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La Scala MKII Optologic DAC – $7,700

A never ending story: upgrading to the Optologic dac

La Scala MKII Optologic DAC

SPECIFICATIONS Digital to analog conversion type Proprietary Optologic D/A conversion system
Pure R2R ladder – FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) based without digital filter Supported Native Sample Rates AQlink / I2S serial bus  – USB PC Audio : 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits
DSD64, DSD128
Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs DAC architecture Multibit sign magnitude R2R ladder (upgradable) Asynchronous USB (High Speed) USB Audio Class 2 with Type B connector Digital Receiver PLL (phase locked loop) technology 128 or 256 FS internally selectable AQlink (I2S bus) CMOS level Oversampling factor 1x Digital inputs – 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) Analogue Outputs UNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.2 V RMS
BALANCED ( passive transformer’s symmetrical ) 2 XLR Output : 2.2V RMS Output Impedance 10 ohm RCA – 600 ohm XLR Load Impedance 10 kohm (min.) RCA – 600 ohm XLR Frequency Response 20Hz to 22kHz +0.5dB/-0.5dB Phase Response Linear phase THD + N <0.1% 1KHz -20dB Front Panel Power, input selector, Phase Invert switch Power Consumption 100-115V / 220-240V; 50 or 60Hz – 58VA Dimensions ( W x D x H ) 450 x 370 x 100 mm Weight 9 kg Front finish Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black Case finish Grey Nextel powder coated

It’s testament to Cristian Anelli’s customer support ethos that the now middle model in their converter line benefited so rapidly from the R&D behind the flagship Formula and its FPGA-controlled discrete resistor ladders. It’s a very concrete benefit of Aqua’s modular approach. Existing owners get to enjoy the company’s IP advances without the usual sell/buy routine. Keep what you already have; bolt on real not cosmetic go-faster mods as they release. Anti obsolescence protects your valuable hifi investment with more current tech. Especially with fast-moving digital, the Joneses relocate a lot. Keeping up with them requires eyes glued on the ball. Aqua’s policy doesn’t drop it. That deserves applause. An already widely accoladed converter just became even better. It’s a most excellent place to invest your next upgrade grand into!

Srajan Ebaen
6MOONS

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“Back in March 2014, Aqua Hifi’s visually unassuming La Scala MKII D/A converter not only took out a DAR-KO Award but landed pole position on the Darko DAC Index, beating out contenders from AURALiC, Resonessence Labs and PS Audio….

In other words, the most satisfying DAC heard by yours truly to date just got significantly better. Modularity coupled to a manufacturer upgrade programme brings owners of existing La Scala MKII in from the cold (should they wish to).

In its Optologic incarnation, the La Scala MKII cements further its position at the very top of the DAR-KO DAC Index and DAR-KO Award assignation becomes as easy as it has ever been. In a word, primo!”

John H. Darko
DIGITAL AUDIO REVIEW

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“But not only existing customers profit from the additional efforts that Aqua has invested in La Scala, because even those who do not yet own one of the noble Ladder DACs can be convinced by the Italian qualities.” (TRANSLATED)

Philipp Schneckenburger
EINSNULL

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“While I’m not quite ready to sell my analogue gear, La Scala MkII is a fantastic product whose warm sonic embrace I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind describing as “digital”. It does have a sound though: It’s wonderfully musical, inviting, enveloping, and entrancing.”

Ola Björling
AUDIOSTREAM

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“Yes, LaScala slightly boosts intonation, yes, it feels it, it’s his own enthusiasm, but if you want that very not-conveyed “attracter”, then this is one of the most vivid examples of such an approach in the High End. Practically exemplary implementation of the music, in combination with the overall high class of reproduction. My best recommendation.” (translated)

Yuri Volobuev
SOUNDEX

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“You can not do much better! The La Scala Optologic is one of the best DACs I have ever heard.” (translated)

Christian Möller
AUDIO Magazine

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