La Scala MKII Optologic DAC

the new Optologic Conversion System

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 unit in order to reach to the revolutionary Optologic D/A conversion system.
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

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
• 5-year warranty

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

100 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

User Reviews