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INNUOS
Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker rises
Launching at the Rocky Mountain show this month the Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker is designed to upgrade the performance of network servers by providing three functions. It’s a USB regenerator, a linear power supply and an external master clock with its own linear power supply. The tech behind these elements is derived directly from Innuos’ flagship Statement network server, one the finest examples of its kind.
The key elements of the PhoenixUSB consist of a USB chip regenerating the signal contains no switching regulators. All three independent voltages to the chip originate from an independent linear power supply with further regulation provided by three sets of LT3045 regulators. A 3PPB OCXO clock running directly at 24MHz and connected via a board track just a couple of inches away from the USB chip. This is so that no precision is lost within cables and connectors, as is the case when using an external master 10MHz clock with an additional 24MHz clock generator.
It has two independent Statement-level linear power supplies, one dedicated to the OCXO clock and the other used for powering the USB chip/5V USB line. While designed to enhance the performance of Innuos servers its USB input means that it should work with a range of network servers. A sample has been requested.
Retail pricing of the new PhoenixUSB Reclocker will be $3,149
HiFi: Innuos Zen Mini MKIII Review with Phoenix USB Re-Clocker and LSPU.
HiFi: Innuos Zen Mini MKIII Review with Phoenix USB Re-Clocker and LSPU.
By Steve Huff
Hello all fans of HiFi Audio. Today I will be posting another review of two products in HiFi that have really made me appreciate what a digital streamer setup under $5k can really do. For the last few weeks I have been running an Innuos Zen Mini MKIII streamer with the brand new Innuos Phoenix USB Re-Clocker and it has been an enjoyable experience.
(and I did buy both of these pieces after I evaluated them and compared them to what I had on hand, as well as other options).
OUR SERVERS
ZEN MK3 MUSIC SERVERS
The new ZEN Mk3 Music Server Series brings in exciting new improvements in sound quality based on trickle-down technology from our award-winning ZENith SE:
- Custom motherboards with custom firmware on all servers
- Analogue (RCA) and Digital outputs (Optical/Coaxial) to the ZENmini
- New Dual-Linear PSU design for the ZEN and Triple-Linear PSU with Mundorf Caps for the ZENith, both designed by Dr. Sean Jacobs
- Asymetrical Anti-Vibration feet for the ZEN and ZENith based on the ZENith SE
ZENMINI MK.III STD
1TB (HDD) – $1249
2TB (HDD) – $1399
4TB (HDD) – $1649
8TB (HDD) – $1999
Optional Linear PSU for ZenMini MkII MkIII $699, and bundled with ZenMini $649
ZEN MK.III STD
1TB (HDD) – $2599
2TB (HDD) – $2749
4TB (HDD) – $2999
8TB (HDD) – $3349
ZENITH MK.III STD
1TB (SSD) – $4249
2TB (SSD) – $4899
4TB (SSD) – $5649
One Server.
Zero compromise. Beyond Digital.
Zenith Statement –
1TB (SSD) – $13750
2TB (SSD) – $14400
4TB (SSD) – $15150
The new ZENith Statement builds on the award-winning ZENith Special Edition, which was considered by many as one of the best sounding digital sources to date.
the ZENith Statement takes Digital Audio to a new level by innovating a number of areas:
Double encloSure linear power Supply
- New power supply architecture designed in partnership
with Dr. Sean Jacobs. - Separately enclosed AC/DC conversion stage to isolate transformer vibration and EMi emissions.
- Regulation stage within main system enclosure to shorten the clean DC power path.8 inDepenDent power railS
- Reduces electrical noise generated by regulators’ voltage conversions.
- An individual dedicated power supply for each critical component.cuStom DeSigneD componentS
- innuos-designed USB board with a dedicated 5V power line.
- independently powered 3ppb OCXO clock for higher precision and lower phase noise.
- Custom motherboard exclusively designed for innuos.the ZENith Statement’s world premiere will be at Axpona in Room 674, where innuos will partner with renowned American hiFi brands such as YG Acoustics, Audio Research, and transparent Audio to bring visitors a unique experience that will challenge common beliefs about Digital Audio.the innuos team will be on hand in Room 674 as well as in Room 470 (US Distributor Well Pleased Audio Vida).
STATEMENT
MUSIC SERVER
Our flagship server, designed to take Digital Audio to a new level of performance.
A state-of-the-art source for the most discerning audiophiles.
AVAILABLE IN:
- BLACK / SILVER
- 1TB SSD £9 800 • €11 000 • $13 750 • CAD$17 900
- 2TB SSD £10 300 • €11 500 • $14 400 • CAD$18 900
- 4TB SSD £10 800 • €12 100 • $15 150 • CAD$19 700
- New linear power supply
architecture whit
8 independent PSU Rails - EMI-optimised motherboard exclusively designed for Innuos
- Custom-designed Ethernet
and USB Reclockers
with 3bpp OCXO clocks
- 10mm CNC-machined
aluminium chassis - 8GB RAM with 4GB
In-Memory Playback - New Generation
Quad-core Intel CPU - Asymmetrical
isolation feet
Powered by innuOS
innuOS allows complete Music Library management
using a tablet or smartphone
New Linear Power Architecture
Partnering once again with Dr. Sean Jacobs, a new power supply architecture was designed exclusively for the Statement. The power supply is distributed between two enclosures, with one enclosure containing the AC/DC conversion stage and the other containing the regulation stage together with the server components.
