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Aqua La Scala | DAC | Audio Emotion
Aqua La Scala | DAC | Audio Emotion
Aqua La Scala | DAC | Audio Emotion
Aqua La Scala | DAC | Audio Emotion

Product Description

A never ending story: upgrading to the Optologic DAC

Again, La Scala D/A converter proves that an instant classic does not mean a product whose destiny is to become obsolescent, like most of the products in the high-end world.
After the first appearance in the flagship Formula DAC, the proprietary D/A conversion system developed by Aqua is now available for La Scala MkII dac.
So, current Owners, have the opportunity to upgrade their unit in order to reach to the revolutionary Optologic D/A conversion system.
The already extraordinary sound quality of this icon is now improved in every aspect: time coherence, microdynamics, timbre, and without losing that magic atmosphere for which La Scala is widely renowned.
La Scala MkII keeps the VALVE / MOSFET hybrid circuitry, with now a pair of specially selected ECC81 tubes - a High-Frequency triode - for its extremely low noise and superb transparency.

Features

  • High performance proprietary FPGA-based digital decoding without digital filter
  • Galvanic and magnetic isolations between the FPGA and R2R ladder converter
  • Discrete R2R ladder DACs with low noise precision resistors
  • Jitter free digital interface AQlink (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Diva cd transport
  • Zero S/PDIF Jitter design, digital receiver stage PLL (phase locked loop) technology
  • High-performance AQ Discrete Regulator (MOSFET, J-FET, BJT) for analog and digital DACs power supply
  • Valve-Mosfet direct coupling analog stage in pure class-A without negative feedback
  • MOSFET Virtual battery circuit for analog anode supply
  • Soft-start power up for extended tube life
  • etherCON RJ45 (AQlink) input connection, employs CAT6 cable can connect both RJ45 and professional etherCON RJ45
  • 2 separate low noise power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section
  • MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board system
  • Regulated DC filament supplies with soft start for tubes
  • Fully discrete analog stage, not even a single Op-Amp is used
  • Proprietary USB Firmware / driver : Apple MAC OS - Linux OS : USB asynchronous native support, no need to install drivers software
  • Fully upgradeable asynchronous USB module with resolution 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits, DSD64, DSD128, operates with computers running OSX 10.7 and above, WINDOWS 10 , 8 , 7 and XP ASIO - WASAPI bit perfect high-speed
  • Digital phase selector on front panel
  • High-quality parts selected for sound quality:
    • 105° long life capacitors
    • low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors
    • double metallized film pulse capacitor
    • ultra-fast diodes
    • halogen free cables
  • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
  • RC5 IR remote controller (optional)
  • Designed and handmade in Italy
  • Input:
    • RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz DSD64, DSD128 via DoP
    • BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP
    • RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP
    • AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP
    • USB port - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz DSD64, DSD128 via DoP
    • AT&T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP (optional)
  • Analog output:
    • RCA single-ended
    • XLR balanced with transformer
Read More

Specifications

Product Type
DAC
Brand
Aqua Acoustics
Condition
New
Product Code
AQUA-LASCALA

Customer reviews

(1 Customer reviews)
Write A Review
5 Stars
100%
4 Stars
0%
3 Stars
0%
2 Stars
0%
1 Stars
0%

...an articulate and revealing result that was very easy to enjoy.

...capable of delivering excellent bass line.

Beethoven's String Quartets sounded so open, lyrical and fluent. Dynamics were excellent too...really well articulated, every inflection of the bittersweet song was clear and fluent.

...very good at revealing the reverb on every and acoustic instrument...natural reverb that defines the space it was captured in.

...a genuinely rich pageant of sound.

...was quite striking...in a precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precisely focused yet natural in its pinpoint imaging and dynamic energy.

...had a dynamic energy that made the advantages of modern recording methods very clear. The drums having real power... there is really no option to change tracks half way through when the sound is this good, even an unfamiliar piece like this really brings a lump to the throat.

I started to hear the way that different sounds are faded in and out of the mix and give it a magical quality.

Aqua has found a way to raise the streaming game to a new level.

...if you buy the HQPlayer version of the LinQ and combine it with a La Scala MkII it seems very unlikely that you would want to try anything else...I want one!

Hi-Fi+ | | August 2021

A never ending story: upgrading to the Optologic DAC

Again, La Scala D/A converter proves that an instant classic does not mean a product whose destiny is to become obsolescent, like most of the products in the high-end world.
After the first appearance in the flagship Formula DAC, the proprietary D/A conversion system developed by Aqua is now available for La Scala MkII dac.
So, current Owners, have the opportunity to upgrade their unit in order to reach to the revolutionary Optologic D/A conversion system.
The already extraordinary sound quality of this icon is now improved in every aspect: time coherence, microdynamics, timbre, and without losing that magic atmosphere for which La Scala is widely renowned.
La Scala MkII keeps the VALVE / MOSFET hybrid circuitry, with now a pair of specially selected ECC81 tubes - a High-Frequency triode - for its extremely low noise and superb transparency.

