As dCS says about the mono DACs:
These innovations have enabled us to take our signature ultra-low distortion performance to a new level whilst significantly lowering noise floor
and
We also devised a patented clocking protocol, dCS Tomix, to ensure perfect synchronicity between the Mono DACs.
Both have to be measured in an upcoming review.
When Stereophile measures Jitter on a DAC, theyâre looking for timing irregularities that manifest in the analog domain as spectral components beside the main signal frequency. They measure that for both channels on a single graph and typically the jitterâs spectral components are the same for both channels and indistinguishable (except random variations at the noise floor).
With mono DACs, if the clock signals are not precisely matched, then the spectral components of the jitter measurement for each channel wonât be the same and should show up on the graph quite visibly.
I remain unconvinced. There are unresolved questions. For example, you say in regard to Stereophile that they " measure both channels on a single graph". No, they write the result of their measurement procedure(s) to the same graph.Whether the graph shows simultaneous measurements or two separate sweeps is unknown. Given delays between sweeps how consistent are they for the purpose of measuring temporal variation?Further information is required.
It is known: a test tone is sent through the (L and R channel, stereo in this case) DAC, and measured per channel at both its analogue outputs, and then plotted into the same graph, for visibility/ to compare easily.
As @Anupc wrote:
With mono DACs, if the clock signals are not precisely matched, then the spectral components of the jitter measurement for each channel wonât be the same and should show up on the graph quite visibly.
Stereophile is using the Miller-Dunn J-Test.
Their method can be found here:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/jitterbuggin-2020-measurements
This article refers to:
Perhaps I missed it, if you get this stack you need to use the Rossini or Vivaldi Transport?
Not quite. There will be a CD/SACD transport joining the Varese line next year ( and adding to the cost of course). Further options are to be available should the customer choose them.
Rossini or Vivaldi transports are not really compatible as they cannot accept the new dCS Tomix timing protocol.
I think youâre forgetting the I/O Module Pete. That provides connectivity for pre-Varèse sources and seems to specifically envisage the existing dCS transports being equipped with both the necessary dual-AES inputs and a dual rate 75⌠clock output.
Not really. Thatâs why I wrote:
The I/O module does not yet exist, there is only a space for it on the Core. As to what functions it ( or they) will be decided on still lies in the realms of speculation. At over $300k I expect hat most purchasers in that financial bracket will not be too concerned about compatibility with pre-existing units anyway.
In terms of new product, it seems dCS is on a balancing beam.
On one hand, their upgradeability program is a huge plus for me as a consumer.
I also feel it might keep a focus on the circuit board and innovation and the result of better sound. I think all agree APEX was a huge upgrade in sound. And maybe existing customers love the idea of less depreciation if their boxes remain the latest and greatest.
On the other hand, additional learnings from Varese may require new products with a new circuit. And perhaps the marketing team could argue we need new products and a fresh look and maybe a sexier screen like hifi rose.
But if there are more upgrades via software updates, maybe dCS is best off keeping more customers happy. And gaining more customers via a focus on the excellent APEX sound.
Selfishly, given my current budget I would be happy to get a $9K ânext APEXâ upgrade every five years. Possibly wishful thinking on my partâŚ
These events (the recent UK show and now this) are interesting however one must ask when a functioning stack will be available for listening. Static displays do not tell us much if anything about how Varese sounds.
Paragon is a respected dealer and I have had pleasant interactions with their team, including at least one purchase.
Cheers,
R
Larry and team are stellar. Beautiful store as well.
Nice review from Chris on the VareseâŚ
Wow. Excellent⌠in some ways unbelievable⌠but certainly inviting
Iâd like to book an hour at the massage eh varese parlour 
I note that this listening session included no tracks in MQA format, and several references to DSD, including DSD256.
