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 units to reach the revolutionary Optologic D/A conversion system.
This icon’s already extraordinary sound quality is now improved in every aspect: time coherence, micro dynamics, 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

the new Optologic Conversion System

• 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

Aqua Acoustics