UK-based dCS has announced the MCD 16. The official debut of this multi-channel DA converter will take place at the High End Audio Show in Vienna, held in early June. dCS will be making a big splash in collaboration with Trinnov Audio and Perlisten Audio. The MCD 16 will roll off the production line in the autumn of 2026, by which time more technical and pricing information will also become available.
DA converter built on eight separate Ring DAC circuits
dCS (Data Conversion Systems) has been designing and manufacturing digital audio equipment in Cambridge since 1987. Known for its patented Ring DAC technology, dCS produces a small, focused range of source components that is regarded by the press and listeners worldwide as the reference standard for digital audio conversion.
dCS now proudly announces the MCD 16, a 16-channel DA converter built on a foundation of eight separate Ring DAC circuits. It is the company's first DA converter developed specifically for multiple channels. The MCD 16 does not deviate from dCS principles but is actually an extension of them; that is, the same discrete Ring DAC architecture that characterizes the company's stereo products is now applied to sixteen independent channels.
The product makes its public debut at High End Vienna 2026 (from June 4 to 7), where dCS, together with Trinnov Audio and Perlisten Audio, will present a joint demonstration of immersive audio. The demonstration is set up as a fully controlled listening environment in which every element of the signal chain, from decoding and conversion to loudspeaker behavior and spatial reproduction, functions with precision and consistency.
The result is a large-scale 15.8.8 immersive audio system designed not only to impress, but also to provide immersive music reproduction with exceptional stability, coherence, and realism.
Grammy Award-winning producer Justin Gray provides exclusive sessions
Throughout the exhibition, daily demonstration sessions will be held led by Grammy Award-winning producer Justin Gray. Gray, known for his groundbreaking work in immersive music production, presents and analyzes selected material in the format for which it was created. He will offer visitors a unique insight into both the creative intent and the technical reality of immersive audio at its best.
The sessions are only accessible to visitors of High End Vienna 2026, and interested parties must reserve a place in advance.
dCS MCD 16: price and delivery information
Delivery of the MCD 16 is expected to begin in the autumn of 2026. Pricing information and full technical specifications will be announced by then.
