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Offered is „DCS Scarlatti Transport + DAC + Clock“ by DCS as second-hand device from the category „Digital Sources (CD/DVD/Streamer...)“ on audio-markt.de - the online market place for high-end. The advert with the number 3487324628 ends on 25.12.2026 at 20:24 o'clock.
New, the dCS Scarlatti DAC was a roughly €22,000–€24,000-class component, depending on exchange rate and market; at €10,900 used, this example is clearly ambitious. Your four comparables put the median at €5,317, with the 75th percentile at €6,869, so the asking price is nearly double the median and leaves little room for negotiation or future resale.
That said, the Scarlatti remains a serious, beautifully engineered digital hub: its Ring DAC, extensive AES/SDIF/SPDIF connectivity, balanced outputs, selectable filters, digital volume control, and master-clock capability make it unusually flexible in a legacy high-end system. It is a satisfying choice for someone specifically building around the Scarlatti ecosystem, but at this price the unit should be exceptionally complete and demonstrably serviced, with remote, original accessories, and flawless operation. Otherwise, the market evidence points toward waiting for a much lower-priced example.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
dCS: British Digital Audio Pioneer
dCS (Data Conversion Systems) was established in Cambridge, England in 1987, emerging from a background in advanced signal processing and radar systems for aerospace applications including RAF Harrier and Typhoon aircraft. This foundation in hard science and digital engineering has defined the company's trajectory from electronics consultancy to specialist audio manufacturer. The company transitioned to consumer audio in 1989 with the 900 ADC, an analogue-to-digital converter for professional studios, and by 1996 launched the Elgar, claimed to be the first 24-bit high-resolution DAC for the domestic hi-fi market.
dCS specializes exclusively in digital audio conversion technology, with their product range centered on DACs (digital-to-analogue converters) and associated digital processing components. Every product incorporates the company's proprietary Ring DAC technology, a hallmark of their engineering approach. Rather than diversifying into amplifiers, speakers, or other categories, dCS has maintained singular focus on mastering the conversion and playback of digital audio signals with maximum fidelity.
The brand occupies the ultra-premium, high-end segment of the audio market, positioning itself among the world's most respected specialist manufacturers. All products are hand-assembled in-house at their Cambridge facility by a dedicated team of designers and technicians. dCS commands significant respect among professional recording engineers and discerning audiophiles seeking uncompromising digital audio performance, representing a rare example of a British hi-fi company that has sustained innovation and manufacturing excellence over nearly four decades.
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