Introducing the dCS Lina DAC X: British Engineering Excellence in High-Resolution Audio
At Martins Hi-Fi, we're passionate about bringing you audio equipment that delivers exceptional performance without compromise. Today, we're excited to introduce the stunning dCS Lina DAC X, a premium network music player and digital-to-analogue converter that represents the pinnacle of British audio engineering.
Craftsmanship That Stands Apart
In an era of mass production, the dCS Lina DAC X proudly bucks the trend. Each unit is meticulously hand-assembled and tested at the manufacturer's Cambridgeshire headquarters, just a short drive from our Cambridge showroom. This commitment to craftsmanship isn't merely for show – using custom-built equipment, technicians rigorously check performance across all possible configurations and conduct numerous inspections to ensure each dCS Lina DAC X meets strict build and test criteria.
When you invest in the dCS Lina DAC X, you're not simply purchasing another piece of audio equipment – you're acquiring a precision instrument crafted by some of Britain's finest audio engineers.
The Heart of Your Digital Music Collection
The modern music enthusiast often has their collection spread across multiple streaming services and digital formats. The dCS Lina DAC X elegantly solves this fragmentation by offering comprehensive support for high-resolution streaming from all major platforms, including:
- Spotify
- Qobuz
- TIDAL
- QQ Music
- Internet Radio
- Deezer
- UPnP
- Roon Ready
This versatility means you can access virtually any track, album or playlist with just a few taps, all delivered with exceptional sound quality that reveals nuances you may never have noticed before.
Beyond Streaming: A Complete Digital Hub
While streaming capabilities are impressive, the dCS Lina DAC X excels as a complete digital hub for your audio system. The extensive range of digital inputs supports playback from:
- Televisions (via TOSLINK)
- Computers
- Network servers
- CD transports
- And more
This flexibility makes the dCS Lina DAC X the ideal centrepiece for both dedicated audio systems and modern integrated entertainment setups.
The Perfect Partner for Any Amplifier
System matching is a critical consideration for any serious audio component. The dCS Lina DAC X addresses this challenge with flexible output voltages (0.2V, 0.6V, 2V, or 6V rms) and sophisticated volume control. These features allow for optimal connection to any type of amplifier, including direct connection to power amplifiers or active speakers.
The benefit? You can create the shortest, cleanest signal path possible, eliminating unnecessary components that might colour or degrade the pristine audio signal.
Engineering That Makes a Difference
What truly sets the dCS Lina DAC X apart is the technology beneath its elegant exterior. Two innovations deserve special mention:
1. Single Flex-Rigid PCB Design
Unique to dCS in audio (and previously only seen in their flagship Varèse Music System), this advanced circuit board design ensures the cleanest possible signal path and optimal performance. This approach minimises interference and signal degradation that can occur with more conventional designs.
2. Proprietary dCS Ring DAC™ Technology
At the heart of the dCS Lina DAC X is the renowned dCS Ring DAC™, a proprietary digital-to-analogue conversion system that preserves all aspects of the musical signal – including delicate low-level detail – whilst reducing noise and distortion to vanishingly low levels. This technology delivers a listening experience that's remarkably faithful to the original recording, with a natural, expansive soundstage and precise imaging.
Future-Proof by Design
In an age where electronic obsolescence is all too common, the dCS Lina DAC X stands out with its flexible architecture that provides unlimited scope for new features, upgrades and enhancements. This forward-thinking design philosophy means your investment is protected, with the potential to evolve as digital audio technology continues to advance.
A Listening Experience Like No Other
Words can only convey so much about audio equipment – ultimately, the dCS Lina DAC X must be heard to be truly appreciated. When auditioning the unit in our demonstration rooms, listeners consistently report:
- Greater clarity and detail retrieval
- Improved spatial awareness and soundstaging
- More natural timbre and tone
- Enhanced dynamic expression
- A stronger emotional connection to their music
These qualities combine to create a listening experience that's not merely impressive but genuinely moving – reminding us why we fell in love with music in the first place.
Technical Specifications for the Enthusiast
For those interested in the technical details, the dCS Lina DAC X offers impressive specifications:
Dimensions and Weight:
- Height: 122mm (4.80")
- Width: 444mm (17.48")
- Depth: 356mm (14.02") – allow extra depth for cable connectors
- Weight: 14kg (30.86lbs)
Digital Processing:
- Multi-stage DXD oversampling
- Switchable DSD Upsampling (1-bit 2.822 or 3.07MS/s)
- DSDx2 Upsampling (1-bit 5.644 or 6.14MS/s)
Digital Inputs:
- 2× AES/EBU on 3-pin XLR (44.1-192kS/s)
- Can be used as Dual AES pair (1+2), supporting sample rates up to 384kS/s
- 1× S/PDIF BNC Coax (44.1-192kS/s)
- 1× S/PDIF on RCA (44.1-192kS/s)
- 1× Toslink (44.1-96kS/s)
- 1× USB Type B (44.1-384kS/s PCM and DSD, DSDx2 in Asynchronous Mode)
- 1× USB Type A for mass storage devices (navigated using Mosaic)
Supported Formats:
- PCM: 44.1-384kS/s up to 24 bits
- DSD: DSD/64, DSD/128, Native DSD + DoP (input dependent)
- File types: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA
Performance Metrics:
- L-R Crosstalk: Better than –115dB0, 20Hz-20kHz
- Residual Noise (6V output setting):
- 16-bit data: Better than –96dB0, 20Hz-20kHz unweighted
- 24-bit data: Better than –113dB0, 20Hz-20kHz unweighted
Experience the LINA DAC X at Martins Hi-Fi
The dCS Lina DAC X represents one of the finest digital audio components available today, regardless of price. Its meticulous British craftsmanship, innovative technology, and musical performance make it a standout choice for discerning music enthusiasts.
We invite you to visit our Cambridge or Norwich showrooms to experience the dCS Lina DAC X for yourself. Our expert team can arrange a personalised demonstration using your favourite music through a selection of our finest loudspeakers and amplifiers. There's no pressure – just the opportunity to hear what this remarkable component can bring to your music collection.
Book Your Demonstration Today
Call us on 01603 627010 to arrange your private listening session, or visit our website to learn more. The dCS Lina DAC X is available for immediate delivery with free UK shipping and our comprehensive warranty.
