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dCS Bartók APEX
dCS

Bartók APEX

Single-Box Streaming DAC
Starting at$20,950 Without headphone amp · $22,950 with

Everything dCS does, concentrated into a single chassis. The same Ring DAC APEX technology found in the Vivaldi and Rossini — and for many listeners, all the dCS they'll ever need.

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The Story

The Bartók APEX is dCS's most accessible full-size product — and arguably their most impressive achievement. It packs streaming, upsampling, D/A conversion, preamplifier functionality, and an optional headphone amplifier into a single chassis, using the same Ring DAC APEX hardware found in the $46,500 Vivaldi DAC.

That's not marketing spin. The APEX upgrade literally brought the Bartók's Ring DAC to the same specification as the Vivaldi and Rossini APEX models.

Available with or without a built-in headphone amplifier, the Bartók APEX supports all major streaming services, Roon, and a full complement of digital inputs. Its variable output means it can drive power amplifiers directly, functioning as both DAC and preamplifier.

Adding an external dCS Master Clock — either the Rossini Clock or the dedicated Lina Master Clock — unlocks even more of the Bartók's potential, improving timing precision and spatial definition. But even without a clock, the Bartók APEX delivers performance that embarrasses far more expensive competitors.

Specifications
Type
Network streaming DAC
DAC
Ring DAC APEX
Headphone Amp
Optional built-in
Streaming
Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Roon Ready
Upsampling
DXD, DSD, DSDx2
Inputs
USB, AES, S/PDIF, Toslink
Output
Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA
Volume Control
Digital, variable output
Optional Clock
Rossini or Lina Clock
Made In
Cambridgeshire, England
MQA
Full decoder
Software
Upgradeable firmware
Key Technologies
Ring DAC APEX
The same APEX specification as Vivaldi and Rossini — the Bartók's DAC hardware is identical to its more expensive siblings.
Optional Headphone Amp
A high-quality built-in headphone amplifier makes the Bartók a complete desktop or headphone system in a single box.
Variable Output Preamp
Digital volume control allows direct connection to power amplifiers, simplifying the signal path and potentially improving transparency.
Network Streaming
Built-in support for all major streaming platforms with the dCS Mosaic control app for library management and playback.
Clock Upgradeable
Adding an external dCS Master Clock delivers a meaningful improvement in focus, spatial definition, and low-level detail.
Single-Box Simplicity
All the performance of the dCS Ring DAC APEX in one chassis — no multi-box complexity required.
Explore the dCS Lineup
Varèse
Varèse
Flagship
Vivaldi APEX
Vivaldi APEX
Reference
Rossini APEX
Rossini APEX
Performance
Bartók APEX
Bartók APEX
Single-Box
Lina DAC X
Lina DAC X
Compact
Lina Network DAC
Lina DAC
Headphone
Lina Amp
Lina Amp
Headphone
Lina Clock
Lina Clock
Master Clock
Why Buy the Bartók APEX at AudioConcepts
Hear It First
The Bartók APEX is available for audition in our listening rooms, paired with world-class amplification and loudspeakers.
Network Expertise
dCS streaming demands a properly configured network. We'll ensure your setup is optimized for flawless, high-resolution playback.
System Integration
We'll help you build the complete system around your Bartók APEX — amplification, speakers, cabling, and power all matched for optimal performance.
Upgrade Path
dCS products evolve with firmware updates and hardware upgrades. We'll keep your system current and performing at its best.