Features

  • High performance proprietary FPGA-based digital decoding without digital filter
  • Galvanic and magnetic isolations between the FPGA and R2R ladder converter
  • Discrete R2R ladder DACs with low noise precision resistors
  • Jitter free digital interface AQlink (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Diva cd transport
  • Zero S/PDIF Jitter design, digital receiver stage PLL (phase locked loop) technology
  • High-performance AQ Discrete Regulator (MOSFET, J-FET, BJT) for analog and digital DACs power supply
  • Valve-Mosfet direct coupling analog stage in pure class-A without negative feedback
  • MOSFET Virtual battery circuit for analog anode supply
  • Soft-start power up for extended tube life
  • etherCON RJ45 (AQlink) input connection, employs CAT6 cable can connect both RJ45 and professional etherCON RJ45
  • 2 separate low noise power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section
  • MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board system
  • Regulated DC filament supplies with soft start for tubes
  • Fully discrete analog stage, not even a single Op-Amp is used
  • Proprietary USB Firmware / driver : Apple MAC OS - Linux OS : USB asynchronous native support, no need to install drivers software
  • Fully upgradeable asynchronous USB module with resolution 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits, DSD64, DSD128, operates with computers running OSX 10.7 and above, WINDOWS 10 , 8 , 7 and XP ASIO - WASAPI bit perfect high-speed
  • Digital phase selector on front panel
  • High-quality parts selected for sound quality:
    • 105° long life capacitors
    • low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors
    • double metallized film pulse capacitor
    • ultra-fast diodes
    • halogen free cables
  • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
  • RC5 IR remote controller (optional)
  • Designed and handmade in Italy
  • Input:
    • RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz DSD64, DSD128 via DoP
    • BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP
    • RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP
    • AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP
    • USB port - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz DSD64, DSD128 via DoP
    • AT&T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz DSD64 via DoP (optional)
  • Analog output:
    • RCA single-ended
    • XLR balanced with transformer
(1 Customer reviews)
Write A Review
5 Stars
100%
4 Stars
0%
3 Stars
0%
2 Stars
0%
1 Stars
0%

...an articulate and revealing result that was very easy to enjoy.

...capable of delivering excellent bass line.

Beethoven's String Quartets sounded so open, lyrical and fluent. Dynamics were excellent too...really well articulated, every inflection of the bittersweet song was clear and fluent.

...very good at revealing the reverb on every and acoustic instrument...natural reverb that defines the space it was captured in.

...a genuinely rich pageant of sound.

...was quite striking...in a precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precisely focused yet natural in its pinpoint imaging and dynamic energy.

...had a dynamic energy that made the advantages of modern recording methods very clear. The drums having real power... there is really no option to change tracks half way through when the sound is this good, even an unfamiliar piece like this really brings a lump to the throat.

I started to hear the way that different sounds are faded in and out of the mix and give it a magical quality.

Aqua has found a way to raise the streaming game to a new level.

...if you buy the HQPlayer version of the LinQ and combine it with a La Scala MkII it seems very unlikely that you would want to try anything else...I want one!

Hi-Fi+ | | August 2021

Aqua logo

About the brand

Innovation through Technologies

aqua - acoustic quality equipment is not subject to the whims of market fashion since they are built to achieve true high fidelity sound reproduction.

By combining dedicated research with creative thinking, R & D Department has brought forth a range of innovation whose aim is to recreate the experience of live music in your home.

Website

www.aquahifi.com

Delivery Information

Delivery is free for all orders over £250.

'In Stock' items ordered before 1pm will be dispatched the same day.

We use DPD Local 'Next Day Service' for most UK deliveries. Orders sent via 'DPD Local - Next Day Service' will be fully tracked with a 1-hour delivery timeslot on the day of delivery. Standard delivery is Monday to Friday.

Saturday delivery can be selected at checkout for £19.95.

Small items and LP's may be sent using Royal Mail.

Large/heavy items may be sent using TNT Express.

For all other countries please visit the 'Delivery Information' link in the footer.

Occasionally, due to stock demand, we can sell out. If this occurs when you make a purchase, we will inform you quickly. Most out of stock items are available for dispatch within 3 working days. If your purchase is urgent, please contact us to check availability.

1 Customer Reviews

Aqua La Scala MkII Optologic DAC - Silver

Item in Stock

Product Code AQUA-LASCALA

Price Promise: If you find an identical item cheaper from one of our online competitors, tell us and not only will we match the price, we'll beat it by 10% of the difference! Terms and conditions apply, see more information about our price promise.

Only left in Stock

Customer Reviews

Rated 5-Star
on reviews.co.uk

Free UK Delivery
on orders over £250

Generous Part Exchange
contact us for a quote

Satisfaction Guarantee
up to 90 days exchange
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