The advantage is clear: regulated “clean” power traverses a very short path, soldered point to point, with the least impedance and exposure to EMI. This is superior in efficiency compared to a traditional architecture where a separate power supply is used – regulated “clean” power needs to go through more obstacles of internal cabling, output connectors, cable, input connectors and more internal cable before it reaches its destination.
8 Independent Linear PSU Rails
Each critical component of the server receives its own dedicated power supply from one of the 8 independent power rails, further preventing component cross-contamination. Of particular note is the use of a dedicated power supply for each of the Ethernet and USB high-precision OCXO clocks, ensuring these clocks work at their best.
Custom-designed Ethernet
and USB Re-clocker
Not fully satisfied with existing USB and Ethernet re-clocking designs, Innuos designed in-house their own boards for this purpose. At the heart of the design are 3 principles: The use of very high-precision OCXO clocks for timing the signals, extreme care in powering important components preventing cross-contamination, and extremely short paths between components.
While the use of OCXO clocks is not new, the way they are powered and the layout of the board has proven to be extremely important for their performance. As an example, dozens of USB controllers were analysed in terms of how they were powered and clocked so that they allowed this control to be done externally. The USB Controller is regulated by no less than 3 ultra-low noise regulators, one per independent voltage.
Keeping the clock very close to the controllers, via a dedicated track on the board itself, helps to avoid the losses in signal quality that come with the use of external clock units.
10mm CNC-machined
Aluminium Chassis
Housed in a casing of 10mm-thick CNC-machined aluminium, the Statement is not just a pretty face. The thick metal enclosure helps to isolate external EMI, and its weight helps dampen harmful vibration into the system. By using a double-enclosure design, it also helps to contain the vibration effects of the massive 540VA toroidal transformer at its heart.
Custom-designed Motherboard
The motherboard has been fully EMI-optimised to our own exclusive design by, removing any unnecessary, noise-generating components capable of compromising audio. A fully-customised BIOS ensures the hardware works at its lowest noise without impairing performance. Further EMI treatment is then applied to the motherboard so that EMI is absorbed rather than reflected to other components.
Tech Specs
| AUDIO OUTPUTS | |
| Digital Output | Re-clocked USB 2.0 supporting USB Audio Class 2 |
| DoP, Native DSD and MQA | |
| Re-clocked dedicated Ethernet Streamer Port | |
| CONNECTIVITY | |
| Ethernet | 2 x rear panel RJ45 – Bridged Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | 2x USB 2.0 (1x re-clocked, 1x non-reclocked), 1x USB 3.0 (Backup) |
| FORMATS | |
| CD Formats | Red Book |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| Audio format for stored CDs | FLAC (zero compression), WAV |
| Audio Formats Supported for streaming and playing | WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA (with supported DACs) |
| SAMPLE RATES | |
| Sample Rates | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4KHz. 192kHz, 352.8KHz, 384KHz , up to DSD128 via DoP, Native DSD on selected DACs |
| Bit Depths | 16bit, 24bit, 32bit |
| USER CONTROL INTERFACES | |
| Web Interface | Web Browsers from iOS, Android (4.0 and up) or up-to-date Windows and OS X browsers |
| Mobile | App for iPhone/iPad, Android and Windows 10 |
| HARDWARE | |
| CD/DVD drive | TEAC Slot-loading drive |
| Hard Drive | 1TB SSD with Vibration and EMI treatment |
| CPU | Intel Quad Core N4200 |
| Memory | 8GB DDR3 Low-Voltage RAM (4GB Dedicated for RAM Playback) |
| STREAMING AND CD STORAGE | |
| UPnP/DLNA | Integrated UPnP Server |
| Streaming Services | Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Internet Radio |
| Roon Compatibility | Roon Core and Roon Bridge |
| Average CD Storage Time | 5 minutes |
| CD Metadata | FreeDB, MusicBrainz, Discogs, GD3 |
| Compatible Music Systems | Sonos Multi-room Wireless Music System |
| DLNA/UPnP compatible devices | |
| USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2 | |
| USB DACs supporting DSD over DoP protocol | |
| Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD | |
| REQUIREMENTS | |
| Network | Internet connection to access album metadata when storing CDs, Internet Radio, Streaming Services and software updates |
| Network router with at least one available ethernet port | |
| Premium subscription required for some streaming services such as Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal | |
| Recommended App (USB Connection Only) | iPeng 9 (iOS), OrangeSqueeze (Android), Squeeze Control (Windows 10) |
| POWER | |
| Mains Supply | 230V AC / 115V AC – 8x Internal Linear Power Supply |
| Power Consumption | 20W when idle, 35W peak |
| PHYSICAL | |
| Dimensions | Main: 90 x 420 x 350mm (H x W x D) |
| Power: 110 x 420 x 350 (H x W x D) | |
| Weight | Main: 8.2kg |
| Power: 13.4kg | |
| In the box | Innuos Statement Music Server |
| Mains Cable | |
| 2x 0.3m umbilical interconnect | |
| 2m Ethernet Cable | |
| Quick Start Guide: english / german |
Reviews
-
The Statement makes it in to the HiFi+ list of
Top 100 products from the past 20 years!Taking the already excellent ZENith SE platform to its conclusion, the two-box music server from Innuos is proving to be a tough act to beat in today’s music server world.
