dCS Lina – Preview

dCS Lina Full stack

You can find out all about the dCS Lina products here: https://shop.dcsaudio.com/products/lina-system

DAC

The Lina Network DAC design combines dCS’ playback technologies – including the dCS Ring DAC and Digital Processing Platform – with new innovations, such as their first ever touch-screen display, a streamlined user interface, and a powerful flex-ridged circuit board.

The key features:

  • Supports hi-res streaming via Roon, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, Deezer, AirPlay and more
  • dCS Ring DAC system ensures sound is reproduced with absolute integrity, for a highly detailed, natural and deeply musical performance
  • dCS Expanse technology offers enhanced crossfeed optimisation for a more natural and immersive experience when listening to a wide range of stereo recordings
  • Flexible dCS Digital Processing Platform provides unlimited scope for future upgrades.
  • Touch screen UI with customisable menu provides seamless navigation [system can also be controlled via dCS Mosaic app]

The unit measures 121.5mm (H) x 220mm (W) x 339mm (D) and weighs 7.4kg

The price of the Lina Network DAC is set at €14.350 Euro.

AMP

This solid state, Class AB amplifier is engineered to drive a vast range of headphones – from planars to sensitive IEMS – to their full potential. With its low noise floor, wide bandwidth, vast dynamic range, and excellent linearity, it delivers all of the sonic benefits you’d expect from a dCS product and is designed to complement virtually any head-fi setup.

Key Features:

  • Class AB design with DC servo system delivers high power efficiency and excellent linearity
  • Solid state design delivers consistent, clean performance
  • Solid aluminium chassis minimises the risk of electromagnetic interference for enhanced audio performance
  • Choice of inputs caters to a variety of sources and audio setups
  • Includes 3 headphone outputs. 1 x dual 3-pin balanced XLR, right and left channel. 1 x single 4-pin balanced XLR. 1 x single 1/4’’ (6.35mm) headphone jack

Power output is the following:

  • Balanced 2W into 30Ω
  • Balanced 0.48W into 300Ω
  • Unbalanced 1.6W into 30Ω
  • Unbalanced 0.2W into 300Ω

The amplifier measure 121.5mm (H) x 220mm (W) x 356mm (D) and weighs 7.5kg

The price of the Lina amplifier is set at €10.250 Euro.

Master Clock

The Lina Master Clock uses two quartz crystals to deliver a precise clocking reference for all audio formats and frequencies. When paired with the Lina Network DAC, it – according to dCS – enhances all aspects of sound – from detail and imaging to rhythmic movement and flow. Each aspect of its design has been carefully crafted to protect against factors that can interfere with clocking signals – ensuring long-term stability and the utmost accuracy during playback.

Key Features:

  • Oven-controlled crystal oscillators (one for 44.1kHz based audio sample rates and one for 48kHz) ensure accurate clocking for all audio samples and frequencies
  • Allows Lina Network DAC to be locked to a single master signal for enhanced audio performance
  • Minimises risk of jitter and timing irregularities which can affect playback
  • Provides a significant increase in sound quality when streaming or listening via USB
  • Standalone design with isolated chassis and power supply protects clock signal from external interference

The dCS Clock measures 121.5mm (H) x 220mm (W) x 339mm (D) and weighs 7kg.

The price of the Lina Clock is set at €8.250 Euro.

The first impressions can be found on the next page. Click here or use the jumps below

4.5/5 - (119 votes)
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Lieven is living in Europe and he's the leader of the gang. He's running Headfonia as a side project next to his full time day job in Digital Marketing & Consultancy. He's a big fan of tube amps and custom inear monitors and has published hundreds of product reviews over the years.

3 Comments

  • Reply May 25, 2022

    Ben

    Am I seeing this wrong or is this an ALPS RK27 (below 20$) potentiometer in that 10’000+ headphone amplifier ?

  • Reply May 27, 2022

    Jason Payne

    Probably what potential buyers will want to know is how does it compare to the Bartok in detail.

  • Reply October 5, 2022

    MhtLion

    Any more review on Lina coming anytime? Interested to hear your conclusive review.

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