dCS Audio Lina DAC X Streaming Music Player Review
The Next Evolution in the dCS Lina Series
The hi-fi manufacturer dCS Audio is making waves with its latest innovation, the dCS Lina DAC X Streaming Music Player, the next evolution in the renowned Lina Series. Taking after the original Lina Network DAC, the Lina DAC X expands on the component's performance and precision with the addition of a physical volume control, chassis redesign, and support for even more digital components. At $15,865, the Lina DAC X is the top-of-the-line hi-fi component for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in sonic reproduction. At its core, the Lina DAC X possesses the hallmarks of a dCS component: dCS's proprietary Ring DAC technology, exceptional digital signal processing, and a slew of future firmware upgrades for decades of happy listening. For the music lover who refuses to compromise on performance, quality, and craftsmanship, the Lina DAC X represents the pinnacle of network streaming.
PROS
- Same dCS TOTL performance & more
- Added volume control and physical redesign
- Compatibility with more components like CD Transports, Preamps, etc.
CONS
- Physical redesign is not as compatible with the existing Lina components' stacking system
- Small display screen hard to read from far away
Design
The overall design of the Lina DAC X has changed quite a bit between the first-generation Lina and the latest X model. While the original Lina DAC is modular and uniformly shaped–perfect for stacking with other Lina components–the Lina DAC X is wider than it is tall, sporting a large touchscreen fixed on the left-hand side and a volume knob on the far right. The addition of a volume knob is a huge win for streaming audiophiles, transforming the DAC X into a full-fledged network player. The DAC X is available in two finishes–silver and black–and it's impossible to choose which I like more.
The Lina DAC X is encased in a full-width chassis machined from solid aluminum billet–no folded or pressed metals–using specialist 5-axis milling machines. This casework perfectly seals the electronics inside, reducing the risk of vibration and magnetic effects. Superb build quality and meticulous craftsmanship are hallmarks of the dCS philosophy. The company's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the manufacturing process, from the hand assembly to the rigorous testing each unit undergoes prior to shipment.
The LED display on the front panel provides a quick overview of the DAC X's status from the current input to the track name and artist. Four touch buttons are directly below the screen control navigation and can be programmed with an assigned shortcut, further enhancing the user experience. And just below those buttons is a cleverly hidden power button to switch on the unit, enter sleep mode, or turn it off.
On the back panel, you'll find a suite of inputs and outputs maximizing the DAC X's use in home audio applications: A pair of unbalanced RCA analog outputs, a pair of balanced XLR analog outputs, a S/PDIF RCA digital input, a pair of AES XLR digital inputs, a S/PDIF BNC digital input, two USB digital inputs (USB-A and USB-B), a RJ45 network input, a RJ45 power link input, two word clock inputs with a 75 ohms BNC connector, and a S/PDIF fiber optic Toslink input.
With a wide range of physical digital inputs, the Lina DAC X supports playback from numerous sources, including TVs, computers, CD Transports, dCS SACD Transports, and servers. Additionally, the Lina DAC X can be connected to any amplifier, be it preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or headphone amplifiers. The DAC's complex class A output stage with a 3 ohm output impedance, combined with up to 6V maximum output voltage, allows it to be connected directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers. Talk about a complete music playback system.
The Lina DAC X comes with a suite of accessories, including a power cable, two XLR cables, an Ethernet cable, a power link cable, a cleaning cloth, and an infrared remote control. The included remote control and the physical volume knob unlock a new level of convenience that wasn't achievable with the original Lina Network DAC. With the click of a button, you can quickly adjust the volume, change inputs, skip tracks, and more.
Sound
**Sound Impressions Coming Soon**
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Features
- High-performance network music player delivers hi-res audio from a range of digital sources, including Roon, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, QQ Music & more
- 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
- Works with dCS Mosaic app [available on iOS & Android], which allows listeners to browse and access music from multiple sources, control system settings and playback through a single interface, and receive performance upgrades via free of charge updates
At its core, the Lina DAC X is a comprehensive network music player that combines digital processing with extensive connectivity and control options. The incredible performance of the Lina DAC X can be attributed to its proprietary Ring DAC technology, a unique digital-to-analog conversion system that employs 48 current sources of equal value in a unitary-weighted architecture. A sophisticated network of FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) are running proprietary dCS software that controls the digital-to-analog conversion process as well as digital filtering.
Unlike conventional ladder DACs, where one current source is always working for one of the digital audio bits exclusively, the Ring DAC uses a sophisticated mapping algorithm to turn sources on and off in such a way that any component value errors are averaged out over time.
Because any combination of current sources can be fired for any bit in the Ring DAC, the error generated is unrelated to the audio signal; it is decorrelated. This decorrelation means that any errors are randomized and converted to white noise. This approach reduces distortion to minuscule levels, avoiding the nonlinearities that can obscure low-level details that are so important in our appreciation of music.
The Ring DAC technology is one of the hallmarks of a dCS DAC. dCS Audio has fundamentally reimagined what digital-to-analog conversion looks like, delivering us components that ensure exceptional fidelity and ultra-low distortion for a more natural and lifelike sound. When you're pursuing the highest possible fidelity, intentional technology like this makes the difference. It's what stands between you and the most authentic reproduction of a recording.
The unit features a flex-rigid printed circuit board design, a technology originally seen in the dCS Varèse Music System, containing over 2,000 electronic components working in harmony to deliver exceptional performance. By delivering all major functions on a single circuit board, the Lina DAC X achieves a cleaner signal path and optimal performance–something that wouldn't be possible with several individual circuit boards inside the component.