Hi-Fi+ Top 100 • APR 2019
-
HiFi+ Award Statement the Music Server of the Year 2018
The Statement wins the HiFi+ Music Server of the Year, who found that
even the briefest of exposure to the ZENith Statement shows you are in the presence of something special.
The Hi-Fi+ AWARDS 2018 • Dec 2018
-
Statement awarded 5-stars from The Ear
The flagship Statement server streamer receives a full 5-Star review from The Ear, impressed by its transparent and open sound quality.
The Statement is a more subtle source than most, its qualities are those of omission, it leaves out the distortion so that the music can come through. In this and all other respects this Innuos is a genuine state of the art component, put it on your ‘must hear’ bucket list straight away.
Read Full Review (the-ear.net) > • Dec 2018
Powered by innuOS
innuOS allows complete Music Library management
using a tablet or smartphone
New Linear Power Architecture
Partnering once again with Dr. Sean Jacobs, a new power supply architecture was designed exclusively for the Statement. The power supply is distributed between two enclosures, with one enclosure containing the AC/DC conversion stage and the other containing the regulation stage together with the server components.
The advantage is clear: regulated “clean” power traverses a very short path, soldered point to point, with the least impedance and exposure to EMI. This is superior in efficiency compared to a traditional architecture where a separate power supply is used – regulated “clean” power needs to go through more obstacles of internal cabling, output connectors, cable, input connectors and more internal cable before it reaches its destination.
8 Independent Linear PSU Rails
Each critical component of the server receives its own dedicated power supply from one of the 8 independent power rails, further preventing component cross-contamination. Of particular note is the use of a dedicated power supply for each of the Ethernet and USB high-precision OCXO clocks, ensuring these clocks work at their best.
Custom-designed Ethernet
and USB Re-clocker
Not fully satisfied with existing USB and Ethernet re-clocking designs, Innuos designed in-house their own boards for this purpose. At the heart of the design are 3 principles: The use of very high-precision OCXO clocks for timing the signals, extreme care in powering important components preventing cross-contamination, and extremely short paths between components.
While the use of OCXO clocks is not new, the way they are powered and the layout of the board has proven to be extremely important for their performance. As an example, dozens of USB controllers were analysed in terms of how they were powered and clocked so that they allowed this control to be done externally. The USB Controller is regulated by no less than 3 ultra-low noise regulators, one per independent voltage.
Keeping the clock very close to the controllers, via a dedicated track on the board itself, helps to avoid the losses in signal quality that come with the use of external clock units.
10mm CNC-machined
Aluminium Chassis
Housed in a casing of 10mm-thick CNC-machined aluminium, the Statement is not just a pretty face. The thick metal enclosure helps to isolate external EMI, and its weight helps dampen harmful vibration into the system. By using a double-enclosure design, it also helps to contain the vibration effects of the massive 540VA toroidal transformer at its heart.
Custom-designed Motherboard
The motherboard has been fully EMI-optimised to our own exclusive design by, removing any unnecessary, noise-generating components capable of compromising audio. A fully-customised BIOS ensures the hardware works at its lowest noise without impairing performance. Further EMI treatment is then applied to the motherboard so that EMI is absorbed rather than reflected to other components.
