About the Debussy DAC
Built to the highest specification, Debussy features a sleek solid aluminium fascia, high-grade aluminium casing, metal buttons and is powered by dCS electronics. Whether you use CD or a computer as your source, Debussy will resolve every last bit of detail from your music collection, bringing a realism that you have never heard before.
In common with the award-winning Scarlatti, Paganini and Puccini ranges, Debussy uses our proprietary dCS Ring DAC™, which oversamples all incoming data to 5-bits at 2.822 or 3.07MS/s.
Debussy DAC features standard AES3, Dual AES and S/PDIF inputs in addition to the USB 2.0 interface. The digital volume control allows direct connection to a power amplifier, in most cases removing the need for a preamplifier. Maximum output can be either two or six volts to suit different amplifier and loudspeaker combinations. Two filters are provided, offering listeners the choice of linear phase with pre-ringing or non-linear phase without pre-ringing.
When connecting a computer source, Debussy DAC operates in asynchronous USB mode in which it synchronises the audio by providing a feedback pipe to the computer, which is effectively locked to the audio device for dramatically lower jitter and superior sound.
The PCM inputs on all dCS DACs are industry-standard AES and S/PDIF interfaces. There should be no difficulty using them with other manufacturers’ equipment, provided it also complies with industry standards.
Debussy can be locked to an external Word Clock signal generated by a dCS Master Clock and this produces a substantial performance improvement.
Key Features
- Asynchronous USB input allows direct connection of a computer and supports high resolution audio up to 24-bit, 384kS/s and DSD/128 in DoP format (DSD over PCM).
- An array of independently selectable digital inputs completes the versatility of this powerful machine, elevating the performance of Red Book CD or high resolution audio from digital streamers and servers to a new level.
- The enhanced digital volume control allows direct connection to a power amplifier, removing the need for a separate preamplifier. Maximum output can be set at either two or six volts to suit different amplifier and loudspeaker combinations.
- Debussy also benefits from our ‘soft’ approach to programmable logic, allowing new software to be loaded from a dCS update disc or connected computer in order to add new features and adapt to future changes in digital audio.
Specifications
- Digital-to-Analogue Converter.
- Silver or Black.
- 445mm/17.6” x 392mm/15.5” x 65mm/2.6”. Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
- 8.8kg/19.4lbs.
- dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology.
- Output Levels: 2V rms or 6V rms on all outputs, set by the Output Level switch on the rear panel. Balanced Outputs: 1 stereo pair on 2x 3-pin male XLR connectors (pin 2 = hot, pin 3 = cold). These outputs are electronically balanced and floating, the signal balance ratio at 1kHz is better than 40dB. Output impedance is 3Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (a 10kΩ load is recommended). Unbalanced Outputs: 1 stereo pair on 2x RCA Phono connectors. Output impedance is 52Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (a 10kΩ load is recommended).
- USB interface on a B-type connector will accept up to 24 bit PCM at 44.1, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 & 384kS/s or DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format. Operates in asynchronous mode. 2x AES/EBU on 3-pin female XLR connectors. Each will accept 24 bit PCM data at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192 kS/s or DSD/64 in DoP format OR as a Dual AES pair at 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 & 384kS/s or DSD/64 & DSD/128 in DoP format or dCS-encrypted DSD/64. 2x SPDIF on 1x RCA Phono and 1x BNC connectors. Each will accept 24 bit PCM data at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192 kS/s or DSD/64 in DOP format.
- Word Clock input on 1x BNC connector. Accepts standard Word Clock at 32, 44.1, 88.2, 96, 176.4 & 192kHz.
- Less than -110dB0 @ 20Hz-20kHz unweighted (6V Setting).
- Better than -100dB0 @ 20Hz-20kHz.
- 2 filters on Debussy give different trade-offs between the Nyquist image rejection and the phase response. Filter 1 is a classic sharp filter, with linear phase and pre-ringing. Filter 2 is an alternative filter, which has non-linear phase and no pre-ringing.
- Loaded from CD or PC via USB or PCM digital inputs.
- IR (RC5) or RS232. A dCS Premium remote control is supplied as standard.
- Tested on Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7 and Mac OSX. Operates in ‘Audio Class’ mode. Class 1 mode (limited to 96kS/s) does not require special drivers to be installed. Class 2 mode requires the dCS drivers to be installed on Windows PCs. Not required for OSX 10.6.3 or later.
- Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 49-62Hz.
- 22 Watts typical/30 Watts maximum.
Reviews
“The dCS Debussy DAC is a tour de force product in every respect.”
- Ultra High End Review
READ THE FULL REVIEW Read More“The experience allows you to listen for hours without fatigue. And I can’t give a source component a higher recommendation than that.”
- Tone Publications
READ THE FULL REVIEW Read More“I won’t mince words: The Debussy is flat out fabulous. Let me count the ways.”
- The Absolute Sound
READ THE FULL REVIEW Read More“Its bigger brothers are terribly impressive in their way, but I’d say the Debussy is all most people would ever really need.”
- Hi-Fi World
READ THE FULL REVIEW Read More“I don't see how even the most committed analog diehard would not enjoy the sound of high-resolution digital files decoded by the Debussy...”
- Stereophile
READ THE FULL REVIEW Read More“In addition, the Debussy not only unearths every musical line, it makes following all those lines concurrently an effortless task.”
- Hi-Fi Plus
READ THE FULL REVIEW Read MoreSupport
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