Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic DAC

Aqua HiFi La Scala MKII Optologic DAC 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. 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 DAC’s 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
• 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