Tech Specs
| AUDIO OUTPUTS | |
| Digital Output | Re-clocked USB 2.0 supporting USB Audio Class 2 |
| DoP, Native DSD and MQA | |
| Re-clocked dedicated Ethernet Streamer Port | |
| CONNECTIVITY | |
| Ethernet | 2 x rear panel RJ45 – Bridged Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | 2x USB 2.0 (1x re-clocked, 1x non-reclocked), 1x USB 3.0 (Backup) |
| FORMATS | |
| CD Formats | Red Book |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| Audio format for stored CDs | FLAC (zero compression), WAV |
| Audio Formats Supported for streaming and playing | WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA (with supported DACs) |
| SAMPLE RATES | |
| Sample Rates | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4KHz. 192kHz, 352.8KHz, 384KHz , up to DSD128 via DoP, Native DSD on selected DACs |
| Bit Depths | 16bit, 24bit, 32bit |
| USER CONTROL INTERFACES | |
| Web Interface | Web Browsers from iOS, Android (4.0 and up) or up-to-date Windows and OS X browsers |
| Mobile | App for iPhone/iPad, Android and Windows 10 |
| HARDWARE | |
| CD/DVD drive | TEAC Slot-loading drive |
| Hard Drive | 1TB SSD with Vibration and EMI treatment |
| CPU | Intel Quad Core N4200 |
| Memory | 8GB DDR3 Low-Voltage RAM (4GB Dedicated for RAM Playback) |
| STREAMING AND CD STORAGE | |
| UPnP/DLNA | Integrated UPnP Server |
| Streaming Services | Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Internet Radio |
| Roon Compatibility | Roon Core and Roon Bridge |
| Average CD Storage Time | 5 minutes |
| CD Metadata | FreeDB, MusicBrainz, Discogs, GD3 |
| Compatible Music Systems | Sonos Multi-room Wireless Music System |
| DLNA/UPnP compatible devices | |
| USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2 | |
| USB DACs supporting DSD over DoP protocol | |
| Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD | |
| REQUIREMENTS | |
| Network | Internet connection to access album metadata when storing CDs, Internet Radio, Streaming Services and software updates |
| Network router with at least one available ethernet port | |
| Premium subscription required for some streaming services such as Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal | |
| Recommended App (USB Connection Only) | iPeng 9 (iOS), OrangeSqueeze (Android), Squeeze Control (Windows 10) |
| POWER | |
| Mains Supply | 230V AC / 115V AC – 8x Internal Linear Power Supply |
| Power Consumption | 20W when idle, 35W peak |
| PHYSICAL | |
| Dimensions | Main: 90 x 420 x 350mm (H x W x D) |
| Power: 110 x 420 x 350 (H x W x D) | |
| Weight | Main: 8.2kg |
| Power: 13.4kg | |
| In the box | Innuos Statement Music Server |
| Mains Cable | |
| 2x 0.3m umbilical interconnect | |
| 2m Ethernet Cable | |
| Quick Start Guide: english / german |
Reviews
-
The Statement makes it in to the HiFi+ list of
Top 100 products from the past 20 years!Taking the already excellent ZENith SE platform to its conclusion, the two-box music server from Innuos is proving to be a tough act to beat in today’s music server world.
Hi-Fi+ Top 100 • APR 2019
-
HiFi+ Award Statement the Music Server of the Year 2018
The Statement wins the HiFi+ Music Server of the Year, who found that
even the briefest of exposure to the ZENith Statement shows you are in the presence of something special.
The Hi-Fi+ AWARDS 2018 • Dec 2018
-
Statement awarded 5-stars from The Ear
The flagship Statement server streamer receives a full 5-Star review from The Ear, impressed by its transparent and open sound quality.
The Statement is a more subtle source than most, its qualities are those of omission, it leaves out the distortion so that the music can come through. In this and all other respects this Innuos is a genuine state of the art component, put it on your ‘must hear’ bucket list straight away.
Read Full Review (the-ear.net) > • Dec 2018
Powered by innuOS
innu allows a complete Music Library management using a tablet or smartphone. Ripping CDs, importing music, editing album data (including covers) and backing up your music library can all be easily done easily without the need for a PC.
innuOS also contains many intelligent features to help organise your Music Library such as our rule-based music import engine or the Assisted CD Ripping mode.
INTELLIGENT CD RIPPING
Bit-Perfect Ripping
Using AccurateStream technology, extract every last bit of your CDs into WAV or FLAC files.
Automatic CD Ripping
Just pop-in a CD! innu will automatically get full album data and cover from multiple online databases, rip your CD and eject when done.
Assisted CD Ripping
Assisted CD Ripping allows you to see and edit all the album data and cover obtained from the online databases before you rip the CD. Great for Classical Music!
Quiet Mode
Love to listen to music whilst ripping your CDs and want absolute silence? Just engage Quiet Mode for slowing down ripping, making it much quieter and with less vibration.
Offline Ripping
CDs can be ripped without internet connection. When connected, album data and cover for all offline ripped CDs will be obtained with a simple click.
DIGITAL MUSIC IMPORT
Import Wizards for Existing Libraries
Pre-defined wizards for importing music from USB storage, Music Servers and NAS.
Intelligent Import Engine
innu takes all the hard work of importing music by intelligently analysing the music files and applying a number of rules such as:
- Organising the music based on format quality (compressed, cd quality or high-resolution), Artist and Album
- Removing very long file names or illegal characters
- Adding metadata to WAV files based on folder structure
Download from Online Stores
Qobuz, Linn Records, HD Tracks, HiResAudio, B&W Society of Sound, iTunes, Amazon and more. Just download the music files (even if they are in a zip or tar file) to the Auto Import shared folder and the server will take care of adding and updating the music library.
