Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor

The new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor is a solution for ultimate performance and sound quality, according to the promise of the Japanese high-end hi-fi company Accuphase Laboratory Inc.

The new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor is a solution that delivers nothing less than the ultimate in performance and sound quality. This is how the Japanese high-end hi-fi manufacturer Accuphase Laboratory Inc. describes this new digital processor, which is designed to mark the company’s 50th anniversary, and which is intended first and foremost as the perfect playing partner for the Accuphase DP-1000 Precision SACD Transport, which is also new, but not only.

The latest processor technology and 50 years of experience in the development of outstanding high-end hi-fi solutions are to be found in this solution.

50th Anniversary – Accuphase DP-1000 Precision SACD Transport and Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor

The fact that Accuphase Laboratory Inc. has chosen a combination of SACD transport and D/A converter for its 50th anniversary is quite significant, in our opinion, as it clearly shows that the traditional Japanese brand is very open to the most modern technologies, but at the same time tries to preserve the tried and tested over many decades.

It is also typical for Accuphase Laboratory Inc. that they still see potential for significant improvements in technologies that many consider obsolete, such as the playback of audio CDs and Super Audio CDs, and thus continue to drive development forward in these areas as well.

The fact that they are not leaving a relevant target group of hi-fi enthusiasts in the lurch, for whom audio CDs and Super Audio CDs are still very important, is another plus point that must be credited to the Japanese.

Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor – Flexible D/A Converter

But of course the new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor should not be limited to the role of playing partner of the new Accuphase DP-1000 Precision SACD Transport, in fact this is an extremely versatile D/A converter for a wide variety of sources.

A look at the back of the Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor shows that it is well equipped for a wide range of digital sources, because in addition to the Accuphase HS-Link version 2, there are three coaxial S/PDIF interfaces, two optical S/PDIF interfaces, as well as an AES/EBU interface and even a USB port. The latter is used for direct connection to a PC or Mac, opening up the world of modern hi-res audio streaming systems with all their possibilities.

ESS ES9038-PRO DAC at the heart of the system

At the heart of the signal processing is a D/A converter from ESS Technology Inc, namely an ESS ES9038-PRO. Eight parallel channels are used for signal processing in order to achieve a drastic improvement in performance, as the manufacturer describes.

Two different modes of operation are used, depending on the input signals.

Accuphase Laboratory Inc. itself speaks of a so-called MDS++ conversion principle, which is used for signals in Linear PCM and in which several delta-signal D/A converters are used in parallel to guarantee a drastic improvement in performance. This affects factors such as distortion as well as noise and linearity, and since the MDS++ principle is not dependent on signal frequency or level, it can also minimise noise components at very low levels, which are a major problem for conventional delta-sigma converters.

For content in DSD, the MDSD principle is used, also called Multiple Double Speed DSD.

DSD signals contain a lot of quantisation noise at high frequencies that are not audible to humans, according to Accuphase Laboratory Inc, and digital filters are needed to remove this high frequency noise.

Typically, DSD signals are converted to PCM signals before passing through the digital filter. However, the MDSD principle used in the Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor generates eight phase-shifted DSD signals and then transmits them to the eight channels of the MDS++ D/A converter. The entire circuit then acts as a moving-average filter with entirely linear phase to eliminate high-frequency noise.

Newly developed Dual Direct Balanced Filter

Another key component of the new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor is its newly developed Dual Direct Balanced Filter. These are two parallel Direct Balanced Filters with completely separate and symmetrically designed signal paths, which are particularly effective in avoiding mutual interference and thus achieve a significantly better sound quality.

The new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor is capable of processing signals in Linear PCM at up to 32 bits and 384 kHz, as well as content in DSD, whereby the spectrum here extends to DSD at 11.2 MHz, i.e. DSD256.

Of course, special attention was also paid to the analogue output stages, which rely on technologies and concepts developed by Accuphase Laboratory Inc. for pre- and power amplifiers.

Of course, both the digital and analogue circuits are powered by separate power supplies, each with its own toroidal transformer. These are each supported by separate filter capacitors with 80,000 μF. The meticulously constructed power supply, consisting of several components, takes up a good half of the cabinet, which should only be mentioned by way of range.

The new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor provides analogue signals either via unbalanced RCA connectors or balanced via XLR sockets.

Digital outputs have not been forgotten either, with both optical and coaxial S/PDIF interfaces on the back of the Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor.

Classic design line from Accuphase Laboratory Inc.

It goes without saying that the developers have focused on a solid construction of the cabinet, right down to the solid aluminium front panel, which, in combination with the noble wooden panelling, presents itself in the classic design language of the Japanese high-end hi-fi forge.

The new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor has a width of 477 mm, a height of 156 mm and a depth of 394 mm and weighs a proud 24.4 kg.

Included in delivery is a matching mains cable, an Accuphase ASL-10B audio cable and a USB utility CD.

Prices and availability

According to the information currently available, you won’t have to wait too much longer for this solution. The new Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor should be available from specialist dealers shortly. The recommended retail price is € 22,600.

Getting to the point

The fact that Accuphase Laboratory Inc. has chosen a combination of SACD transport and D/A converter for its 50th anniversary is quite significant, in our opinion, as it clearly shows that the traditional Japanese brand is very open to the latest technologies, but tries to preserve the tried and tested over decades. Above all, the Accuphase DC-1000 Precision MDSD Digital Processor surprises with outstanding features that make it not only the perfect partner for the new Accuphase DP-1000 Precision SACD Transport, but also a remarkable D/A converter of the highest quality.