The digital processing that supports the Ring DAC is another area of technical excellence by dCS. All digital signal processing is performed by dCS hardware and software with no reliance on off-the-shelf chipsets. Every stage in the Lina DAC X is handled with the utmost attention to performance–Mappers, filters, upsampling options, and more are all unique to dCS and performed with no hardware bottlenecks.
The DAC X offers up to six different filters for PCM playback at each sample rate, while upsampling options include multi-stage DXD oversampling with switchable DSD upsampling at 2.822 or 3.07 megasamples per second, and DSDx2 upsampling at 5.644 or 6.14 megasamples per second. Use the DXD settings if you have a rhythm and timing preference, and the DXDx2 for enhanced tonality and soundstage
Network streaming capabilities on the Lina DAC X are comprehensive and future-proof. The DAC X supports hi-res streaming from all major platforms, including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Deezer, and QQ Music (just to name a few). Enjoy high-resolution audio formats up to 384kHz PCM and DSD128 with ease. Roon Ready certification takes this unit to a new level, ensuring seamless integration with any existing Roon ecosystem, while compatibility with Audirvana and JPLAY provides additional options for computer-based playback.
All network control and more is handled directly through the dCS Mosaic application, available for both Apple iOS and Android devices. This is dCS's exclusive interface for browsing music libraries, managing system settings, and controlling playback. This is also where you would find and install software upgrades–another hallmark of a dCS component. We constantly rave about the longevity of a dCS component, which spans far beyond build quality. dCS is constantly enhancing its products throughout its lifespan, so you can enjoy 10, 20, or even 30-plus years of reliable performance. Let's face it, no one wants to spend thousands of dollars on a component just for the technology to become obsolete once a new edition comes out.
As a company with an innovative mindset, dCS is constantly moving the needle forward. By delivering new features and upgrades via simple software updates, listeners benefit from dCS's latest innovations and enjoy state-of-the-art performance for years to come. These upgrades come free-of-charge to customers. Why? Because why not!
Dragon Cables
[Silver Dragon Network Cable, Silver Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable, Silver Dragon Premium USB Cable, Black Dragon Power Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
At $15,865, the dCS Audio Lina DAC X Streaming Music Player succeeds in its mission to deliver outstanding sonic performance, flexible firmware, and a huge range of features while expanding the Lina series. It possesses all the qualities listeners have come to expect from dCS: Fantastic resolution and fidelity, meticulous craftsmanship, and a wide range of inputs and streaming options. With a redesigned chassis, the addition of a physical volume knob, and the option to connect it to even more devices than before, the Lina DAC X is the sweet spot in the Lina series. For those building or upgrading a high-end audio setup, it's a no-brainer.
It functions equally well as a dedicated network streamer, as a standalone DAC accepting multiple digital sources, or as a complete digital front-end with integrated volume control. The ability to later add components from the Lina range, like the Lina Master Clock or Lina Headphone Amplifier provide a clear upgrade path without requiring replacement of the core component. When you're investing in sonic performance, technical precision, and high-quality craftsmanship, the Lina DAC X checks every box and more. While the price demands careful consideration, those ready to invest in a true flagship component will find themselves rewarded with decades of high-resolution listening from a unit that reveals the full beauty and nuance of their music collection.
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What's in the Box
- dCS Lina DAC X Streaming Music Player
- Power Cable
- 2x XLR Cable (0.5m)
- Ethernet Cable
- Power Link Cable
- Welcome Letter
- Safety & Compliance guide
- Display cleaning cloth
- Remote Control
Specifications
Product Dimensions: 122mm (H) x 444mm (W) x 356mm (D) (4.8" x 17.48" x 14.02") Allow extra depth for cable connectors
Weight: 14kg (30.86 lbs)
Electronics: dCS Ring DAC and digital processing platform on flex-rigid PCB, StreamUnlimited Stream800, Automatic mains voltage switching
Network Interface: Ethernet interface on RJ45 connector
Word Clock:
- 2x Word Clock Inputs on 75Ω BNC connectors, sensitive to TTL levels.
- Accepts standard Word Clock signals at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz.
Crossfeed Settings: Standard crossfeed, dCS Expanse 1 (E1), dCS Expanse 2 (E2)
Power: IEC inlet and power switch on rear panel; 90-127V/220-240V, 50/60Hz, consumption 30W; Automatic voltage switching; Power synchronized with other dCS power link products (RJ45)
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
Spurious Responses: Better than -105dB0, 20Hz-20kHz
L-R Crosstalk: Better than -115dB0, 20Hz-20kHz
Digital Inputs:
- 2x AES/EBU on 3-pin XLR 44.1-102kS/s
- Used as a Dual AES pair (1+2), supports sample rates up to 384kS/s
- 1x S/PDIF BNC coax 44.1-192kS/s
- 1x S/PDIF on RCA 44.1-192kS/s
- 1x Toslink 44.1-192kS/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)
Analog Inputs:
- 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.
Streaming Compatibility: UPnP, Qobuz, Deezer, Tidal, QQ Music, Internet Radio, Spotify, Roon Ready
Sample Frequencies and Formats: 44.1-384kS/s up to 24-bits, DSD/64 and DSD/128, Native DSD + DoP (input dependent), FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA
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)
Filters:
- PCM mode: up to 6 filters per sample rate give different trade-offs between the Nyquist image rejection and the transient response
- DSD mode: 4 filters progressively reduce out-of-audio band noise level, plus Filter 5, which has an improved transient response
