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Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC

Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC

$13,900.00

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Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC

Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC

$13,900.00
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Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC
Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC
Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC

Aqua

Country of origin: Italy

Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC
$13,900.00

Includes GST. 🚚 Free shipping on orders over $100 Australia wide at checkout.

Utilizes a proprietary Optologic D/A conversion with FPGA-based R2R ladder and no digital filtering. A hybrid valve/MOSFET stage with PIBU module removes output capacitors for greater purity and dynamics. Delivers natural, organic sound, wide soundstage, and smooth, non-fatiguing musicality.

In stock
Colour:Silver
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Every order ships free to any address in Australia via fully tracked, insured delivery. You’ll receive a tracking link once your order is dispatched so you can follow it the whole way. Estimated delivery is 1-4 business days.

We handle your warranty so you don’t have to. If something isn’t right, simply get in touch and we will coordinate directly with the Australian importer on your behalf. Find out more. click here to lodge a warranty claim.

Whether you’re browsing or already unboxing, Geoff is your friendly hi-fi guide available 7 days a week. From choosing the right system to setting up your new purchase, expert advice is always within reach. Contact Geoff today.

Price is important, but building the right system synergy is equally so. If you’ve found a better price on one of our products or listings, simply get in touch with Geoff. Don’t let price stand in the way of working with HeyNow Hi-Fi to find the right result for your system.
Description

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 >

Tech Specs

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
Customer Reviews

User Reviews

Warranty Information
warranty shield 2 Years Warranty

We care about your experience with HeyNow Hi-Fi, and we’re here to make the warranty process as smooth as possible.

Your warranty is handled directly by the Australian importer. By submitting this form, we’ll coordinate the process for you and keep you updated every step of the way. Important: Shipping fees are not included as part of your warranty coverage.

If your HeyNow Hi-Fi purchase isn’t working as it should, click here to lodge a warranty claim.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us https://www.heynowhifi.com.au//pages/contact

Why Choose Aqua

Aqua Acoustic Quality is an Italian high-end digital audio manufacturer renowned for producing DACs and digital source components that prioritise musical realism, analogue-like flow, and extraordinary spatial performance. Designed and manufactured entirely in Italy, Aqua products combine highly sophisticated digital engineering with a deeply musical and emotionally engaging presentation that has earned the brand a passionate following amongst serious digital audio enthusiasts worldwide.

What makes Aqua particularly distinctive is the company’s deliberate rejection of many modern mass-market DAC design trends. Rather than relying heavily on oversampling chip-based conversion platforms and excessively processed digital architectures, Aqua focuses on discrete resistor ladder conversion, modular upgradeability, and highly isolated circuit topologies designed to preserve the natural timing, texture, and dimensionality within music.

At HeyNow Hi-Fi, Aqua products consistently stand apart for their ability to reproduce digital music with an openness, spatial realism, and analogue-style musical flow that many listeners simply do not expect from digital playback systems.

Signature Design and Sound

Manufactured in Italy, Aqua products are engineered around proprietary R2R ladder DAC architectures, modular digital platforms, ultra-low-noise power supply implementation, and the company’s highly individual Optologic circuit philosophy.

One of the defining technologies within Aqua DACs is their use of discrete R2R ladder conversion rather than conventional delta-sigma DAC chip designs. An R2R DAC uses a carefully matched network of precision resistors arranged in a ladder structure to convert digital information into analogue signal. Rather than aggressively processing and reconstructing the signal through heavy oversampling and noise shaping, the R2R approach focuses on preserving timing integrity, tonal density, and natural harmonic structure.

The result is often described as more analogue-like in presentation, with stronger tonal realism, smoother transient behaviour, and a greater sense of dimensional flow throughout the music. Vocals and instruments tend to sound more physically present and naturally textured, while the soundstage feels spacious, layered, and highly immersive.

The La Scala DAC has become particularly admired for this presentation, delivering remarkable musicality, tonal richness, and holographic imaging while maintaining excellent transparency and low-level detail retrieval. The Formula DAC expands even further upon this philosophy through increased resolution, scale, refinement, and dynamic realism, positioning it amongst the world’s most respected high-end digital playback systems.

Aqua’s La Diva top-loading CD transport also remains one of the most physically and sonically captivating digital transports currently available. The top-loading mechanism, precision construction, and highly refined transport architecture contribute to a presentation with exceptional image stability, timing precision, and remarkably expansive spatial realism. Combined with Aqua DAC platforms, the result can feel strikingly analogue and emotionally engaging despite remaining entirely digital in origin.

One of the most technically fascinating aspects of Aqua’s engineering is the company’s Optologic circuit design philosophy. Rather than connecting critical digital stages through conventional copper-based electrical signal paths, Aqua uses optical light transmission between sections of the circuitry itself. By isolating stages optically rather than electrically, the system dramatically reduces electrical noise contamination and interference throughout the signal chain.

This contributes enormously to the openness, blackness of background, spatial separation, and effortless musical presentation the brand has become known for. Music emerges from an exceptionally quiet and unconstrained space, allowing low-level detail, dimensionality, and emotional nuance to unfold with remarkable ease.

Aqua Product Range

The Aqua Acoustic Quality range available through HeyNow Hi-Fi includes R2R ladder DACs, digital streaming interfaces, CD transports, and modular digital source components designed for listeners seeking reference-level digital playback with exceptional musical realism and analogue-style presentation.

Products including the La Scala DAC, Formula DAC, La Diva CD transport, and LINQ network interface showcase the company’s commitment to discrete conversion, optical signal isolation, modular upgradeability, and preserving the emotional engagement within digital music playback.

At HeyNow Hi-Fi, Geoff and his experienced digital audio setup team provide assistance with streamer integration, digital system matching, transport configuration, and complete system optimisation to ensure Aqua Acoustic Quality products perform at their extraordinary full capability within each customer’s listening environment.

Explore the Aqua Acoustic range:

DAC's

CD Transports

Streamers

System Tuning

Remote Controls

Explore Aqua

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WHY CHOOSE HEYNOW HI-FI?

At HeyNow Hi-Fi, it's not just about the gear - it's about how it all comes together. With over 30 years of experience, Geoff provides personalised, expert advice to help you build a system that suits your music, your space, and listening style.

Whether you're starting from scratch, refining your set up, or upgrading your gear, Geoff is always happy to have a chat. Call or book a private consultation directly with Geoff today.

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