About the DSD-AR
The APL Hi-Fi DSD-AR DAC is a hand-built digital-to-analog converter from Bulgaria, designed for audiophiles seeking natural and analogue-like sound quality. It features a proprietary asynchronous USB input supporting PCM up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD up to DSD256 in NativeDSD mode. The DAC converts all PCM signals to DSD128 or DSD256 using a proprietary PCM to DSD modulator, selectable via remote control. It includes multiple digital filters ('Normal', 'Slow Roll-off', 'Zero') and switch-selectable analogue outputs (unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR). The analogue output stage is transformer-coupled Class-A, with no op-amps in the signal path, and uses custom Lundahl transformers. The DAC has a blue-green OLED display showing detailed information including filter and DSD mode. All power supplies are linear, avoiding switch-mode supplies for better sound quality. The DSD-AR offers a unique sound signature with high transparency, dynamics, and a natural presentation, praised for its price-performance ratio. It is handmade to order, allowing bespoke customization.
Specifications
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