Cary Audio’s DMS-700 network player on preorder now… for US

IF high-end streamers are your cup of tea, there’s a new one coming from Cary Audio this month – the DMS-700 network audio player, for which Cary spared no effort to ensure it topped the performance of the acclaimed model it replaces, the DMS-600.

According to the company, “When we set out to design the DMS-600, our goal was simple. To make the absolutely best sounding network audio streamer on the planet, far exceeding its price point and beyond. As evident by the following the DMS-600 garnered, it’s clear we achieved that goal. In addition to sounding amazing, the DMS-600, like all DMS products, functioned robustly, was feature-packed, stable, operated easily, and had the best display screen in the industry.

“So, how does one top that? It was not easy, but the efforts have paid off. The DMS-600 utilised AK4497EQ DAC chips. These chips are Delta-Sigma architecture, as are all the AKM chips used in our DMS range of products. That is, until the new DMS-700.

“The DMS-700 uses AKM’s latest flagship DAC, the AK4499EQ. Instead of voltage output Delta-Sigma architecture, these 4499 DACs are R2R (resistor-to-resistor) Ladder DACs with current output. This alone required a complete rethink of the DMS digital circuitry.

“The R2R Ladder architecture can sound much more analogue-like while revealing copious amounts of detail yet retaining a very natural, smooth, and musical response. This type of DAC is much more complex to integrate but the rewards can be significant with proper implementation.

“We also incorporated a FPGA chip that works in conjunction with the DAC to make sure no crossover distortion is present for an extremely coherent and smooth sound. Few companies use FPGA DACs and even fewer use R2R Ladder DACs. Almost no one uses both. Using FPGA alone as a DAC is not a good idea unless you think company X’s local or outside solitary software engineer is more capable than the teams of engineers at giant chip makers… not likely.

“Using R2R DACs alone also has its challenges. Therefore, we use a FPGA chip to support the AK4499EQ R2R Ladder DAC and program each to support the other, resulting in an absolutely stunning sound. Of course, the digital circuitry alone does not account for the overall sound. Cary Audio is renowned for designing spectacularly musical analogue circuits. As a matter of fact, 1/3rd of the entire DMS-700’s internals are dedicated to the analogue stage, 1/3rd to digital circuity, and 1/3rd to power supply, all shielded and separated.”

The DMS-700 features an LCD screen with twice the resolution of previous DMS models, Crytek oscillator clock, seven independent regulated power supplies, USB/SD card inputs with built-in NAS drive capability, Spotify Connect, and coaxial and optical DSD and PCM 384kHz or higher capability. It can shuffle back and forth from all network, Internet, USB and SD input sources without stopping playback of current track/source. There’s also a Pure Audio mode and sleep timer.

The DMS-700 is not yet Roon Ready or Roon Ready capable, but expect firmware updates in future once Cary receives certification for this.

USA customers can now preorder the DMS-700 on CaryDirect, check it out for the “special introductory offer at limited quantities that will ship mid-late December.”