MUSIC LIBRARY MANAGEMENT
Edit or Delete Albums
Browse your library, select the album you want to update and just start editing directly on your tablet or smartphone. You can change the cover, manage genres based on previously used genres or simply delete the album – couldn’t be easier.
Quarantine
Quarantine is a staging area, separate from the Music Library, where any albums requiring attention are placed so they can be fixed before they go into the Music Library. These include:
- Albums with no metadata
- Ripped albums with damaged tracks
- Potentially duplicated albums
- Albums ripped offline
Automatic Music Library Update
After music is added, modified or deleted, the library is automatically updated as well as any connected systems such as Sonos or UPnP Streamers.
MUSIC SERVER MANAGEMENT
Automatic Network Identification
No more figuring out IP addresses find your server. Just go to my.innuos.com on your tablet or smartphone to list all Innuos devices on the network and access the innu App from there.
Remote Updates
Update the system with a touch of a button to benefit from our continuous improvements: new functionalities, enriched customer experience or enhanced sound quality.
Automatic Backup to USB Drive or NAS
Backup of your music library can be set on innuOS to start automatically based on library growth (e.g. every time 50 CDs are added) to either a USB backup drive or to a NAS on the network.
HI-FI MUSIC PLAYER
Rediscover Your Music and Discover New One
Play all your music as well as Internet Radio and streaming services with the best sound quality by connecting directly to a DAC or Digital Amplifier via asynchronous USB.
Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz require premium subscriptions
Supports All Major Music Formats
The innu Music Player plays FLAC, DSD, MQA, WAV, Apple Lossless, AIFF, M4A and MP3 supporting bitrates up to 32bit/384KHz and DSD256, when connecting to compatible DACs
Playback from NAS
Play music stored on an external NAS drive.
Roon-Ready Player
The innu Music Player can optionally become a Roon-Ready player so you can use the amazing Roon interface to explore your music like never before.
Find out more about Roon integration
STREAMERS AND MULTI-ROOM SYSTEMS
Perfect Integration with Sonos
innu can automatically connect its music library to a Sonos system at the touch of a button as well as automatically rescan the Sonos Music Library when any album is added, modified or deleted from the Music Library.
Fast and Reliable UPnP Server
innu also contains a UPnP Server configured out-of-the-box to work flawlessly with a number of UPnP-based systems:
- Wireless multi-room speakers such as Bang & Olufsen, Denon HEOS, BOSE and many others
- Music streamers from Naim, Linn , Moon, Auralic and many others
Roon Server
innu will also optionally integrate Roon Core* so you can use innu with other Roon-Ready streamers for a complete multi-room system.
* A Roon license, purchased separately, is required
Find out more about Roon integration
Home Automation
innu can be integrated with the most popular home automation control systems such as RTI, Control4, KNX, AMX, Elan, Crestron and iRidium.
Still got questions?
Contact the Innuos team for unbiased advice about which server is best suited to your specific needs. And don’t forget, all our servers are backed by our “love it or return it” satisfaction guarantee.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Network interface
Product Code LinQ Network
LinQ Network LinQ Network
1 module Roon Ready module (AQlink I2S – Dual AES output PCM 384 kHz – DSD128 $5,850
2 modules: Roon Ready & UPnP DLNA (AQlink I2S – Dual AES output PCM 384 kHz – DSD128
$7170
The new LinQ was created following a precise idea.
Fast and standard technical solutions do not belong to the aqua philosophy.
aqua has developed an extremely streamlined long-life platform and network bridge modules, focused on audio playback functions.
We prefer to use know-how developed in-house, for a number of reasons in respect the aqua SQ standards.
This has required a considerable effort in terms of time and resources, but the result is immediately evident on first use.LinQ is a highly modular device, based on a series of completely independent units.
Each module performs a particular function, for which it is optimized.
We will then have a Roon Ready (RAAT) module, a UPnP DLNA streaming module, etc.
Each module has its own dedicated power supply and plugs into a connector on the base platform of the device. In addition to the optimization on the particular function, this architecture guarantees an exceptional possibility of future upgrades.
The communication lines of each module with the network are galvanically isolated. Note that further isolation is guaranteed by the fact that one of the modules is a LAN switch, developed internally by aqua. This is an important point: in fact, during the listening tests, and also in the laboratory ones, we obtained the best results with the use of this architecture with built-in LAN switch.
Always having the sound result as an objective, LinQ does not use a USB interface: the output is on AQlink, the aqua I2S proprietary connection. In this way the “passage” on USB is skipped, avoid any losses in sound quality.
Furthermore, proprietary circuits have been developed in the output FPGA, in order to implement the S/PDIF, AES/EBU and dual-AES outputs.
