Renowned for its musicality, the La Scala Mk2 offers a rich, natural sound that’s as close to analog as you’ll find in the digital domain in this price range. Its bespoke discrete R2R ladder DAC architecture and valve output stage deliver a smooth, engaging presentation.
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Reviews
“Upgradeability – many manufacturers claim it, few really deliver. Aqua is among the few that really do make upgrades available in the form of circuit boards that can easily be retrofitted to older products.
The La Scala mkII DAC may well hold the sweet spot in the Aqua DAC lineup. It gives away very little compared to the Formula xHD, costs less and adds an utterly seductive touch of tube magic.”
Christiaan Punter
HIFI ADVICE
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Jeff Dorgay : Aqua’s La Scala II is one of digital’s finest.
“It only takes about 60 seconds to figure out that the LaScala is incredibly special. A rare treat, indeed”
“Having spent a lot of time with many of the world’s finest DAC’s, the Aqua has become an instant favorite.”
www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_099 >
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La Scala | PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
“This is one of the finest DACs we’ve had the privilege to use at any price”
Jeff Dorgay | TONEAudio “Product of the Year”
https://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_100.pdf >
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La Scala MkII Optologic | BEST BUYS AUDIO & AV
“The Aqua La Scala DAC is a handsome, high-end unit with what’s arguably an idiosyncratic approach to digital-to-analogue conversion, one that requires a high-end level of attention to make work. The proof of Aqua’s success is that musically, the La Scala is in every way first-class.”
• 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
• 3-year warranty
