the opportunity to exchange the Aurender for a dCS Vivaldi Upsampler Plus at reasonable price. Partly given the integration of the Upsampler in the dCS eco system it is my expectation that replacement will lead to further refinement and realism in sound reproduction. It is not possible to get the Upsampler in advance for audition in my specific home system so I’m not able to assess whether and to what extent this investment in my system will actually lead to substantial improvement in music reproduction. Curious about experiences and advice, anyone?
It might but will it to you and your preferences and tastes? This is the problem regarding the purchase of unheard items.
The only thing I can be sure about is that it would give you access to Mosaic and that this provides fairly regular updates both to the firmware and app. This year we have seen the addition of Qobuz Connect and revised Spotify access. As well as , of course, bug fixes etc. In comparison, maybe Aurender provides a similar environment but I do not know. Mosaic also gives you control of your entire Vivaldi stack. However if you do not have the clock I am unsure about any synchronisation matters between upsampler and DAC as the latter only has provision for a single frequency wordclock out. Maybe others would advise on this.
Vivaldi Upsmampler is now simply titled that. AFAIK Upsampler 2.0 was a title used for a period when the original upsampler gained the streaming board ( 2016?) . I only know ise of the term Plus iby dCS in relation to Elgar, at least from my viewpoint in the UK ( I do not know where you are). So I would check this unit’s provenance ( did , for example, the USA distributor use Plus not 2.0?)
Not quite Pete. The original Vivaldi Upsampler, serial number VUPxxxxx, was released along with the rest of the Vivaldi stack in 2013. The Vivaldi Upsampler Plus, serial number VPPxxxxx, was released along with the 2.0 firmware in July 2016 and replaced the VUP. VUPs (which can only run 1.xx firmware) could be factory upgraded to VPPs (which run 2.xx firmware). So “Plus” refers to the hardware, “2.0” to the firmware.
The original VUP was network-capable, but the functionality was significantly enhanced with the upgrade:
New Network and USB interface galvanically isolated
Dual AES output now supports DSD/128 (DSDx2).
Extra conversions added: 32 – DSDx2 > DSDx2, 176.4 – 352.8 > DSDx2. There are 6 filters for the 44.1 > DSDx2 conversion, 1 filter for the other new conversions.
New Network Board & Vivaldi 2.0 control app – Tidal & Spotify Connect integration added.
iPod input deleted, mobile devices play via AirPlay instead.
USB2 input is now accessed as part of the Network interface, not as a separate input.
Rob, if you’d like to borrow my upsampler to assess the sound vs the Aurender before pulling the trigger just let me know. It’s boxed up currently so I’m not using it at the moment.
Finally decided not to trade in my beloved W20SE on an Upsampler Plus, instead I prefer to wait for an offer of a good Vivaldi Master Clock on the used market. I presume in my system this choice would yield more bang for my buck. Current Vivaldi Apex dac and W20SE with its great Conductor app is already performing phenomenally, so no hurry.