• Proprietary fully-floating hybrid 2-stage Network + FPGA module with proprietary code
• Uncompromising digital interface AQlink PRO (I2S protocol)
• 4 future-proof network protocols (modules). Available now: Roon Ready bridge (RAAT) and UPnP DLNA
• 2 separate low noise C-Core power transformers for network circuitry and digital decoding
• MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board platform
• High-quality parts
• Input:
– ETHERNET network | n. 1 standard RJ-45 connector LAN
No network configuration is required (DHCP system)
• Outputs:
– AQlink I2S | n. 1 Ethercon RJ-45 connector (PCM 32 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max)
– Dual-AES/EBU (IEC 60958) | n. 2 XLR 110 ohm connectors (PCM 24 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max)
– AES/EBU (IEC 60958-4) | n. 1 XLR 110 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
– S/PDIF (IEC 60958-1) | n. 1 BNC 75 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
– S/PDIF (IEC 60958-3) | n. 1 RCA connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
• OLED display with user off-selectable illumination
• RC5 IR remote controller (optional)
• Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
• Designed and handmade in Italy
• 5-year warranty
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La Voce S2 DAC – $4,300
Designed to provide absolute modularity and the ultimate in sound quality, La Voce S2 D/A converter is the culmination of years of aqua’s research in the areas of electronic engineering in relation to digital audio reproduction.Further refined La Voce S2, a revolutionary design which employs modular R2R type converters in DFD configuration.
• High performance proprietary DFD (Direct From Decoder) digital decoding without digital filter for purest digital signal quality
• Galvanic isolated S/PDIF – AES/EBU Digital input
• 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
• precision sign magnitude R2R ladder DAC with 2 Burr-Brown PCM -1704 arrayed in dual mono configuration (PCM1704 DAC option)
• Passive current / voltage conversion (I / V)
• Discrete Regulator (MOSFET, J-FET, BJT) for analog and digital DAC’s power supply
• RJ45 (AQlink) input connection, employs CAT6 cable
• 2 separate low noise power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section
• MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board system
• 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 Bit perfect asynchronous USB module with resolution up to 24 bit and 192 KHz, operates with computers running OSX 10.7 and above, WINDOWS 10 , 8 , 7 and XP ASIO – WASAPI bit perfect high-speed
• AQ-i modular input: D111 XLR | D112 AT&T ST Fiber | D113 RCA | D114 TOSLINK with High Resolution platform
• Digital phase selector on front panel
• High-quality parts selected for sound quality:
– 105° long life capacitors
– low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors
– metallized film pulse capacitor
– ultra-fast diodes
• Aluminum anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
• Designed and handmade in Italy
• Input:
– RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) – 24 bit / 192kHz
– BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm – 24 bit / 192kHz
– USB port – 24 bit / 192kHz
– MODULAR INPUT upgradeable, options:
– AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm – 24 bit / 192kHz
– RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm – 24 bit / 192kHz
– AT&T (ST Fiber) – 24 bit / 192kHz
– Optical TOSLINK – 24 bit / 96kHz
• Analog output:
– RCA single-ended
– XLR balanced asymmetrical
|
DAC architecture
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Multibit sign magnitude R2R ladder (upgradable)
|
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Supported Native Sample Rates
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AQlink / I2S serial bus – USB PC Audio : 44.1kHz to 192kHz PCM up to 24 bits
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Digital filter
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Proprietary DFD (Direct From Decoder) digital decoding without digital filter
|
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Asynchronous USB (High Speed)
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USB Audio Class 2 with Type B connector
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Digital Receiver
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PLL (phase locked loop) technology 128 or 256 FS internally selectable
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AQlink (I2S bus)
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CMOS level
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Oversampling factor
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1x
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Digital inputs
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– RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) – 24 bit / 192 KHz
– BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm – 24 bit / 192 KHz – USB port – 24 bit / 192 KHz AQ-i modular input: – AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm – 24 bit / 192 KHz (cod. D111) – RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm – 24 bit / 192 KHz(cod. D113) – AT&T (ST Fiber) – 24 bit / 192 KHz(cod. D112) – Optical TOSLINK – 24 bit / 96 KHz (cod. D114) |
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Analogue Outputs
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UNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.1 V RMS
BALANCED (asymmetrical output) 2 XLR Output : 4.2V RMS |
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Output Impedance
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100 ohm RCA – 200 ohm XLR
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Load Impedance
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10 kohm (min.) RCA – 600 ohm XLR
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Frequency Response
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20Hz to 20kHz +0.5dB/-0.5dB
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THD + N
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<0.1% 1KHz -20dB
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Front Panel
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Power, input selector, Phase Invert switch
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Power Consumption
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100-115V / 220-240V; 50 or 60Hz – 58VA
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Dimensions
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( W x D x H ) 450 x 310 x 100 mm
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Weight
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7 kg
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Front finish
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Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black
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Case finish
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Grey Nextel powder coated
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La Scala MKII Optologic DAC – $7,700
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Digital to analog conversion type
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Proprietary Optologic D/A conversion system
Pure R2R ladder – FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) based without digital filter |
