Aqua La Scala MkIII DAC

Aqua La Scala MkIII DAC – FPGA-Based R2R Conversion with Hybrid Valve/MOSFET Analogue Stage

The Flagship of Aqua Acoustic Quality

The Aqua Acoustic Quality La Scala MkIII is the third generation of Aqua's reference DAC, developed in AQ Technologies' laboratory in Milan. Since its predecessor already set a high standard, the MkIII carries forward every refinement from earlier versions — including C-core transformers, the digital AQlink connection and the USB card. Furthermore, it adds a completely new analogue platform on top of these foundations.

PIBU: A New Analogue Module Without Output Capacitors

Alongside the hybrid valve/MOSFET circuit running in pure Class-A without negative feedback, the MkIII introduces the PIBU (Pilot Buffer), an analogue module developed entirely in-house. Because the PIBU eliminates the need for output capacitors, signal transfer becomes noticeably more direct. Combined with high output current capability and refined driving performance, this results in a more musical and natural presentation.

Proprietary Optologic DAC Architecture

On the digital side, the La Scala MkIII runs on Aqua's exclusive Optologic DAC architecture: an FPGA-based, multibit sign magnitude R2R ladder conversion without digital filtering, operating at an oversampling factor of 1x. Through the asynchronous USB input (USB Audio Class 2, Type B), the DAC handles PCM signals up to 384kHz at 24-bit and DSD64/DSD128 via DoP. Moreover, the AQlink connection (RJ45, I2S bus) supports these same resolutions, so digital sources can be paired without compromise.

A Modular Platform Built in Milan

Built on Aqua's modular multiboard platform, the La Scala MkIII allows existing owners to upgrade to the latest specifications. As a result, an investment in this DAC continues to pay off years after purchase. Novus Audio is an authorised dealer of Aqua Acoustic Quality and supplies the La Scala MkIII from Kampen.

Specifications

• Type: DAC with FPGA-based, pure R2R ladder conversion
• DAC technology: proprietary Optologic DAC, multibit sign magnitude R2R ladder (upgradable)
• Analogue stage: hybrid valve/MOSFET in pure Class-A without negative feedback, with PIBU (Pilot Buffer) module
• Digital architecture: filterless, oversampling factor 1x
• USB input: asynchronous, USB Audio Class 2 (Type B), up to 384kHz PCM 24-bit, DSD64/DSD128 via DoP
• Digital inputs: AQlink (RJ45, I2S), BNC coax, RCA coax, AES/EBU balanced, USB, optional AT&T fibre
• Analogue outputs: 2× RCA (2.6V RMS), 2× XLR balanced via transformer (3.6V RMS)
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 22kHz, +0.5/-0.5dB
• THD+N: <0.1% at 1kHz, -10dB
• Power consumption: 58VA (100-115V / 220-240V, 50/60Hz)
• Transformers: 2× C-core, separate for analogue and digital sections
• Dimensions: 450 × 370 × 100mm (W×D×H)
• Weight: 10kg
• Front finish: Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black
• Case finish: Grey Nextel powder coating
• Origin: Italy, handmade

Frequently Asked Questions About the Aqua La Scala MkIII DAC

What sets the La Scala MkIII apart from earlier versions?

Although the MkIII retains every improvement from previous generations — such as the C-core transformers, digital AQlink connection and USB card — it adds the new PIBU module to the hybrid valve/MOSFET analogue stage. Therefore, the output capacitors are no longer needed, and signal transfer improves measurably.

What makes the Optologic DAC technology distinctive?

Because the Optologic DAC combines an FPGA-based, filterless R2R ladder conversion with an oversampling factor of 1x, it produces a pure, non-oversampling signal path. As a result, the digital signal reaches the output stage undistorted.

What resolutions does the La Scala MkIII support?

Via USB and AQlink, the DAC handles PCM signals up to 384kHz at 24-bit and DSD64/DSD128 via DoP. However, the remaining digital inputs (BNC, RCA, AES/EBU) support only up to 192kHz PCM and DSD64 via DoP.