{"product_id":"aqua-formula-xhd-rev-2-optologic-r2r-reference-dac","title":"Aqua Formula xHD Rev. 2 Optologic R2R Reference DAC","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MagicZoomGallery Merchant\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: x-large;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAqua Formula xHD Rev. 2 Optologic R2R Reference DAC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-column\"\u003e\n\u003cform class=\"form add-to-cart-form\" id=\"addtocartform\" method=\"post\" action=\"https:\/\/tmraudio.com\/cart.php\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" data-cart-item-add=\"\" data-product-options-count=\"1\" novalidate=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-quantity-submit\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/form\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg class=\"__mce_add_custom__\" title=\"formulaxdiva.jpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-6naz0isypk\/product_images\/uploaded_images\/formulaxdiva.jpeg\" alt=\"formulaxdiva.jpeg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Optologic R2R conversion system\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAqua believes that the most musical D\/A conversion system is based on the circuit usually identified as \"resistor ladder\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis technology has been substituted in the mass-market by the so-called sigma-delta converters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sigma-delta converter is a near-completely digital circuit and for this reason it can be can be integrated on silicon and produced at low-cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quality resistor ladder DAC instead uses a circuit based on a set of high precision discrete resistors: at least 2 resistor banks, one for each stereo channel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Formula DAC is the first in the aqua’s production to show a proprietary D\/A conversion system, that we name Optologic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe signals sent to the resistor ladders are generated by a proprietary digital circuit, implemented inside an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormula has a sign-magnitude converter structure, and this requires not two but four 24 bit resistors banks, each one made of very low tolerance discrete resistors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to separate the digital section from the sensitive analog circuits, galvanic and magnetic isolations are implemented between the FPGA and the four branches of the R2R ladder converter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis creates complete isolation of all digital circuitry - including the clock - from the analogue section, for a clean, noiseless 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePure 1x native sample rate DAC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Formula, like the other aqua models, is a digital filter-less DAC, and does not oversample the incoming signals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur conviction is that in spite of the instrumental measurements showed by upsampling \/ oversampling DACs, they rarely are able to produce the same emotional and realistic results.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModularity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA third important aspect in the aqua production is the modularity of the various electronic circuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eaqua equipment are not short life products: as modular, they are open to future improvements and to follow the evolution of the technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormula is made of a set of circuits every one developed on a separate printed circuit board easily interchangeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an example, each of the four resistors banks of the converter is separate and mounted on connectors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eState of the art digital and analog electronics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs explained before, the Formula DAC uses no digital filter or any other compensation, relying instead on maniacal attention to each sub-circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe separate analog and digital power supplies are executed purely by extensive use of discrete BJT, Mosfet, J-Fet and ultra-fast diodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePassive 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 electrolytic capacitors, all other caps are Tantalum, solid-polymer OS-CON and double-metalized MKP.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe signal path itself is direct-coupled and completely capacitor-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two output stages (one single-ended, one transformer-coupled balanced) use discrete BJT and J-Fet with metal-film resistors. All the electronics parts show an ultra-low RF noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn advanced ARM microcontroller manages the user interface on the front panel, the IR remote command and the communication port (serial, RS232 standard).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe xHD update\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis update has required significant optimization of code for the main FPGA which has improved sound quality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe new hybrid USB XMOS xCore 200 (dual core) + FPGA circuitry enables the high-resolution file playback up to 768kHz PCM and native DSD512\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exHD improvements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Proprietary hybrid 2-stage XMOS xCore XE216 + FPGA\u003cbr\u003e• Fully-floating (isolated) USB decoding and clock generation by FPGA with proprietary code\u003cbr\u003e• High quality, long life, low noise parts and modular design that distinguish aqua – acoustic quality equipment\u003cbr\u003e• Sample rate in “Bit Perfect” up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512\u003cbr\u003e• Latest version of customized XMOS X Core Driver on Windows OS (W7, W10)\u003cbr\u003e• Native X Core Audio on Mac OS (Bit Perfect)\u003cbr\u003e• USB Audio 2.0 operation on Linux (Bit Perfect)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Proprietary Optologic D\/A conversion system. Pure R2R ladder - FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) based without digital filter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Galvanic and magnetic isolations between the FPGA and the four branches of the R2R ladder converter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Jitter