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Supported Native Sample Rates
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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 |
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DAC architecture
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Multibit sign magnitude R2R ladder (upgradable)
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Asynchronous USB (High Speed)
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USB Audio Class 2 with Type B connector
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Digital Receiver
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PLL (phase locked loop) technology 128 or 256 FS internally selectable
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AQlink (I2S bus)
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CMOS level
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Oversampling factor
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1x
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Digital inputs
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– 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) |
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Analogue Outputs
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UNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.2 V RMS
BALANCED ( passive transformer’s symmetrical ) 2 XLR Output : 2.2V RMS |
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Output Impedance
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10 ohm RCA – 600 ohm XLR
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Load Impedance
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10 kohm (min.) RCA – 600 ohm XLR
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Frequency Response
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20Hz to 22kHz +0.5dB/-0.5dB
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Phase Response
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Linear phase
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THD + N
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<0.1% 1KHz -20dB
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Front Panel
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Power, input selector, Phase Invert switch
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Power Consumption
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100-115V / 220-240V; 50 or 60Hz – 58VA
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Dimensions
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( W x D x H ) 450 x 370 x 100 mm
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Weight
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9 kg
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Front finish
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Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black
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Case finish
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Grey Nextel powder coated
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It’s testament to Cristian Anelli’s customer support ethos that the now middle model in their converter line benefited so rapidly from the R&D behind the flagship Formula and its FPGA-controlled discrete resistor ladders. It’s a very concrete benefit of Aqua’s modular approach. Existing owners get to enjoy the company’s IP advances without the usual sell/buy routine. Keep what you already have; bolt on real not cosmetic go-faster mods as they release. Anti obsolescence protects your valuable hifi investment with more current tech. Especially with fast-moving digital, the Joneses relocate a lot. Keeping up with them requires eyes glued on the ball. Aqua’s policy doesn’t drop it. That deserves applause. An already widely accoladed converter just became even better. It’s a most excellent place to invest your next upgrade grand into!
Srajan Ebaen
6MOONS
“Back in March 2014, Aqua Hifi’s visually unassuming La Scala MKII D/A converter not only took out a DAR-KO Award but landed pole position on the Darko DAC Index, beating out contenders from AURALiC, Resonessence Labs and PS Audio….
In other words, the most satisfying DAC heard by yours truly to date just got significantly better. Modularity coupled to a manufacturer upgrade programme brings owners of existing La Scala MKII in from the cold (should they wish to).
In its Optologic incarnation, the La Scala MKII cements further its position at the very top of the DAR-KO DAC Index and DAR-KO Award assignation becomes as easy as it has ever been. In a word, primo!”
John H. Darko
DIGITAL AUDIO REVIEW
“But not only existing customers profit from the additional efforts that Aqua has invested in La Scala, because even those who do not yet own one of the noble Ladder DACs can be convinced by the Italian qualities.” (TRANSLATED)
Philipp Schneckenburger
EINSNULL
“While I’m not quite ready to sell my analogue gear, La Scala MkII is a fantastic product whose warm sonic embrace I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind describing as “digital”. It does have a sound though: It’s wonderfully musical, inviting, enveloping, and entrancing.”
Ola Björling
AUDIOSTREAM
“Yes, LaScala slightly boosts intonation, yes, it feels it, it’s his own enthusiasm, but if you want that very not-conveyed “attracter”, then this is one of the most vivid examples of such an approach in the High End. Practically exemplary implementation of the music, in combination with the overall high class of reproduction. My best recommendation.” (translated)
Yuri Volobuev
SOUNDEX
“You can not do much better! The La Scala Optologic is one of the best DACs I have ever heard.” (translated)
Christian Möller
AUDIO Magazine
Formula xHD DAC – $16,200
aqua believes that the more musical D/A conversion system is based on the circuit usually identified as “resistor ladder”.
This technology has been substituted in the mass-market by the so-called sigma-delta converters.
The sigma-delta converter is a near-completely digital circuit and for this reason it can be can be integrated on silicon and produced at low-cost.
A quality resistor ladder DAC instead uses a circuit based on a set of high precision discrete resistors: at least 2 resistor banks, one for each stereo channel.
The Formula DAC is the first in the aqua’s production to show a proprietary D/A conversion system, that we name Optologic.
The signals sent to the resistor ladders are generated by a proprietary digital circuit, implemented inside an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
Formula has a sign-magnitude converter structure, and this requires not two but four 24 bit resistors banks, each one made of very low tolerance discrete resistors.
In order to separate the digital section from the sensitive analog circuits, galvanic and magnetic isolations are implemented between the FPGA and the four branches of the R2R ladder converter.
This creates complete isolation of all digital circuitry – including the clock – from the analogue section, for a clean, noiseless ground plane. It also plays the main role in the differential management of the R2R ladders, achieving perfect symmetry between the counter-phase halves. The result is the highest tonal contrast and naturalness.Pure 1x native sample rate DAC
The Formula, like the other aqua models, is a digital filter-less DAC.
