Lina DAC X is the latest addition to the dCS product range: a full featured music player that delivers a natural and immersive listening experience, combined with effortless hi-res streaming and playback.
Lina DAC X supports hi-res streaming from all major platforms, including TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and QQ Music, as well as music management software such as Roon, Audirvana and JPLAY. It also supports playback via various digital sources including computers, storage drives and CD Transports.
It delivers all the qualities listeners have come to expect from dCS – remarkable fidelity and resolution, meticulous craftsmanship and flexible technologies to support future upgrades – and is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing equipment, providing the perfect source for any high-end audio system.
Was about to post exactly the same observation. It’s twice the width but hardly any other difference. Adds QQ Music but loses Apple AirPlay 2. Still maxes out at only DSD128.
It delivers the same range of features as the award-winning Lina Network DAC, along with some additional benefits, including a physical volume dial and IR Remote Control.
So the dCS Lina DAC X might have a new dCS Remote, since the regular Lina DAC can use the dCS universal remote control (The Plank) or a generic infrared (IR) remote control.
I think that today’s HiFi Pig piece explains the product well.
It is much the same as the existing Lina DAC but with few additional features like a case that some consumers may find fits better with the aesthetics of their other audio components. An important indicator of its intended market is the inclusion of qq music. This is a Chinese streaming service and probably not of great interest to the rest of the world but China is a big and important market and may be the driver for Lina DAC X development.
The dCS Lina DAC X is available in black or silver at an RRP of £13,500, with shipping commencing in June. (The original Lina DAC continues at £12,500.)
I am confused as well. I’m trying to understand the purpose of having two versions of the Lina available at the same time? Perhaps the original will remain until existing Inventory is flushed out of the marketplace. It will then be replaced with this new version?
Both are high-performance network music players designed for hi-res streaming and playback, so they are very similar in terms of performance, features and capabilities. The Lina DAC X offers an alternative form factor for listeners who prefer the full width design and physical volume control. This sits alongside the Lina DAC, for those who prefer a more compact and versatile form factor. Either way, listeners will be able to enjoy the same exceptional clarity and benefits offered with dCS technologies such as the Ring DAC.
The DAC X does not currently have AirPlay support, though we intend to add this in future via a firmware update.
One question i didn’t ask at the time when i saw this was, is it apex’ed?
Or is it the same board as the lina, if it is the same board, is that board now all flat, or does it still wrap up the sides.
Also is the power supply the same or does the x have a split supply in the bigger case.
I guess all the above could well be in the next model up that might be coming.
This could be the next gen bartok replacement ???
Absolutely. This was one reason as a long time Chord Amplifier user I did not go for the Chord Dave (or any other non amplifier Chord device). I wanted a full form factor. Anyway Chord did me a favour as the Rossini is the perfect streaming DAC for me.
Worth checking if there’s something your dealer would do for you, Pedro.
The one you have now is just as good a DAC today as it was yesterday, of course, but I understand that it’s not the very newest Lina available any more. The same was true of the silver one when it came out, and after a few weeks it went back to being the black one I coveted for the living room!
Why? Lina DAC has not been replaced by Lina X. It is still in production. Basically aside from the style of the case and the addition of a Chinese streaming service and maybe an IR remote they are the same and sound the same. Of course if you believe the alternative case style, remote and Chinese streaming are important for you then speak with your dealer as @all2ofme suggests. If not what are you concerned about? It will cost you more too.
Since the AC power input is on the other side, in comparison with the “old” Lina (I’m still bitter ), I’m curious about the inside layout. Especially with the position of the main transformer.
I would surmise only if you are planning on not using a preamp.
I use a preamp so my volume control never gets used. Actually I find it to sometimes be a hindrance. When I lean over my rack to check in the back I sometimes brush the volume control without knowing it. I then wonder what happened to the music - only to realize I accidentally jostled the volume control.
We frequently lose power and the generator kicks in. No idea why however sometimes when this happens the digital volume control gets engaged. Once again I ask what happened to the music until I realize….
Downstairs, I have the Lina stack in my office for headphones.
If I buy a Lina X and replace the Lina, can I then use the headphone amp and clock with the X (ie keep a discreet headphone setup but also utilize the Lina DAC for my speakers when listening to digital?
