The British company dCS introduced the second generation of SACD /CD optical discs in the Vivaldi series . The new product received the suffix Mark II . Even though audio streaming has become increasingly popular, many audiophiles prefer to listen to Super Audio CDs in DSD format, which is not available on any streaming service. Additionally, some music lovers have amassed large collections of rare CD recordings, many of which are currently unavailable on streaming platforms. dCS is well aware of this and has developed optical disc transports to help listeners get the best sound from their music libraries.
The first generation Vivaldi transport was based on the TEAC Esoteric Neo VMK-3 optical disc drive, chosen for its rigid design and near-silent operation. Unfortunately, this component is no longer available, meaning that dCS cannot produce the Vivaldi Transport in its original form. The dCS Vivaldi Transport Mark II is equipped with a D&M SACD drive from Sound United.
Vivaldi Transport II plays Red Book CDs in their native 16-bit/44.1 kHz PCM format while simultaneously upsampling the data to DSD, DSDx2 or DXD. This plays SACD discs in native DSD format and simultaneously downsamples the data to 16-bit/44.1 kHz PCM.
Digital outputs include a pair of XLR AES connectors (AES1+2) that can output encrypted DSD data when playing SACD discs. When playing a CD, you can select to output either encrypted DSD data (1 bit at 2.822 MS/s), DXD data (24 bit / 352.8 kS/s) or DSDx2 (1 bit at 5.644 MS/s). Meanwhile, the AES interface on the 3-pin XLR connector (AES3) outputs data in 16-bit/44.1 kHz PCM format regardless of whether CD or SACD is being played back. The SPDIF outputs work similarly (1 x RCA and 1 x BNC).
dCS has updated Vivaldi Transport
The 23kg Vivaldi Transport Mark II features the same signature sculpted wavy design as the entire Vivaldi range. Like all Vivaldi components, it is housed in aircraft-grade aluminum and is available in anodized silver or matte black. Deliveries of the Vivaldi Transport Mark II will begin on 1 November with a recommended retail price of £31,500