free digital interface AQlink PRO (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Diva cd transport\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Discrete R2R ladder DACs with low noise precision resistors\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Zero S\/PDIF Jitter design, digital receiver stage PLL (phase locked loop) technology\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• High-performance AQ Discrete Regulator (MOSFET, J-FET, BJT) for analog and digital DAC’s power supply\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• 2 separate low noise C-Core power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board platform\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Transformer-based true balanced audio output stage\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Fully upgradeable high-speed USB hybrid 2-stage XMOS xCore XE216 + FPGA, Fully-floating (isolated) USB decoding and clock generation by FPGA with proprietary code\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Proprietary USB Firmware \/ driver :\u003cbr\u003eApple MAC OS - Linux OS : USB asynchronous native support, no need to install drivers software\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Digital phase selector on front panel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• High-quality parts selected for sound quality:\u003cbr\u003e- Tantalum, solid-polymer OS-CON and double-metalized MJP capacitors\u003cbr\u003e- low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors\u003cbr\u003e- double metallized film pulse capacitor\u003cbr\u003e- ultra-fast diodes\u003cbr\u003e- halogen free cables\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Aluminum anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• RC5 IR remote controller (optional)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Designed and handmade in Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital to analog conversion type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProprietary Optologic D\/A conversion system\u003cbr\u003ePure R2R ladder - FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) based without digital filter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupported Native Sample Rates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAQlink \/ I2S serial bus - USB PC Audio : 44.1kHz to 768kHz PCM up to 24 bits\u003cbr\u003eDSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512\u003cbr\u003eSupports Native DSD via USB and DoP on all inputs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAC architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMultibit sign magnitude R2R ladder (upgradable)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsynchronous USB (High Speed)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUSB Audio Class 2 with Type B connector\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital Receiver\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePLL (phase locked loop) technology 128 or 256 FS internally selectable\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAQlink (I2S bus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLVCMOS level\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOversampling factor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1x\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit \/ 768kHz – DSD64, DSD128,\u003cbr\u003eDSD256 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e- BNC coax (S\/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit \/ 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e- RCA coax (S\/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit \/ 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e- AES\/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit \/ 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e- USB port - PCM 24 bit \/ 768kHz – DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModular input:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- AES\/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit \/ 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e- RCA coax (S\/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit \/ 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e- AT\u0026amp;T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit \/ 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e- Optical TOSLINK - PCM 24 bit \/ 96kHz – DSD64 via DoP\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalogue Outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.4 V RMS\u003cbr\u003eBALANCED ( passive transformer's symmetrical ) 2 XLR Output : 3.8V RMS\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10 ohm RCA - 600 ohm XLR\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoad Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10 kohm (min.) RCA - 600 ohm XLR\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e20Hz to 22kHz +0.5dB\/-0.5dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhase Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLinear phase\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHD + N\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e0,016% at 1kHz 0dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain processor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSTM-ARM microcontroller\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eControls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9 Button on front panel, IR Remote, Isolated RS-232 D-SUB 9-pin connector\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFront Panel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePower, phase invert, mute, input switch, RC5 remote sensor\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100-115V \/ 220-240V; 50 or 60Hz - 58VA\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e( W x D x H ) 450 x 370 x 100 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9 kg\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFront finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSatin Alu Silver or Satin Black\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrey Nextel powder coated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Music Room","offers":[{"title":"Satin Black","offer_id":51268031578393,"sku":"1637newaqua","price":18900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Satin Silver","offer_id":51268031611161,"sku":"1636newaqua","price":18900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0844\/4225\/1545\/files\/Aqua_Formula_xHD_Rev.2_Optologic_R2R_Reference_DAC_1.jpg?v=1769076074","url":"https:\/\/tmraudio.com\/products\/aqua-formula-xhd-rev-2-optologic-r2r-reference-dac","provider":"The Music Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}