dCS LINA X Network Streaming DAC
When first exposed to dCS’ LINA headphone stack, a thought struck me – the compact streaming DAC was better than a lot of full sized chassis offerings. Connecting the original LINA to a proper hi-fi rig confirmed my suspicions – the streamer was exceptional.
When demonstrating the compact LINA to customers, the size worked against it – more than a couple of comments suggested that the streamer just didn’t look “serious” enough on a rack with other full size components.
Enter LINA X.
Hand-assembled at dCS’ Cambridgeshire headquarter in the UK, the new LINA X model uses the same key technologies, like Ring DAC and Digital Processing Platform, as the original but with an addition rotary volume control and IR remote, in a full sized chassis.
Both the clock and headphone amp from the original LINA lineup can also be integrated with the X model.
Features
• 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
Specification
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, supports the following 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, supports the following:
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 (H) x 444mm (W) x 356mm (D) Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
Weight: 14kg
RRP $24,000.00
