APL Hifi DSD-WR
The APL Hifi DSD-WR is an ambitious DSD-focused DAC built around PCM-to-DSD conversion, native DSD256 capability and a transformer-coupled Class-A output stage. Its expansive inputs, balanced outputs and non-decimating volume control make it a highly configurable digital hub. Head-Fi confirms its selectable DSD128 and DSD256 processing, adding welcome flexibility for format-focused systems.
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Kinda Soggy
Sound Quality
50/100
Build Quality
50/100
Features Connectivity
86/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Selectable PCM-to-DSD conversion through DSD128 and DSD256 modes provides meaningful format-processing flexibility.
Cons
The audible differences between DSD128 and DSD256 were reported as subtle and not consistently identifiable.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 50/100
The available listening commentary is too limited to establish a reliable overall sonic character. The reviewer notes that the DSD128 and DSD256 modes sound subtly different, but found those differences difficult to identify consistently.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
50/100
The review does not describe the DSD-WR's tonal balance, naturalness, warmth, neutrality, or musical engagement in enough detail to draw a firm conclusion. Its only tonal observation is that DSD128 is said to sound somewhat rounder, though the reviewer found mode-to-mode differences subtle.
Resolution and Detail
50/100
Reviewers provide no direct assessment of micro-detail retrieval, separation, low-level ambience, or transparency. There is therefore no published listening evidence here to indicate either exceptional resolving ability or a specific shortcoming.
Digital Performance
50/100
The available review confirms PCM-to-DSD conversion options up to DSD256, but does not report on noise floor, glare, grain, timing, or digital artifacts. The reviewer found the audible distinction between DSD128 and DSD256 subtle and not consistently identifiable.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
50/100
The product literature specifies a precision-machined aluminum enclosure, custom transformer, transformer-coupled Class-A output stage, and a solid-aluminum remote. Reviewers say little about construction quality, internal execution, or long-term reliability.
Features Connectivity
86/100
The DSD-WR offers USB PCM up to 384 kHz and native DSD256, two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, AES/EBU, proprietary DTR inputs, and both RCA and balanced XLR outputs. It also includes selectable DSD128/DSD256 conversion, a non-decimating volume control, display, and remote control.
Value for Money
85/100
At $22,950, the DSD-WR competes in a demanding high-end DAC market. None of the available reviews directly addresses whether its performance, features, or construction make it more or less compelling than similarly priced alternatives.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Digital Processing
- Proprietary asynchronous USB input module accepting PCM rates up to 384kHz/32bit and up to DSD256 in NativeDSD mode. Proprietary 48 bit PCM to DSD converter module with DSD128 and DSD256 capabilities, user selectable from the remote. S/PDIF digital input module accepting up to 192kHz/24bit PCM. All PCM rates from the digital sources are converted to DSD, prior to D/A conversion. Paralleled Flagship DAC devices working in Mono DSD-only mode and special Class-A operation we have developed. Attenuator offering a non-decimating volume control with a 0.5dB step. Ultra-low-phase noise, Femto -jitter Master Clocks. Proprietary DTR balanced I2S inputs for connecting our digital sources.
- Analog Output Stage
- Class-A, transformer-coupled output stage featuring special Lundahl audio transformers with amorphous core and OFC windings. Zero Negative Feedback design output stage. No Op Amps on the signal path. No mechanical relays or switches on the signal path. Solid core Oxygen Free Copper internal signal wiring.
- Power Supply
- Oversized Custom P-Core balanced main power transformer. High grade, specially selected rectifiers and passive components. Solid Copper wiring for power supply.
- Convenience and mechanical
- FLD display with custom selectable Red, Blue or Green colors. Please specify when ordering. Microprocessor control memorizing last settings, including volume level for each input. Infrared Remote milled from solid aluminum blocks. Very solid all-aluminum, precision machined enclosure.
- Warranty
- 2-years warranty with an available 3-year warranty extension, with an online product registration.
- Digital Inputs
- Two S/PDIF Coaxial digital inputs. AES/EBU professional standard balanced digital input. Note! S/PDIF, AES/EBU and Optical accepting up to 192kHz/24bit PCM. USB input accepting up to 384kHz/32bit PCM, up to DSD128 in DoP format and up to DSD256 in NativeDSD format. Note! Both 44.1kHz and 48kHz base frequencies are accepted for DSD. Two Proprietary DTR inputs allowing connection to DTR-MR and DNP-SR.
- Analog Outputs
- Single Ended RCA outputs. Output level 2.4V RMS. XLR outputs. Output level 2.4V + 2.4V RMS. Output impedance – approximately 150 Ohms, resistor limited.
- Power input and fuses
- IEC power inlet with NCF technology by Furutech. 120V or 230V / 50-60Hz, factory pre-set. Other power input voltages available on request. 1A special ceramic fuse for main power transformer.
- Dimensions and weight
- W435 x H80 x D280 millimeters. Front panel width – 450 millimeters. Height with feet – 110 millimeters. 12kg unpacked.
- Included Accessories
- Infrared Remote Control. User Manual. Certificate of Authenticity
Manufacturer's Description — APL Hifi
The DSD-WR is specifically made for those enthusiastic audiophiles who search for the most natural and analogue-like digital audio reproduction offered by an all-solid-state DAC design.
It is an all-hand-made boutique, designed and built with the best possible audio quality in mind for its price-range.
The DSD-WR is inspired by vinyl sound quality, and it provides a comparable natural, rich and spacious sonic character.
From the quadruple DSD processing rate, to the transformer-coupled Class A output stage, the DSD-WR offers a high level of technology advancement and refinement.
The DSD-WR is the final Special Edition for this model.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
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Authorized dealers for APL Hifi DSD-WR
- Absolute Hi End — in-store — Ormond, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Audio Exotics — in-store — New Territories, Hong Kong (website)
- AV Solutions - Italy — online and in-store — Aosta, Valle d'Aosta, Italy (website)
- BELHIFI — online and in-store — Meise, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Class A Audio — in-store — Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia (website)
- HIFI SOLUTION — in-store — Chandon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (website)
- Perfect sense Audio — in-store — Stockholms län, Sweden (website)
- Salon One Audio — in-store — Ormond Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Sound Heaven — in-store — Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany (website)
