DCS Bartók Headphone DAC / Music Streamer (RESERVED)

The dCS Bartók Headphone DAC is a high-end digital music player combining dCS’s proprietary Ring DAC™ technology, advanced digital signal processing and a high-performance UPnP music streamer in a single chassis. Designed for both headphone and stereo listening, the Bartók provides comprehensive digital connectivity alongside dedicated balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs.

The Bartók incorporates the dCS Digital Processing Platform and a single FPGA for signal processing, with DXD upsampling as standard, optional DSD upsampling and a selection of user-configurable DSP filters. Its network interface supports high-resolution PCM up to 24-bit/384kS/s together with DSD128, while the unit also accommodates USB, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital sources.

For headphone listening, the Bartók incorporates a dedicated headphone amplifier with both balanced and unbalanced outputs. Its line outputs can also be connected directly to a power amplifier, allowing the Bartók to function as the digital source and control centre of a high-performance stereo system without requiring a separate preamplifier.

Key Features

• dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology
• Upsampling Network DAC with Headphone Output
• Integrated UPnP music streamer
• dCS Digital Processing Platform
• DXD upsampling as standard
• Optional DSD upsampling
• User-selectable PCM and DSD filters
• TIDAL and Spotify Connect support
• Apple AirPlay
• Full MQA decoding and rendering from Network and USB2
• Balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs
• Balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
• dCS auto-clocking architecture
• Dual mains transformers
• Firmware upgradeable via the Bartók App

Digital Processing & Conversion

Type: Upsampling Network DAC with Headphone Output

Converter: dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology

Processing Platform: dCS Digital Processing Platform with single FPGA

Standard Upsampling: DXD

Optional Upsampling: DSD

PCM Filters: Up to 6 selectable filters

DSD Filters: 4 selectable filters

Auto Clocking: dCS auto-clocking architecture designed to minimise jitter

Network Streaming

The Bartók incorporates a UPnP network interface operating in asynchronous mode and can stream music from a NAS or local computer over Ethernet.

Network Connection: RJ45 Ethernet

Network Formats:

• FLAC
• WAV
• AIFF
• ALAC
• WMA
• MP3
• AAC
• OGG

PCM Resolution: Up to 24-bit / 384kS/s

DSD: DSD64 and DSD128 in DFF/DSF format

Streaming Services: TIDAL, Spotify Connect and Internet Radio via the network platform

Apple AirPlay: 44.1kS/s or 48kS/s

Network Loop-Out: 1 × RJ45

Digital Inputs

USB 2.0: 1 × Type-B, asynchronous operation, up to 24-bit / 384kS/s PCM and DSD64/DSD128 in DoP; Class 1 or Class 2 operation

USB On-The-Go: 1 × Type-A, asynchronous operation, up to 24-bit / 384kS/s and DSD128

AES/EBU: 2 × 3-pin female XLR

• Up to 24-bit / 192kS/s PCM per input
• DSD64 in DoP
• Dual AES operation supports PCM up to 384kS/s, DSD64/DSD128 in DoP and dCS-encrypted DSD

S/PDIF:

• 1 × RCA
• 1 × BNC
• 1 × optical TOSLINK

S/PDIF Resolution: Up to 24-bit / 192kS/s PCM and DSD64 in DoP via RCA/BNC; optical up to 24-bit / 96kS/s PCM

Analogue Outputs

Balanced: 1 × stereo pair on 2 × 3-pin XLR male connectors

Balanced Output Type: Electronically balanced and floating

Balanced Output Impedance: 3Ω

Unbalanced: 1 × stereo pair on 2 × RCA phono connectors

Unbalanced Output Impedance: 52Ω

Selectable Output Levels: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V or 6V RMS

Maximum Recommended Load: 600Ω

Recommended Load: 10k–100kΩ

Headphone Amplifier

The Bartók Headphone DAC incorporates a dedicated headphone amplifier designed to accommodate both high- and low-impedance headphones, with balanced and unbalanced connections.

Balanced Headphone Output: 1 × 4-pin XLR

Unbalanced Headphone Output: 1 × 6.35mm / ¼-inch 3-pole jack

Output Level:

• 1.4W RMS into 33Ω
• 0.15W RMS into 300Ω

Selectable Output Levels: 0, -10, -20 and -30dB

Minimum Headphone Impedance: 33Ω

Word Clock

Word Clock Inputs: 2 × BNC

Supported Clock Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz

Word Clock Output: 1 × BNC

Master Mode: TTL-compatible word clock output

Audio Performance

Residual Noise: Better than -113dB0, 20Hz–20kHz, unweighted at 6V output setting

L-R Crosstalk: Better than -115dB0, 20Hz–20kHz

Spurious Responses: Better than -105dB0, 20Hz–20kHz

MQA & SACD

MQA: Full decoding and rendering of MQA data from Network and USB2 inputs; final rendering of unfolded MQA data from other inputs.

SACD: The Bartók accepts encrypted SACD data from compatible dCS transports via its Dual AES inputs.

Power Supply & Construction

The Bartók uses multi-stage power regulation and twin mains transformers, with the transformers arranged to isolate the DAC circuitry from the headphone amplifier. Its chassis uses aerospace-grade machined aluminium with internal acoustic damping panels.

Power Supply: Factory set to 100V, 115/120V, 220V or 230/240V AC, 50/60Hz

Power Consumption: 30W typical / 50W maximum

Construction: Aerospace-grade machined aluminium chassis

Internal Construction: Acoustic damping panels

Manufacturing: Designed and made in Great Britain

Dimensions & Weight

Width: 444mm / 17.5″

Depth: 430mm / 17.0″

Height: 115mm / 4.6″

Weight: 16.7kg / 36.8lbs

Installation: Allow additional depth for cable connectors.

Conclusion

The dCS Bartók Headphone DAC is a sophisticated digital source designed to serve equally well as the centrepiece of a reference stereo system or as a high-end headphone listening solution. Its combination of the proprietary Ring DAC™, dCS Digital Processing Platform, extensive digital connectivity and advanced network streaming places a comprehensive digital front end into a single component.

Its dedicated headphone amplifier provides both balanced and unbalanced connectivity, while the independently available XLR and RCA line outputs allow the Bartók to drive a power amplifier directly. With DXD and DSD upsampling, selectable digital filters, comprehensive clocking options and extensive high-resolution format support, it offers considerable flexibility for demanding digital systems.

For listeners seeking a premium digital music source with integrated streaming, sophisticated conversion and serious headphone capability, the Bartók brings together dCS’s digital engineering, extensive connectivity and upgradeable architecture in a single, highly accomplished component.

*The information provided above has been taken from the manufacturer’s original product manual and is intended as a reference. Specifications, features, dimensions and other details may vary depending on production version, regional configuration or subsequent manufacturer revisions. Please confirm specific details with HFX Systems prior to purchase.

Condition: Excellent

Colour: Black

Note: Product includes original packaging, accessories & remote