Our conviction is that in spite of the instrumental measurements showed by upsampling / oversampling DACs, they rarely are able to produce the same emotional and realistic results.ModularityA third important aspect in the aqua production is the modularity of the various electronic circuits.
aqua equipment are not short life products: as modular, they are open to future improvements and to follow the evolution of the technology.
Formula is made of a set of circuits every one developed on a separate printed circuit board easily interchangeable.
As an example, each of the four resistors banks of the converter is separate and mounted on connectors.State of the art digital and analog electronics
As explained before, the Formula DAC uses no digital filter or any other compensation, relying instead on maniacal attention to each sub-circuit.
The separate analog and digital power supplies are executed purely by extensive use of discrete BJT, Mosfet, J-Fet and ultra-fast diodes.
Passive parts were selected not just for the best sonic result but also for their top quality, longevity and reliability. With the exception of six superior electrolytic capacitors, all other caps are Tantalum, solid-polymer OS-CON and double-metalized MKP.
The signal path itself is direct-coupled and completely capacitor-free.
The two output stages (one single-ended, one transformer-coupled balanced) use discrete BJT and J-Fet with metal-film resistors. All the electronics parts show an ultra-low RF noise.
An advanced ARM microcontroller manages the user interface on the front panel, the IR remote command and the communication port (serial, RS232 standard).The xHD update
This update has required significant optimization of code for the main FPGA of R2R ladder DAC which has improved sound quality.The new hybrid USB XMOS xCore 200 (dual core) + FPGA circuitry enables the high-resolution file playback up to 768kHz PCM and up to DSD256 (Quad DSD)xHD improvements:
• Proprietary hybrid 2-stage XMOS xCore XE216 + FPGA
• Fully-floating (isolated) USB decoding and clock generation by FPGA with proprietary code
• High quality, long life, low noise parts and modular design that distinguish aqua – acoustic quality equipment
• Sample rate in “Bit Perfect” up to 768 kHz PCM and quad rate DSD (DSD256)
• Latest version of customized XMOS X Core Driver on Windows OS (W7, W10)
• Native X Core Audio on Mac OS (Bit Perfect)
• USB Audio 2.0 operation on Linux (Bit Perfect)
• Proprietary Optologic D/A conversion system. Pure R2R ladder – FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) based without digital filter
• Galvanic and magnetic isolations between the FPGA and the four branches of the R2R ladder converter
• Jitter free digital interface AQlink PRO (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Diva cd transport
• Discrete R2R ladder DACs with low noise precision resistors
• 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
• 2 separate low noise C-Core power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section
• MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board platform
• Transformer-based true balanced audio output stage
• Fully upgradeable high-speed USB hybrid 2-stage XMOS xCore XE216 + FPGA, Fully-floating (isolated) USB decoding and clock generation by FPGA with proprietary code
• Proprietary USB Firmware / driver :
Apple MAC OS – Linux OS : USB asynchronous native support, no need to install drivers software
• Digital phase selector on front panel
• High-quality parts selected for sound quality:
– Tantalum, solid-polymer OS-CON and double-metalized MJP 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
• RC5 IR remote controller (optional)
• Designed and handmade in Italy
La Diva compact disc transport – $8,600
• High performance proprietary ISDC (Isolated Synchronous Discrete Circuit) digital decoding and clock manager
• Custom designed discrete circuit with high-speed photocouplers for Galvanic and magnetic isolation between CD drive unit and digital output
• Ultra massive chassis construction and newly developed high-rigidity sub chassis with Nextel for CD drive unit cancels internal and external acoustic and mechanical vibrations, enabling exceptionally accurate “Red Book” RF signal
• DC disc drive motor allows to read the data accurately and minimize Jitter
• Moplen clamp to avoid flywheel masses and vibrations
• Sophisticated signal processing technology assures excellent CD Red Book signal
• High-performance multi-stage voltage regulator (high-current stage for accurate servo DISC drive rotation, tracking and focus)
• Jitter free digital interface AQlink (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Scala DAC, La Voce DAC
• etherCON RJ45 (AQlink) output connection to DAC, employs CAT6 cable can connect both RJ45 and professional etherCON RJ45
• Separate custom-built toroidal transformers for digital and servo motors/actuators
• MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board system
• Precision Philips CD-Pro2 transport customized
• High-quality parts selected for sound quality:
– 105° long life capacitors
– low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors
– metallized film pulse capacitor
– ultra-fast diodes
– halogen free cables
• Aluminum top loading tray machined from billet
• Non-magnetic low-resonance aluminum chassis with Nextel
• Field upgradeable firmware
• Fluorescent display (VFD) with user off-selectable illumination
• Designed and handmade in Italy
• Output:
– etherCON RJ45 – AQlink (I2S serial bus)
– XLR AES/EBU
– BNC coax (S/PDIF)
– RCA coax (S/PDIF)
– ST fiber (AT&T)
– BNC word clock