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EXPIRED For Sale Aqua Acoustic Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Digital Analog Converter (DAC)

AUD $5,990

Ad Details

Price

AUD $5,990

RRP/MSRP

AUD $11,990

Model Number

Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic

Condition

As New / Mint

Payment Method

EFT, cash of pickup

Region/State

(NSW) New South Wales/Australia

Suburb or Town

Newcastle

Original Receipt Available

 No

Shipping & Pickup Options

Shipping:  Available
Pickup: Available

Auditioning

No

Reason for Selling

NLR

Further Information

Please find for sale my Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic DAC.

 

I am the original owner of this fine piece of hand-made Italian audio excellence.

 

Having owned it for about 3 years, and it being purchased from local  authorised dealer, this unit will be protected with the balance of 5 year Australian warranty.

 

I can say the La Scala performs exactly as the reviews describe - simply stunning!

It's sonic signature and presentation are characterised by exceptional micro level detail retrieval, pin-point imaging, wide and deep soundstaging, and accurate tonal balance, just to name a few strengths.

 

This unit presents as new and operates flawlessly.

 

I have all the original factory packaging (all contents) for safe transportation and I'm willing to post at buyers expense.

The photos form part of the description. The unit has been kept in my hi-fi rack since new and comes from a child, pet and smoke free home.

 

Thanks for looking and please feel free to ask any questions. 

 

 

Stereonet review available here:

https://www.stereonet.com/au/reviews/aqua-la-scala-mkii-optologic-dac-review

 

 

FEATURES OVERVIEW 

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

ELECTRICAL DISCLAIMER

There are electrical safety standards that apply to private sellers (individuals) for both new and second hand equipment that connects to mains power. It is the responsibility of the seller to ensure their product being offered for sale complies with the electrical safety standards applicable to them for the country or state in which they reside. Click here for more information.


User Feedback

Recommended Comments

Silver Audiophile

Posted (edited)

As far as solid state (R2R) DACs go, this is the finest DAC I've ever heard. Note this is the current model.

It is modular in design, and if a newer DAC design surfaces in the future, the relevant module could be upgraded.

You will hard press even at the retail price of $12K, to buy another better sounding commercially available solid state designed DAC.

MBS, dCS etc are just too clinical sounding to my ear. I like the engaging organic glow from the Aqua. 

 

@Godot could explain better 🙂

 

 

Edited by Silver Audiophile

Yes, this is very good buying for a superb dac. My direct comparison is with my Playback Designs Merlot, which retailed for around $11,000 when it was available. I have lent that to a friend who, to quote “hates me now”, as that is so much better than anything else he has. 
Both are very good DACs, but when I had both in my system and could switch between them I always ended up listening to the Aqua La Scala, it just sounded more fluid and was more enjoyable for me. GLWTS

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