SKU: 14334715614

Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DAC

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Description

Aqua La Scala MKIII Optologic DACMore than a simple upgrade for our La Scala DAC Aqua proudly announces the release of the La Scala MkIII, an important evolution of our La Scala DAC. As usual for Aqua, this latest model combines groundbreaking technology, precision craftsmanship, and our unwavering dedication to delivering the truest music reproduction experience. The La Scala MkIII is not just an upgrade: this version of course includes all the improvements introduced in the recent

More than a simple upgrade for our La Scala DAC

Aqua proudly announces the release of the La Scala MkIII, an important evolution of our La Scala DAC. As usual for Aqua, this latest model combines groundbreaking technology, precision craftsmanship, and our unwavering dedication to delivering the truest music reproduction experience.

The La Scala MkIII is not just an upgrade: this version of course includes all the improvements introduced in the recent past, such as C-core transformers, digital AQlink, USB card, etc. but in addition to the VALVE / MOSFET hybrid circuitry, the analog board now features a new analog module – developed from scratch in our laboratories – PIBU (Pilot Buffer).

The most important advantage provided by the PIBU is the elimination of the output capacitors, no longer present on MkIII. This – coupled with the high output current capability and the exceptional piloting performances of PIBU – achieves important improvements. The listening tests confirm that the new analog board combines state-of-the art electronics and musicality.

Refinements have been made also on the Digital part, where the pure R2R ladder has new driving circuits implemented inside the FPGA, improving the La Scala’s Digital domain: featuring proprietary Optologic DAC technology, pure FPGA-based R2R ladder DAC.

Therefore, the MkIII represents a significant step in refining the already excellent sound rendering of La Scala.

As our customers know, Aqua’s commitment to sustainability is not a momentary trend: the Aqua modular approach philosophy ensures that legacy owners of La Scala DACs can upgrade to MkIII specifications, allowing them to continue enjoying the best Audio technology.

Features

  • High performance proprietary FPGA-based digital decoding without digital filter
  • Galvanic and magnetic isolations between the FPGA and R2R ladder converter
  • Discrete R2R ladder DACs with low noise precision resistors
  • Jitter free digital interface AQlink (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Diva cd transport
  • Zero S/PDIF Jitter design, digital receiver stage PLL (phase locked loop) technology
  • High-performance AQ Discrete Regulator (MOSFET, J-FET, BJT) for analog and digital DAC’s power supply
  • Valve-Mosfet direct coupling analog stage in pure class-A without negative feedback. High output current capability and the exceptional piloting performances of PIBU (Pilot Buffer) new module.
  • MOSFET Virtual battery circuit for analog anode supply
  • Soft-start power up for extended tube life
  • etherCON RJ45 (AQlink) input connection, employs CAT6 cable can connect both RJ45 and professional etherCON RJ45
  • 2 separate low noise double C-core power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section
  • MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board system
  • Regulated DC filament supplies with soft start for tubes
  • Fully discrete analog stage, not even a single Op-Amp is used
  • Proprietary USB Firmware / driver :
  • Apple MAC OS - Linux OS : USB asynchronous native support, no need to install drivers software
  • Fully upgradeable asynchronous USB module with resolution 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits, DSD64, DSD128, operates with computers running OSX 10.7 and above, WINDOWS 10 , 8 , 7 and XASIO - WASAPI bit perfect high-speed
  • Digital phase selector on front panel
  • High-quality parts selected for sound quality:
    - 105° long life capacitors
    - low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors
    - double metallized film pulse capacitor
    - ultra-fast diodes
    - halogen free cables
  • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
  • Designed and handmade in Italy
  • Input:
    - RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP
    - BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP
    - RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP
    - AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP
    - USB port - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP
    - AT&T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP (optional)
  • Analog output:
    - RCA single-ended
    - XLR balanced with transformer

Reviews

Hi-Fi News: Award for the new La Scala MkIII DAC

"ORGANIC SOUNDS"

Hi-Fi News dives into the Aqua La Scala MkIII and it’s more than just a cosmetic refresh.

