dCS Lina DAC X – Quick Look
All Image Credit: dCS
dCS Electronics of the UK have just announced the Lina DAC X. It joins the original dCS Lina DAC launched in 2022, adding further versatility with more connectivity and control options. This full width version is designed to sit amongst more traditionally rack sized hi-fi components and is available in both silver and black finishes.
The Lina DAC X handles hi-res PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz plus DSD128 and 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.
This latest model features a chassis machined from a solid billet aluminum that uses flex-rigid circuitry and still incorporates their core proprietary technologies used in the original Lina DAC including, the Ring DAC and Digital Processing Platform, but now with the addition of a rotary volume control, a dedicated remote handset, and the option to connect CD/SACD transports. The DAC X has also been designed to be upgradable thanks to its flexible built-in architecture, allowing for further upgrades and features to be added at a later date.
Rear panel physical connectivity is extensive and remains the same as the original Lina DAC supporting both stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog audio out and numerous digital sources, including TVs (via TOSLINK), computers, CD transports and servers.
Features At A Glance:
- Built in streamer supports hi-res streaming from all major platforms – including Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL & QQ Music
- Extensive range of digital inputs supports playback from TVs (via TOSLINK), computers, servers, CD transports & more
- Flexible output voltages and volume control allow connection to any type of amplifier, including directly to power amplifiers or active speakers
- Flexible architecture provides unlimited scope for new features, upgrades and enhancements
- Single flex-rigid PCB design – unique to dCS in audio, and also seen in the dCS Varèse Music System – ensures clean signal path and optimal performance
- dCS Ring DAC™ preserves all aspects of musical signal – including low-level detail – whilst reducing noise and distortion to vanishing levels
Specifications:
- Analogue Outputs:
- 1 stereo balanced pair on 2x 3-pin male XLR connectors (pin 2 = hot, pin 3 = cold). These outputs are electronically balanced and floating, the signal balance ratio at 1 kHz is better than 40dB. Output impedance is 3Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (a 10kΩ – 100kΩ load is recommended)
- 1 stereo unbalanced pair on 2x RCA Phono connectors. Output impedance is 52Ω, maximum load is 600Ω (a 10kΩ – 100kΩ load is recommended)
- Output levels are 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, or 6V rms for a full-scale input, set in the menu.
- L-R Crosstalk: Better than –115dB0, 20Hz-20kHz
- Streaming platforms and services: UPnP, Internet Radio, Qobuz, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Roon Ready, QQ Music
- Upsampling: Multi-stage DXD oversampling with switchable DSD Upsampling (1-bit 2.822 or 3.07MS/s) and DSDx2 Upsampling (1-bit 5.644 or 6.14MS/s).
- Digital Inputs:
- 2 x AES/EBU on 3 pin XLR 44.1-192kS/s
- Used as a Dual AES pair (1+2), supports sample rates up to 384kS/s
- 1 x S/PDIF BNC Coax 44.1-192kS/s
- 1 x S/PDIF on RCA 44.1-192kS/s
- 1 x Toslink 44.1-96kS/s
- 1 x USB Type B 44.1-384kS/s PCM and DSD, DSDx2 in Asynchronous Mode
- 1 x USB Type A connector for mass storage devices (navigated using Mosaic)
- Frequency Response (set to filter 1):
- Fs = 44.1 or 48kS/s +/-0.1dB, 10Hz-20kHz
- Fs = 88.2 or 96kS/s +/-0.1dB, 10Hz-20kHz -3dB @ >38kHz
- Fs = 176.4 or 192kS/s +/-0.1dB, 10Hz-20kHz -3dB @ >67kHz
- Fs = 352.8 or 384kS/s +/-0.1dB, 10Hz-20kHz -3dB @ >100kHz
- DSD64 +/-0.1dB, 10Hz-20kHz -3dB @ >90kHz
- DSD128 +/-0.1dB, 10Hz-20kHz -3dB @ >100kHz
- Residual Noise (6v output setting):
- 16-bit data: Better than –96dB0, 20Hz-20kHz unweighted
- 24-bit data: Better than –113dB0, 20Hz-20kHz unweighted
- Sample frequencies and formats:
- 44.1-384kS/s up to 24 bits
- DSD/64, DSD/128
- Native DSD + DoP (input dependent)
- FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA
- Power Requirements: 90-127V / 220-240V, 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: 30W
- Product Dimensions: 122mm / 4.80″ (H) x 444mm / 17.48″ (W) x 356mm / 14.02″ (D). Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
- Weight: 14KG / 30.86lbs
MSRP:
- US: $15,500.00
- UK: £13,500.00
For more information visit the dCS web site.
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