Aqua FORMULA xHD DAC
Optologic D/A, New Hybrid USB, analog output: RCA - XLR, digital inputs: Nodular, AQlink I2S pro - S/Pdif BNC - SPdif RCA - AESEBU XLR - USB HD 24/768 khz - DSD 256x via DoP
About
The Formula Dac is the first in the aqua - acoustic quality’s production to show a proprietary D/A conversion system, that we name Optologic Dac. This conversion system follows the same multibit technology (already used in the previous world acclaimed dacs such as La Voce and La Scala) but with a discrete R2R resistors ladder instead of Burr Brown PCM1704 dacs.
Technology
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 pure clean 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 never heard before from digital sources.
The Formula Dac uses no digital filter or any other compensation, relying instead on maniacal attention to each sub circuit. The analog and digital power supplies are executed purely discrete by extensive use of BJT, Mosfet, Jfet 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 quality electrolytics, all other caps are Tantalum, solid-polymer OS-CON and double-metalized MJP. The signal path itself is direct-coupled and free of all capacitors. The two output stages (one single-ended, one transformer-coupled balanced) use discrete BJT and JFet with metal-film resistors. All the electronics parts show an ultra low RF noise.
Performance Characteristics
AQlink / I2S serial bus - USB PC Audio : 24 bit / 384 Khz
S/PDIF - AES/EBU : 24 bit / 192 KHz
USB Type B
PLL (phase locked loop) technology 128 or 256 FS selectable
LVCMOS level
Proprietary Optologic DAC
1x
Pure R2R ladder - FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays)
based digital decoding without digital filter
- RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - 24 bit / 384 KHz
- BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 Ohm - 24 bit / 192 KHz
- USB port - 24 bit / 384 KHz
Modular input:
- AES/EBU balanced 110 Ohm - 24 bit / 192 KHz
- RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 Ohm - 24 bit / 192 KHz
- AT&T (ST Fiber) - 24 bit / 192 KHz
- Optical TOSLINK - 24 bit / 96 KHz
UNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.4 V RMS
BALANCED ( passive transformer's symmetrical ) 2 XLR Output :
3.8V RMS
10 Ohm RCA - 600 Ohm XLR
10 kOhm (min.) RCA - 600 Ohm XLR
20Hz to 22kHz +0.5dB/-0.5dB
<0,016% 1KHz -10dB
STM-ARM microcontroller
RS-232 D-SUB 9-pin connector
Power, phase invert, mute, input switch, RC5 remote sensor
100-115V / 220-240V; 50 or 60Hz - 82VA
( W x D x H ) 450 x 380 x 100 mm
9 kg
Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black
Grey Nextel powder coated