SKU: 14334715614

Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC

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Description

Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DACMore 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

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.

Features

  • 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 XASIO - 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

Reviews

Hi-Fi News: Award for the new La Scala MkIII DAC

"ORGANIC SOUNDS"

Hi-Fi News dives into the Aqua La Scala MkIII and it’s more than just a cosmetic refresh.

Review: Andrew Everard - Lab: Paul Miller | Hi-Fi News

Read the full review >

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SKU: 14334715614

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4.2 ★★★★★
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Verified Purchase
B. Stubby
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 3
A familiar story, just with…..less.
Format: Kindle
So, as other reviewers make clear, this is very similar to Pack Darling and The Beta. It’s much closer aligned with The Beta, in plot and maybe more like Pack Darling with characters. That being said, I don’t hate this…..but it wasn’t great either. It’s both books mentioned but just….less. Less angst, less emotion, less feeling. The plot feels very half fleshed out, and the “bad guy” feels underwhelming. I didn’t really feel any real emotions from and of the male leads, except maybe Oliver. The others fell sorta flat for me. And Mika makes herself out to be this big bad ass straight outta training and then we never see it from here again with the one fitting room incident as the exception. SPOILER: The whole, “Oh, I’m actually probably an Omega, but I don’t wanna be but I do actually wanna be but no one can ever know my secret that I do nothing to hide “ thing fell so flat. She never commutes to believing she was secretly an omega, but also mentions her “secret” a lot. It just felt so manufactured. I’m intrigued enough to read part 2 and see how the author closes everything out, but this is not one I’ll recommend or ever come back to.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
S
Verified Purchase
SR
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Good start to a series
Format: Kindle
I delayed reading the series for reasons I don’t remember. But my TBR list is huge so I thought I’d take a shot of this and I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t think the blurb about it was anything special. But it was a very good book. It took some interesting twists and turns. I am so glad the second book is already out. Because I would not have waited patiently. Very slow burn but good storyline. 🔥🔥/5
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
J
Verified Purchase
Jammie Clark
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
A good read
Format: Kindle
Multiple points of view. 3 Alpha men and an Omega male. She is a Beta in training for a new program placing betas in Alpha/Omega packs. Mila is only doing the program for the money to take care of her dad. She wasn't expecting to fall for a pack but when she sees this packs Omega she is done for. There is just something about him. His Alphas are good looking as well. Too bad she is hiding a secret and their government is acting shady. I liked it and can't wait to see where their story goes.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
B
Verified Purchase
Bri Hires
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 3
Slightly repetitive but I did love some things
Format: Kindle
I love this type of story. And omegaverse is one of my all time favorite genres. But there are a few things that pulled me out of my enjoyment while I was reading. It was repetitive at times as well as struggled with telling not showing. So we didn’t always feel like we were experiencing things with the main character. There were also some plot holes but they may still be answered in part 2. Now this isn’t to be said I didn’t enjoy parts of the story. I loved the almost instant love between Mila and Oliver. And how he started changing around her.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024
K
Verified Purchase
Kimberly G
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
delightful read
Format: Kindle
What a delightful read. The characters are awesome, the plot was so good, I loved it. I was intrigued and it kept me wanting more. Told in multiple pov, the book sucks you in and doesn’t let go. I cannot wait to read the next book.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2025

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