Review: Andrew Everard - Lab: Paul Miller | Hi-Fi News

Read the full review >

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 14334715614

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4.2 ★★★★★
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Blaw219
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Water Bottle!
Color: Off Road, Size: 30 Ounces
I was looking for an insulated water bottle that would actually fit in a standard cup holder. I decided to try the Owala FreeSip Sway Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. Upon receiving it, I noticed that it felt solid in my hand. The mechanism worked very smoothly with a simple button press opening the lid. Once open, you can choose to either use the included straw or tip the bottle and drink from the chug spout. In addition to it fitting in my cup holder, I needed it to be leak proof. This bottle is leak proof, and the spout can be locked by engaging a lock in the back. The rugged flip handle is also a convenient way to carry the Owala when it's not in the water bottle holder on my backpack. I hand wash the body of the bottle, but the top disassembles easily and can go right in the dishwasher when I want a deep cleaning. The bottle has a wide opening, so it is very easy to clean the inside. This has quickly become my favorite water bottle due to its ease of cleaning, good insulation, ability to fit in my cup holder, solid construction and materials, and the option of using the straw or chug spout. I have the 30 ounce bottle, but I am going to be picking up a 40 ouncer also. You won't regret purchasing one! I have used the bottle for a couple of weeks now, and here are my observations: It has gone on two camping trips, and it has proven to be durable. I have placed the Owala on its side on my passenger seat (just to test it...it fits perfectly in my car's cup holder!). It did not leak a single drop on a long road trip. On my camping trip, the water in the bottle was still ice cold the next morning, so it keeps cold beverages very cold!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Natalie
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
The Perfect Bottle
Color: Dreamy Field, Size: 40 Ounces
I do not leave reviews, but I had to for this. This is the PERFECT water bottle. It has a handle, it's leak-proof, with a lock, so you don't have to worry when your baby decides to play with the bottle and tips it over -- there won't be a spill! Straw and sip option are perfect and I love that the straw is inside the cup so I don't have to worry about my kids hurting themselves when they drink from the cup. 40 oz is a great size, holds a lot of water but tapered bottom perfectly fits in the cup holder. So easy to use, my 4 year old has no issues. Cleaning takes 3 minutes. I recommend to absolutely everyone.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Tiana
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great quality, beautiful colors!
Color: Black Cherry, Size: 30 Ounces, Color: Black Cherry, Size: 30 Ounces
I love my Owala! The colors are beautiful. It's easy to wash out and clean. I like the lock function. There's been a couple of times that I've put it in my purse without locking it and the button accidentally pressed open and spilled. So the lock fuction definitely comes in handy! It's easy to carry around with the handle. It doesn't feel overly big/bulky. It fits in my van cup holder just fine. My toddlers are able to drink from it using the straw function without spilling and making a mess. If I put a lot of ice in it, it usually still has ice the next day. It stays cold for quite some time. The overall quality is great! I'm pretty rough on it and it has minimal scratches so far. I definitely plan on buying more colors in this size!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Bailey T.
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazing, but gigantic. Gave to my partner.
Color: Summer Sweetness, Size: 40 Ounces
5 stars because I got this bottle on sale for the same price as the 30oz, the colors are *gorgeous* and every bit as vibrant as the image shows (which I'm seeing is not typical across the board for owala) and it is indeed just a fabulous, strong water bottle. Easy to drink from the built-in straw, a joy to carry, and fits in every cup holder so far. I've already adapted better hydrating habits compared to using my old daily Nalgene. However, I am 5'5 and wanted a bottle to carry around frequently for work. This thing is like as big as my thigh bone lol! I should have gone to a local Target or Academy to compare the 30oz vs the 40oz bottle because the size difference is significant. If you consider the added weight for a full 40oz, I set myself up for failure in terms of my needs for this bottle. My 6'2" boyfriend who loves colors and works outside all day was happy to adopt this one for me however, and I ended up purchasing a 30oz elsewhere in equally fun colors. We have both had success having ice last a full workday. His keeps cold in the car and mine usually has a good bit of ice still after 3 refills and constant use. So far so good on no-spills, and I really appreciate the lock mechanism as I work around delicate artwork all day. It would be nice if the cups were machine washable alongside the gaskets, lid, and straw-- but alas, it's easy enough to clean in the sink and probably wouldn't fit in a top rack anyway. Each bottle comes wrapped with beautifully thorough care and use instructions as well-- take the time to read it all! Overall, I would recommend this cup 10/10. Cold water all day and a built in straw have changed my daily water intake by and large-- so if you're looking to better your hydration habits, look no further and don't overstep your needs like I did if you work around available water spouts all day... The 30oz is enough.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2026
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Verified Purchase
mmsNora
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
💯 stars - Best water bottle on the market!
Color: Off Road, Size: 30 Ounces
Lots of tumblr love for this Owala bottle... It's pretty much perfect! I ordered this brand after getting my grandson a kids Owala cup that has proven to be basically indestructible and that's saying something because a 2.5 year old will put something through it's paces. That cup is over a year old now and still going strong. Visually - it's lovely, the color is exactly as pictured but this thing isn't just a looker. She delivers in every way. The tumbler isn't round toward the top, it has these straight edges which makes it easier to grip. the handle is just high enough to hold it w/out being uncomfortable or knocking my knuckles on the spout or top of the bottle. the lock lever behind the spout is nothing short of genius (As any of us know that have 'thought' we closed out tumbler only to have it leak on our computer inside out backpack...) (<-- I'm not the only one, right?) The 'swig or sip' lid is probably my favorite feature. Generally I've preferred a straw-type lid but no more, this lid offers a great drinking experience. This bottle does what it's meant for - keeps things hot or cold for ages. I mainly use it for cold beverages and it does not disappoint. My elderly dad was recently in hospital and I loaned my bottle to him because it was so much easier for him to use than a cup w/ a straw. Needless to say, I'll never see that bottle again. He loved it. I'm now ordering myself another. It's an investment for sure but it will deliver years of use.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026

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