Michael Lavorgna

In Barn: dCS Rossini DAC

Michael Lavorgna  |  Feb 8, 2018

This is a follow-up to my dCS Rossini DAC ($23,999) review to explore new features delivered as a firmware update including MQA decoding.

Technical Specifications

type: Upsampling Network DAC

colour: Silver or Black

dimensions: 444mm/17.5” x 435mm/17.2” x 125mm/5.0”. Allow extra depth for cable connectors

weight: 15.6kg/34.3lbs.

converter type: dCS proprietary Ring DACTM topology

digital inputs: Network interface on an RJ45 connector – Acts as a UPnPTM renderer in Asynchronous mode, streaming digital music from a NAS or local computer over a standard Ethernet network, decoding all major lossless formats including FLAC, WAV & AIFF at up to 24 bit 384kS/s native sample rate, plus DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DFF/DSF format
Other supported formats include WMA, ALAC, MP3, AAC & OGG.
Some formats are limited to lower sample rates. Accepts data streamed from an iPod, iPhone or iPad via Apple AirPlay, 44.1 or 48kS/s only. Network Loop Out connector on a second RJ45 connector. USB 2.0 interface on a B-type connector operating in Asynchronous mode, will accept up to 24 bit PCM at up to 384kS/s plus DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format. Operates in Class 1 or 2 mode.
USB-on-the-go interface on type A connector operating in Asynchronous mode, streams digital music from a flash drive at up to 24 bit 384kS/s plus DSD/64 or DSD/128. 2x AES/EBU on 3-pin female XLR connectors.
Each will accept PCM at up to 24 bit 192kS/s or DSD/64 in DoP format. Used as a Dual AES pair, it will accept PCM at up to 384kS/s, DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format or dCS-encrypted DSD.
2x SPDIF on 1x RCA Phono and 1x BNC connectors. Each will accept PCM at up to 24 bit 192kS/s or DSD/64 in DoP format. 1x SPDIF optical on a Toslink connector will accept PCM at up to 24 bit 96kS/s.
analogue outputs: Output levels: 2V or 6V rms for full-scale input, set in the menu. Balanced outputs: 1 stereo pair on 2x 3-pin XLR male connectors (pin 2 = hot, pin 3 = cold). These outputs are electronically balanced and floating.
Output impedance is 3Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (10k-100kΩ is recommended).
Unbalanced outputs: 1 stereo pair on 2x RCA phono connectors.

Wordclock I/O: 2x Word Clock Inputs on 2x BNC connectors, accept standard word clock at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz.
The data rate can be the same as the clock rate or an exact multiple of the clock rate. Sensitive to TTL levels. Word Clock Output on 1x BNC connector. In Master mode, a TTL-compatible word clock appears on this output.

residual noise: 24-bit data: Better than -113dB0, 20Hz-20kHz unweighted. (6V output setting).

l r crosstalk: Better than -115dB0, 20Hz-20kHz.

spurious responses: Better than -105dB0, 20Hz-20kHz.

filters: PCM mode: up to 6 filters give different trade-offs between the Nyquist image rejection and the phase response. DSD mode: 4 filters progressively reduce out-of-audio band noise level.

upsampling rates: DXD as standard or optional DSD upsampling.

software updates: Loaded from CD-R via PCM digital inputs or PC via USB input. Download and update functionality available via Rossini App.

local control: dCS Rossini App for Unit Configuration and Music Playback. RS232 interface (controlled by a 3rd party automation system). IR remote control – dCS premium remote control available as an optional extra.

power supply: Factory set to either 100, 115/120, 220 or 230/240V AC, 50-60Hz.

power consumption: 23 Watts typical / 28 Watts maximum.

operating systems: Windows Vista / 7 / 8.1 / 10, Mac OSX 10.10. dCS USB driver is required for Windows in Audio Class 2 Mode.

photo credit: dCS

COMMENTS
Ali's picture
Submitted by Ali on February 8, 2018 - 10:06am

Thanks but all these info are also available in their website. I thought it going to be a proper in depth follow-up review specially that now it can decode MQA(God forbidden!)

Michael Lavorgna's picture
Submitted by Michael Lavorgna on February 8, 2018 - 11:45am
It is simply to let people know what is here for review.
bobflood's picture
Submitted by bobflood on February 8, 2018 - 12:28pm

your current reference DAC was expensive.

bigrasshopper's picture
Submitted by bigrasshopper on February 9, 2018 - 11:42pm

Does the Network Bridge do anything that the Rossini can’t ? Or If one had a Rossini would there be any reason why that person might also want the Bridge ?

Michael Lavorgna's picture
Submitted by Michael Lavorgna on February 10, 2018 - 4:55am
...you do not need the Network Bridge since the Rossini has its own network input.

I own and use the Bridge because my DAC, the totaldac d1-six, does not have a network input.

ohlins's picture
Submitted by ohlins on February 16, 2018 - 7:09pm

perhaps add the d1 server in the d1-six DAC that you are upgrading to d1-seven ? .....

Michael Lavorgna's picture
Submitted by Michael Lavorgna on February 17, 2018 - 6:30am
...and need to use it for reviews, I'm going to leave the d1-seven as just a DAC.

Cheers

Ali's picture
Submitted by Ali on February 28, 2018 - 2:45am

I like to know if NAS hard drive is necessary for having a good sound or any ext-hard connected via USB or Thunderbolt directly to computer is okay? I am going to install Roon on my Mac Air and looking for best way to keep my music file.

ds's picture
Submitted by ds on March 6, 2018 - 3:24pm

Ali:

If your question is with respect to the Rossini, IMHO the differences between a NAS and a USB connection directly from your computer to the DAC will be minor. Better--though more costly -- ways to reduce noise in your system include upgrading your cables; your pre-amp, adding a power conditioner, or best, adding the Rossini clock.

DS

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