All three current Accuphase disc players (the DP-450, the DP-570S, and the DP-770) share a common design philosophy built around Accuphase's proprietary digital-to-analog conversion, heavy high-rigidity chassis construction, and both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs. The lineup is arranged as a clear ascent in capability. The DP-450 is the CD-focused entry point into the range, the DP-570S adds SACD playback along with greater mass and a lower noise floor, and the DP-770 sits at the reference end with the most advanced processing and the heaviest, most vibration-resistant build. Each one uses the machined-aluminum front panels with the signature hairline finish, gold-plated connectors, and careful internal grounding that let Accuphase players last for decades. Choosing between them comes down to which disc formats you play, how far you want to push the noise floor and distortion figures, and where you want to sit within Accuphase's own hierarchy.
Specifications compared
| Specification | DP-450 | DP-570S | DP-770 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Compact Disc Player | — | — |
| D/A Converter | MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) type | — | — |
| Frequency Response | 0.7 Hz to 50 kHz, +0 / -3.0 dB | 0.5 Hz to 50 kHz, +0 / -3 dB | 0.5 Hz to 50 kHz (SACD) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.0008% (20 Hz to 20 kHz) | 0.0006% | 0.0004% (THD+N, 20 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 119 dB | 121 dB | 121 dB |
| Dynamic Range | 116 dB | 118 dB (SACD) | 119 dB |
| Digital Inputs | USB Type-B, coaxial, optical | HS-LINK, USB Type-B, coaxial, optical | HS-LINK, USB Type-B, coaxial, optical |
| Analog Outputs | Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) | Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) | Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) |
| Digital Outputs | Coaxial and optical | HS-LINK, coaxial, optical | — |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 465 x 151 x 393 mm | 465 x 151 x 393 mm | 477 x 156 x 394 mm |
| Weight | 13.7 kg | 18.4 kg | 28.5 kg |
| Power Consumption | 11 W | 18 W | 30 W |
| Playable Discs | — | SA-CD, CD | — |
| D/A Conversion | — | MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) type | — |
| Power Supply | — | AC 120 V, 50/60 Hz | — |
| Compatible Discs | — | — | SA-CD, CD |
| Digital Processing | — | — | MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) |
| Digital Outputs (Transport) | — | — | HS-LINK, coaxial, optical |
| Output Voltage | — | — | 2.5 V (balanced and unbalanced) at maximum |
The Models One by One
What is the Accuphase DP-450, and who is it for?
The Accuphase DP-450 is a dedicated Compact Disc player, and it is for the listener who plays CDs and wants a refined, long-lasting front end that serves as the entry point into the Accuphase range. It uses Accuphase's MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) type conversion, which runs several delta-sigma converter sections in parallel and averages their outputs to improve signal-to-noise and lower distortion. The core figures are a frequency response of 0.7 Hz to 50 kHz (+0 / -3.0 dB), total harmonic distortion of 0.0008% (20 Hz to 20 kHz), a signal-to-noise ratio of 119 dB, and a dynamic range of 116 dB. It offers balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs plus coaxial and optical digital outputs, so it can feed a separate DAC if you wish. At 465 x 151 x 393 mm and 13.7 kg with an 11 W power consumption, it is the most compact and lightest of the three. If your library is CD based and you want genuine Accuphase build and sound as your starting point, the DP-450 is designed for you.
What is the Accuphase DP-570S, and who is it for?
The Accuphase DP-570S is an SA-CD and CD player, and it is for the listener who wants SACD playback plus a measurably lower noise floor while staying in the heart of the range. Like the DP-450 it uses MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) type conversion, but its playback of SA-CD and CD widens its usefulness for anyone with hybrid or SACD discs. Its measured figures step up accordingly: a frequency response of 0.5 Hz to 50 kHz (+0 / -3 dB), total harmonic distortion of 0.0006%, a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB, and a dynamic range of 118 dB (SACD). It provides balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs and adds HS-LINK to its coaxial and optical digital outputs. HS-LINK is Accuphase's proprietary link between a transport and a DAC or processor, carrying DSD and high-rate PCM with very low jitter and more robustness than standard S/PDIF. At 465 x 151 x 393 mm and 18.4 kg with an 18 W power consumption, it is notably heavier than the DP-450, and that extra mass helps fight vibration. If you want SACD and a step up in the core specifications while remaining in the middle of the lineup, the DP-570S is aimed at you.
What is the Accuphase DP-770, and who is it for?
The Accuphase DP-770 is a reference SA-CD and CD player, and it is for the listener who wants the most advanced processing and the most substantial build in the current lineup. It plays SA-CD and CD and uses MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) processing, which employs parallel DSD conversion paths to convert DSD directly with minimal processing. Its figures represent the top of the range: a frequency response of 0.5 Hz to 50 kHz (SACD), total harmonic distortion of 0.0004% (THD+N, 20 Hz to 20 kHz), a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB, and a dynamic range of 119 dB. It offers balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs with an output voltage of 2.5 V (balanced and unbalanced) at maximum. It is also the largest and heaviest at 477 x 156 x 394 mm and 28.5 kg with a 30 W power consumption. That mass and rigidity are central to how a reference Accuphase player fights vibration and electrical noise. If you want the reference choice within Accuphase's own disc-player hierarchy, the DP-770 is built for you.
Head-to-Head Guidance
What is the difference between the DP-450 and the DP-570S?
