Summary
The dCS Rossini APEX is a high-end upsampling network DAC (with optional CD transport) that combines the latest technology with audiophile sound quality. It is based on the revised Ring DAC APEX-architecture and offers support for PCM up to 24-bit/384 kHz, DSD (up to DSD128), DXD, and MQA. Features like auto clocking, comprehensive digital inputs (USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Ethernet) as well as extensive filter and control options (via dCS Mosaic App or RS-232) make it the versatile centerpiece of demanding Hi-Fi systems.Moon Audio+1dcsaudio.comWhat Hi-Fi?Stereophile
Technical Highlights & Equipment
- Ring DAC APEX Architecture – new DAC hardware with improved analog stage, lower noise, increased linearity, wider soundstage, and musical naturalness.Moon AudioWhat Hi-Fi?
- Extensive Inputs:
- Network via RJ45 (PCM up to 24/384 kHz, DSD64/128)
- USB-B & USB-A (DoP, up to DSD128)
- AES/EBU, Dual AES, S/PDIF (RCA, BNC, optical)dcsaudio.comStereophileAudio Connectionhifonix.co.uk
- Digital filter selection – up to 6 PCM and 4 (plus optional filter 5) DSD filters allow for sound fine-tuning.dcsaudio.comStereophile
- Analog outputs – optionally Balanced XLR or Single-Ended RCA; output level freely selectable (0.2V to 6V RMS).dcsaudio.comStereophile
- Auto-clocking & power supply – integrated clock system reduces jitter, supports multi-stage power regulation, firmware updates, and future expansions.Moon AudioAudio Connectionhifonix.co.uk
Sound & listening experience
Stereophile
The DAC is described as "stunningly good. Addictive, even" – with a bass quality that approaches the flagship Vivaldi.Stereophile
What Hi-Fi?
Highlighted are "Outst at ding detail, composure at d sonic authority", current dynamics, "taut and powerful bass" as well as excellent workmanship. The only criticism: the streaming module seems less impressive compared to the DAC.What Hi-Fi?
Moon-Audio / trade press
The editorial team praises the sound quality as end-game, especially in conjunction with the dCS Master Clock – spatial imaging, emotionality, and spatiality set new standards.Moon Audio
AudioResurgence
The Rossini is described as a source of truth in the playback process – especially the Mid representation, dynamics, high-frequency detail, and bass seem incredibly pure and lifelike.AudioResurgence.com
dCS Rossini APEX – The audiophile reference level in digital music player
SEO keywords (example):
dCS Rossini APEX, Ring DAC APEX, High-End DAC, Network Streamer DAC, MQA decoder, Hi-Fi News, Review
#dCS #RossiniAPEX #RingDAC #HighEndDAC #MQA #HiFi #AudioReview #StreamerComparison #Audiophile
Article structure for mSoundbook
- Introduction & context – dCS tradition, innovation power, target audience.
- Design & equipment – housing variants, dimensions, connections, control (Mosaic App).
- Technology in detail – Ring DAC APEX, filter options, clocking, market position.
- Practice & Sound Quality – Citing the trade press (What Hi-Fi?, Stereophile, Moon-Audio, AudioResurgence).
- System Integration – Streaming platforms, firmware updates, expandability.
- Conclusion & Recommendation – Who is the Rossini APEX suitable for? Price-performance analysis (e.g., around USD 32,800 according to Stereophile).Stereophile.
- Visual Support – Product photos (above), diagrams of filter responses or speaker setups optional, if available.
- SEO Conclusion & Hashtags – Summarizing the keywords and integrating the hashtags.
Summary
dCS Rossini APEX – Sonic Excellence at the Highest Level
The dCS Rossini APEX unites cutting-edge ring DAC technology with comprehensive connectivity and streaming functionality in an elegant case – thus redefining the benchmark in the high-end DAC segment.
Technical Highlights:
- Ring DAC APEX with improved analog stage, rich soundstage, and natural sound dynamics.Moon AudioWhat Hi-Fi?.
- Supports PCM up to 24/384 kHz, DSD128, DXD, MQA, with auto-clocking and comprehensive inputs.dcsaudio.comAudio ConnectionMoon Audio.
- Fine sound control thanks to extensive filter options (6 PCM, 4-5 DSD filters).dcsaudio.com.
Sound Reviews:
- “Stunningly good. Addictive” – StereophileStereophile.
- “Outstanding detail, composure and sonic authority” – What Hi-Fi?What Hi-Fi?.
- “End-game experience”, especially with Master Clock – Moon-AudioMoon Audio.
- “Purity, clarity and natural midrange” – AudioResurgenceAudioResurgence.com.
Conclusion: If you're looking for the ultimate source for digital music, you'll likely find the dCS Rossini APEX to be the best of the best – provided the price doesn't immediately turn you off.
Current Price of the dCS Rossini APEX
1. Official List Price (USA)
- According to Moon Audio the selling price of the dCS Rossini APEX DAC/Network Streamer is at $34,500 in both versions (Silver & Black) Moon Audio+1.
2nd price according to trade magazine What Hi-Fi?
- What Hi-Fi? gives a price of £26,775, which is approximately $32,800 corresponds to (as of test: approx. November 2022) What Hi-Fi?.
3rd price according to Stereophile (PDF review)
- In the technical evaluation of the Rossini APEX DAC calls Stereophile also mentions a price of $32,800 (dCS-installed) dcsaudio.com.
4th community indication
- In the NaIn the Audio Community Forum the price is confirmed with $32,800 confirmed and mentions that the dCS-installed APEX upgrade $9,000 costs NaIn the Audio – Community.
5th prices at dealers (UK)
- A British dealer (HiFi Lounge) offers the Rossini APEX DAC for £29,500 and the Rossini APEX Player for £32,300 at Hifi Lounge.
Overview table: price comparison
| Source | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Moon Audio (USA) | Rossini APEX DAC/Streamer | $34,500 |
| What Hi-Fi? (2022) | Rossini APEX DAC | £26,775 (~ $32,800) |
| Stereophile (review) | Rossini APEX DAC | $32,800 |
| Naim Forum (community) | Rossini APEX (incl. APEX upgrade) | $32,800 (upgrade: $9,000) |
| HiFi Lounge (UK dealer) | APEX DAC / Player | £29,500 / £32,300 |
Conclusion & recommendation for your mSoundbook article
- International the price of the dCS Rossini APEX is in the range of $32,800 to $34,500, depending on the provider and time of publication.
- A realistic, current market price – especially in the USA – would be $34,500, according to Moon Audio.
- For meaningful SEO-friendly prices, you could mention both variants:
- List price USA (Moon Audio): $34,500
- Published in trade press (e.g., What Hi-Fi? / Stereophile): approx. $32,800
- Also mention that regional dealers (e.g., in UK) around £29,500 – £32,300 set prices, which is interesting for international readers.
In Germany, please inquire about the price at the Hamburg Germany distributor Audio Reference https://www.audio-reference.de/dcs-serie/rossini-apex/
