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At USD4,299, this La Scala Mk II tube hybrid DAC sits at the fair end of the used market, roughly halfway between its USD8,500 original MSRP and cleaner examples trading around USD3,000-USD4,500 depending on upgrades like Optologic boards. It's no steal unless it's pristine with recent tube swaps, but not wildly ambitious for a modular R2R piece that holds value thanks to FPGA future-proofing and that seductive ECC81/MOSFET glow.
Buyers should verify tube condition first—those Russian ECC81s (or drop-in ECC82s) microphonically degrade over time, so insist on hours logged and a soft-start test for noise. Confirm Optologic module presence via serial peek or seller pics, as pre-upgrade units lag sonically; original power cord, USB driver link, and both RJ45 AQlink and balanced XLR outs must be included to avoid sour surprises.
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.
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