The main difference is that the DP-450 is a CD-only player while the DP-570S plays both SA-CD and CD, and the DP-570S also improves the core measurements and adds HS-LINK. Both use MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) type conversion and share the same 465 x 151 x 393 mm footprint. Where they diverge is format support, specifications, and mass. The DP-570S widens frequency response to 0.5 Hz to 50 kHz, lowers total harmonic distortion to 0.0006% (from 0.0008%), raises the signal-to-noise ratio to 121 dB (from 119 dB), and lifts dynamic range to 118 dB (SACD) from 116 dB. It also weighs 18.4 kg versus 13.7 kg, and it adds the HS-LINK digital output alongside coaxial and optical. If your discs are strictly CDs and you want the entry point, the DP-450 fits. If you have SACDs or want the additional headroom and connectivity, the DP-570S is the logical step up.
What is the difference between the DP-570S and the DP-770?
The main difference is that the DP-570S uses MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) conversion while the DP-770 uses MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) processing, and the DP-770 pushes the measurements and the build further as the reference model. Both play SA-CD and CD and both offer balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs. The DP-770 lowers total harmonic distortion to 0.0004% (THD+N) compared with 0.0006%, and it raises dynamic range to 119 dB from 118 dB (SACD), while both share a 121 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The most visible difference is physical: the DP-770 measures 477 x 156 x 394 mm and weighs 28.5 kg with a 30 W power consumption, against the DP-570S at 465 x 151 x 393 mm, 18.4 kg, and 18 W. That extra mass and rigidity is a defining trait of a reference Accuphase player. If you want strong SACD performance in the heart of the range, the DP-570S serves well. If you want the reference processing and the most vibration-resistant build, the DP-770 is the choice.
What is the difference between the DP-450 and the DP-770?
The difference is the full span of the lineup: the DP-450 is the CD-only entry point using MDS conversion, while the DP-770 is the reference SA-CD and CD player using MDSD processing. Every specification moves in the DP-770's favor for outright measured performance, including total harmonic distortion of 0.0004% versus 0.0008%, a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB versus 119 dB, and dynamic range of 119 dB versus 116 dB. The DP-770 also plays SACD, which the DP-450 does not, and it weighs 28.5 kg against 13.7 kg. These two represent the two ends of the range, so the decision is rarely close: it is about whether you want a compact CD-focused starting point or the flagship-level disc player with SACD support and the heaviest build.
Which Accuphase SACD and CD player is best for SACD playback?
Both the DP-570S and the DP-770 play SA-CD, so either suits an SACD collection, while the DP-450 does not play SACD. Between the two SACD-capable models, the DP-570S uses MDS conversion and sits in the middle of the range, while the DP-770 uses MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) to convert DSD directly with minimal processing and posts the lowest distortion of the three at 0.0004%. If SACD is central to your listening and you want the reference approach to DSD conversion, the DP-770 is the natural pick. If you want SACD with excellent figures in the heart of the range, the DP-570S delivers.
Which is the entry point into the range?
The DP-450 is the entry point into the current Accuphase disc-player range. It concentrates on CD playback, uses MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) type conversion, and delivers a 119 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.0008% total harmonic distortion in the most compact 13.7 kg chassis of the three. It still includes balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs plus coaxial and optical digital outputs, so it fits easily as a first step into Accuphase ownership for a CD-based system.
Which is the reference choice?
The DP-770 is the reference choice in the lineup. It uses MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) processing, posts the lowest total harmonic distortion at 0.0004% (THD+N) and the highest dynamic range at 119 dB, and is built into the largest and heaviest chassis at 28.5 kg. That mass and rigidity, combined with the direct DSD conversion approach, place it at the top of Accuphase's own disc-player hierarchy for the listener who wants the most capable option.
Which pairs best with a high-resolution, revealing system?
For a highly revealing system where you want the lowest measured noise and distortion, the DP-770 leads with 0.0004% total harmonic distortion, 121 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and 119 dB dynamic range, followed closely by the DP-570S with 0.0006% distortion and 118 dB (SACD) dynamic range. The DP-450 remains a strong CD performer at 0.0008% distortion and 116 dB dynamic range. If you are assembling a system meant to expose every detail and you also want SACD, the DP-770 or DP-570S are the two to weigh, with the DP-770 sitting at the reference end. HS-LINK on the DP-570S is also worth noting if you intend to connect to an Accuphase DAC or processor over a low-jitter link.
Making the Decision
How do I decide?
Decide by matching the model to your disc formats, your performance goals, and where you want to sit within Accuphase's range. Use these cases as a guide:
- Choose the DP-450 if your library is CD based, you want the entry point into the range, and you value the most compact 13.7 kg chassis while still getting balanced and unbalanced outputs plus coaxial and optical digital outputs.
- Choose the DP-570S if you want SA-CD and CD playback in the heart of the range, improved figures over the DP-450 (0.0006% distortion, 121 dB signal-to-noise ratio, 118 dB SACD dynamic range), and the added flexibility of HS-LINK for a low-jitter link to a DAC or processor.
- Choose the DP-770 if you want the reference player, with MDSD (Multiple Double Speed DSD) processing, the lowest distortion at 0.0004%, the highest dynamic range at 119 dB, and the heaviest, most vibration-resistant 28.5 kg build.
All three deliver the Accuphase hallmarks of high-rigidity construction, careful grounding, and balanced plus unbalanced outputs. None is universally better than the others. The DP-450 is the CD-focused entry point, the DP-570S is the versatile SACD-capable middle of the range, and the DP-770 is the reference. Match the format support and the measured capability to your system and your listening, and you will land on the right Accuphase disc player with confidence.