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At US$5,299, this is above your recent-used median of US$4,599 and also above the US$4,777 75th percentile, so it reads as ambitious rather than fair. For a buyer, I’d want some extra value at this level — ideally original packaging, known service history, or genuinely exceptional cosmetic condition — because the asking price is pushing past what most recent comparables have been clearing at.
That said, the La Scala MKII is a well-regarded DAC for buyers who want a more organic, tube-flavored presentation without losing resolution; that’s the appeal here. If it’s clean, fully functional, and includes the right accessories, it can still be a compelling buy for someone specifically chasing this sound, but at this price I’d negotiate rather than treat it as a no-brainer.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Aqua Acoustic Quality, founded in 2010 in Milan, Italy, emerged from the vision of product designer and CEO Cristian Anelli, alongside electronics specialist Stefano Jelo. Operating as a boutique two-man team in the city's Opera district, the company embodies a hands-on ethos, with Anelli crafting circuits and Jelo managing outreach. This Italian heritage roots Aqua in a tradition of meticulous engineering, prioritizing sonic purity over commercial trends from its inception.
The brand focuses intently on digital audio reproduction, excelling in high-end DACs such as the acclaimed Formula xHD, La Voce, and La Scala models—some featuring discrete designs and tube output stages for refined analog-like warmth. Complementing these are network interfaces like the LinQ, CD transports including the La Diva M2, and a select range of speakers: the Tenore, Contralto, and flagship Mimesis. This narrow specialization underscores their mastery of the digital domain, shunning broader categories like amplifiers or turntables.
Positioned as a niche high-end contender, Aqua Acoustic Quality commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its hand-built, innovation-driven gear that recreates live music's fidelity. Free from market fashions, their Milan-made products—often showcased at events like Rocky Mountain Audio Fest—earn praise in specialist circles for exceptional transparency and build, appealing to buyers seeking true hi-fi excellence over mass appeal.
See all Aqua Acoustic listings on RADAR.
