dCS Lina DAC X: Full-Width With More Control

The dCS Lina DAC X high-end networked streamer adds further versatility to the Lina lineup and joins the original Lina DAC, which will remain available.

dCS launched the Lina DAC in 2022, alongside the Lina Master Clock and Lina Headphone Amplifier and impressed us as a complete system, provoking Matthew Jens to proclaim, "The new dCS Lina system is unmatched in terms of sound quality, technology, design, build and finish. Its impeccable craftsmanship and sonic performance make it a highly important product if head-fi counts for something in your world."

Interestingly, the Lina DAC has also earned fans as an exceptional network streamer in its own right. Furthermore, it is the most accessibly priced streaming DAC in the dCS range and still incorporates core proprietary technologies, enabling it to deliver remarkable performance.

While the original Lina DAC was designed for desktop listening and is, therefore, compact at 22 cm wide, the Lina DAC X is a "full-width" component designed to sit amongst your more traditionally sized hi-fi components on a rack. It features a chassis machined from solid billet aluminium that uses flex-rigid circuitry for optimal audio quality and reliability.

The Lina DAC X's core technology is the same as that of the original Lina DAC, such as Ring DAC and Digital Processing Platform, with the addition of a rotary volume control, a dedicated remote handset, and the option to connect CD/SACD transports.

This means Lina DAC X supports hi-res streaming from all major platforms, including TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and Deezer, and is compatible with music management software such as Roon, Audirvana and JPLAY.

It also features a range of physical inputs to support playback from numerous sources, including TVs (via TOSLINK), computers, CD transports and servers.

Furthermore, the DAC X can be connected to integrated and pre-amplifiers or directly to power amplifiers or active speakers to create a complete music playback system.  

The dCS Lina DAC X is available in black or silver at an RRP of £13,500 / US$15,500, with shipping commencing in June with further regional pricing TBC. The original Lina DAC continues to be available at £12,500 / US$13,650 / AUD $22,000.

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