DCS PURCELL UPSAMPLING DIGITAL/DIGITAL CONVERTER (DDC)

 A must if you're trying to assemble a reference quality digital playback system Tested and working as it should with no signs of use of wear visible.

MSRP $5k when new in 2001.

More from a Stereophile Review written by Michael Fremer: The Purcell DDC is capable of upsampling and increasing word length of 16/44.1 data to 24/88.2, 24/96, 24/176.4, 24/192, or DSD.

The Purcell is based on dCS's 972 professional DDC. dCS says the Purcell uses the same DSP engine and code as the 972 and sounds identical.

The instruction manual says that dCS has carried out listening tests using CDs manufactured from 24/96 digital masters and has found that upsampling reveals information present in the master source but inaudible during regular CD playback — though why this should be so, since upsampling can't increase the amount of information in the signal, remains a mystery.

Specifications: Digital/digital converter

Inputs: • Two IEEE1394 (I/O) • One each AES/EBU XLR, RCA, BNC, TosLink, ST (optional), word clock In/Out

Outputs: Dual AES/EBU XLR, RCA, BNC

Sample rates: • 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz on single-wire interfaces and word-clock interfaces, auto-selected.

• Optical outputs not guaranteed at 88.2kHz and 96kHz. 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, or 192kHz on dual AES interface, auto-selected.

• 2.822MS/s for DSD on IEEE1394 interface (used with a 44.1kHz word clock).

Dimensions: 18.15" W x 2.70" H x 16.18" D

Weight: 18.7 lbs