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Offered is „DSD DAC Master Reference Special Edition“ by APL Hifi as second-hand device from the category „D/A Converter“ on audio-markt.de - the online market place for high-end. The advert with the number 6606491190 ends on 27.10.2026 at 16:12 o'clock.
This is a seller’s market, but this asking price still lands in the fair-to-strong zone. At €15,000, it sits well above the €8,892 median and above the €5,698 / €16,461 quartile band only at the upper end, so it’s not a bargain, but it is defensible for a serious reference DAC.
What makes it interesting is the APL Hi-Fi reputation: these units are prized for very low-noise, highly resolved, spacious playback with real drive and density, especially with top-tier digital front ends. If the condition is genuinely good and the unit is complete, the upside is owning a niche, high-end piece that doesn’t show up often. I’d want confirmation of service history, remote, packaging, and any modification details, but nothing here reads as a red-flag listing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
APL Hi-Fi traces its roots to 1998, when founder Alex Peychev began honing his expertise in high-end audio engineering, initially during his tenure at Sony Electronics. In 2003, he left Sony to establish APL Hi-Fi in Dublin, California, channeling his deep knowledge of electronic components into custom designs. The company later relocated production to Ruse, Bulgaria, embracing a fully handcrafted boutique approach that underscores its commitment to meticulous, small-batch manufacturing.
The brand specializes in premium digital audio upgrades and standalone components, particularly renowned for retrofitting high-end players from Esoteric, Pioneer, Denon, and Philips—most notably the NWO series based on the Esoteric UX-1 SACD/DVD-Audio player. APL also crafts exceptional DACs like the DSD-MR SE, DSD-AR, and ILLUMI-FI DSD-S, incorporating proprietary clocks, tube outputs, and advanced D/A conversion for superior soundstaging and detail. Offerings span various budgets, from $20,000 flagship retrofits to more accessible tech integrations, with a focus on USB, SPDIF, and DSD playback.
Positioned as a super high-end boutique in the audiophile market, APL Hi-Fi commands reverence among connoisseurs for its hyper-detailed, airy, and dynamically alive sound. Early accolades, such as Stereotimes' 2004 "Most Wanted Component" award for its Philips SACD1000 mod, affirm its elite status, appealing to discerning buyers seeking uncompromising transparency over mass-market convenience.
See all APL Hi-Fi listings on RADAR.
