APL Hi-Fi DSD-S Pure DSD boutique D/A Converter

The DSD-S is our mid-line Digital to Analog converter, specifically made for those enthusiastic audiophiles who search for a no compromise digital audio reproduction offered by an all-solid-state DAC design.

It is an all-hand-made boutique, designed and built with the best possible audio quality in mind for its price-range.

Just like our DSD-M reference converter, the DSD-S is inspired by vinyl sound quality, and it provides a comparable rich and spacious sonic character.

The DSD-S represents the culmination of our 25 years digital and analog design experience, as well as component selection knowledge.

From the double DSD processing rate, to the MOSFET Class A tube output stage, the DSD-S offers a high level of technology advancement and refinement.

The DSD-S is based on a modular design, allowing a cost-effective future upgradability of any internal stage.

Digital Processing

• Proprietary asynchronous USB input module accepting DSD64 and DSD128, as well as PCM rates up to 384kHz/32bit.
• Proprietary PCM to DSD converter module with DSD64 and DSD128 capabilities, user selectable.
• S/PDIF digital input module accepting up to 200kHz/24bit PCM.
• All PCM rates from USB and S/PDIF sources are processed to DSD domain, prior to D/A conversion.
• Pure DSD Digital to Analog conversion module.
• Paralleled Flagship Cirrus-Logic DAC devices working in DSD only and a special mode we have developed, resulting in much improved audio quality.
• Ultra-low-jitter "femto" Master Clocks.
• RJ-45 input jack for our digital audio transports.

Analog Output Stage

• Extremely powerful, Pure Class A, unity-gain MOSFET output stage with very low output impedance.
• Unique H-Attenuator offering a lossless volume control with 0.5dB step, negating the need of a preamplifier, wherever possible.
• Passive DSD analog filtering and interstage coupling, featuring custom Lundahl audio transformers.
• Zero Negative Feedback design.
• No capacitors on the signal path.
• No Op Amps on the analog signal path.
• No mechanical contacts, relays or switches on the signal path.
• Solid core Oxygen Free Copper internal signal wiring.

Power Supply

• Oversized Custom P-Core balanced main power transformer.
• Optically controlled, mechanical-contacts-free devices for main power switching control.
• Delayed start for proper warm-up.
• High grade, specially selected rectifiers and passive components.
• Solid Copper wiring for power supply.

Convenience and mechanical

• LCD display.
• Microprocessor control memorizing last settings, including volume level for each input.
• Infrared Remote milled from solid Aluminum blocks.
• All-Aluminum enclosure with machined 10 millimeters thick front panel.


• Solid Maple feet.


• Optional isolation feet from Franc Audio Accessories. 

Warranty

Five years warranty.

• Two S/PDIF Coaxial digital inputs with WBT RCA connectors.


• AES/EBU professional standard balanced digital input.


• Note! S/PDIF, AES/EBU and Optical accepting up to 200kHz/24bit PCM.


• USB input accepting up to 384kHz/32bit PCM, as well as DSD64 and DSD128 in DoP format.


• All PCM rates from S/PDIF, AES, Optical and USB are converted to DSD64 or DSD128, user selectable.


• DTR input accepting encrypted digital information from our digital transports.

Analog Outputs

• Single Ended RCA outputs with WBT RCA connectors.


• Optional XLR balanced outputs. Both XLR and RCA can be used simultaneously. 


• Output level - 2.1V RMS at 0dBFS.


• Output impedance - approximately 15 Ohms.

Power input and fuses

• IEC power inlet made by Schurter.


• 120V or 230V / 50-60Hz, factory pre-set.


• Other power input voltages available on request.


• 0.1A fuse for standby power.


• 1A special Gold fuse by AMR for main power.

Dimensions and weight

• W435 x H80 x D280 millimeters.


• Front panel width - 450 millimeters.


• Height with feet - 110 millimeters.


• 8.5kg unpacked.

Included Accessories

• Special power cable of our design.


• Infrared Remote Control