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.
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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)