Elgar

About the Elgar

The dCS Elgar is a landmark digital processor that established dCS as a leader in high-resolution audio. Introduced in 1996 at £8500, it was the first commercially available domestic DAC capable of handling 24-bit/96kHz PCM audio, making it a groundbreaking product in the audiophile community. The Elgar features a minimalist design with a low-profile chassis finished in two-tone gray and a central green LED matrix display. It incorporates dCS's proprietary 5-bit Ring DAC topology with 64x-oversampling digital filter, along with integral digital volume and balance controls that allow it to function as a preamplifier when connected directly to a power amplifier. The unit was later upgraded to accept 192kHz music feeds, and the Plus version (introduced in 2000) added DSD playback capability via IEEE1394 connection. Stereophile awarded it Class A status in their Recommended Components. The Elgar remains a detailed and controlled performer with smooth, refined treble and excellent composure across complex musical passages, delivering an even tonal balance with sophisticated refinement.