Aqua La Scala MkIII Optologic Black 2025 Edition
Περισσότερο από μια απλή αναβάθμιση για τον DAC La Scala
Η Aqua ανακοινώνει με υπερηφάνεια την κυκλοφορία του La Scala MkIII, μιας σημαντικής εξέλιξης του DAC La Scala. Όπως συνηθίζει η Aqua, αυτό το τελευταίο μοντέλο συνδυάζει πρωτοποριακή τεχνολογία, κατασκευαστική ακρίβεια και την αδιάκοπη δέσμευσή μας να προσφέρουμε την πιο πιστή εμπειρία αναπαραγωγής μουσικής.
Το La Scala MkIII δεν είναι απλώς μια αναβάθμιση: αυτή η έκδοση περιλαμβάνει φυσικά όλες τις βελτιώσεις που έχουν εισαχθεί τα τελευταία χρόνια, όπως τους μετασχηματιστές C-core, το ψηφιακό AQlink, την κάρτα USB κ.λπ., αλλά εκτός από το υβριδικό κύκλωμα VALVE / MOSFET, η αναλογική πλακέτα διαθέτει πλέον ένα νέο αναλογικό module – που αναπτύχθηκε εξ ολοκλήρου από το μηδέν στα εργαστήριά μας – το PIBU (Pilot Buffer).
We support installment purchases using a debit card. For details call us Phone
After Sales Support
Supplier guarantee up toYears
Next to you since 1976
Over 46 years of experience!
Join us
Earn special offers
More than a simple upgrade for our La Scala DAC
Aqua proudly announces the release of the La Scala MkIII, an important evolution of our La Scala DAC. As usual for Aqua, this latest model combines groundbreaking technology, precision craftsmanship, and our unwavering dedication to delivering the truest music reproduction experience.
The La Scala MkIII is not just an upgrade: this version of course includes all the improvements introduced in the recent past, such as C-core transformers, digital AQlink, USB card, etc. but in addition to the VALVE / MOSFET hybrid circuitry, the analog board now features a new analog module – developed from scratch in our laboratories – PIBU (Pilot Buffer).
The most important advantage provided by the PIBU is the elimination of the output capacitors, no longer present on MkIII. This – coupled with the high output current capability and the exceptional piloting performances of PIBU – achieves important improvements. The listening tests confirm that the new analog board combines state-of-the art electronics and musicality.
Refinements have been made also on the Digital part, where the pure R2R ladder has new driving circuits implemented inside the FPGA, improving the La Scala’s Digital domain: featuring proprietary Optologic DAC technology, pure FPGA-based R2R ladder DAC.
Therefore, the MkIII represents a significant step in refining the already excellent sound rendering of La Scala.
As our customers know, Aqua’s commitment to sustainability is not a momentary trend: the Aqua modular approach philosophy ensures that legacy owners of La Scala DACs can upgrade to MkIII specifications, allowing them to continue enjoying the best Audio technology.
• 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. High output current capability and the exceptional piloting performances of PIBU (Pilot Buffer) new module.
• 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 double C-core 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 proudly announces the release of the La Scala MkIII, an important evolution of our La Scala DAC. As usual for Aqua, this latest model combines groundbreaking technology, precision craftsmanship, and our unwavering dedication to delivering the truest music reproduction experience.
The La Scala MkIII is not just an upgrade: this version of course includes all the improvements introduced in the recent past, such as C-core transformers, digital AQlink, USB card, etc. but in addition to the VALVE / MOSFET hybrid circuitry, the analog board now features a new analog module – developed from scratch in our laboratories – PIBU (Pilot Buffer).
The most important advantage provided by the PIBU is the elimination of the output capacitors, no longer present on MkIII. This – coupled with the high output current capability and the exceptional piloting performances of PIBU – achieves important improvements. The listening tests confirm that the new analog board combines state-of-the art electronics and musicality.
Refinements have been made also on the Digital part, where the pure R2R ladder has new driving circuits implemented inside the FPGA, improving the La Scala’s Digital domain: featuring proprietary Optologic DAC technology, pure FPGA-based R2R ladder DAC.
Therefore, the MkIII represents a significant step in refining the already excellent sound rendering of La Scala.
As our customers know, Aqua’s commitment to sustainability is not a momentary trend: the Aqua modular approach philosophy ensures that legacy owners of La Scala DACs can upgrade to MkIII specifications, allowing them to continue enjoying the best Audio technology.
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)
Isolated 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 / LVCMOS 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 2.6 V RMS
BALANCED ( passive transformer's symmetrical ) 2 XLR Output : 3.6 V RMS
Output Impedance
50 ohm RCA - 600 ohm XLR
Load Impedance
1 kohm (min.) RCA - 600 ohm XLR
Frequency Response
20Hz to 22kHz +0.5dB/-0.5dB
Phase Response
Linear phase
THD + N
<0.1% 1KHz -10dB
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
10 kg
Front finish
Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black
Case finish
Grey Nextel powder coated