dCS Lina – Headfi Heaven!
The new dCS Lina system is three separate component boxes of electronics, with no headphones. Rather, like their legendary audio equipment, you need to select high end loudspeakers. Or rather, in this case some headphones. I was taught the newish term of ‘Headfi’ for the deep connoisseurship of headphones. As a pro, one used the term ‘Cans’ which word, like a chunky watch identifying a diver, tends to identify you as not being one of the connoisseurs but a brickie. They were simply a tool. Thus it was only after leaving pro-audio that I started to learn more about the high end headphone market by homework at every show. I have heard half a million quids’ worth of headphones!
For me, the peak experience was a set of truly disgustingly ugly-looking 1970’s design things by STAX called Lambda Pro that was defined not as a headphone but an ‘ear speaker’ and was electrostatic and was £11,000 some twenty years and more ago, back when that was a lot of money for headphones. Later models look far more sensible.
So what are they? The dCs Lina headphone system comprises a Network DAC (digital to analogue convertor), Master Clock and Headphone Amplifier.
The press release says:
“The dCS Lina headphone system consists of three components – the Lina Network DAC, Lina Master Clock and Lina Headphone Amplifier – all sporting a new, compact form factor.
Lina’s modular nature provides configurative flexibility. The Network DAC combines dCS’s world-leading Ring DAC and Digital Processing Platform with other proprietary technologies such as dCS Expanse headphone processing, and control via an integral touch screen and the dCS Mosaic app. The Master Clock can be added to the Network DAC to further enhance its remarkable sonic performance. And, as well as partnering the Network DAC (with or without the Master Clock), the analogue Headphone Amplifier can be used separately in any system context.
dCS Lina Network DAC
The Lina Network DAC delivers extraordinary sound from all digital sources and audio recordings. Its design combines our renowned playback technologies – including the dCS Ring DAC and Digital Processing Platform – with new innovations, such as our first ever touch-screen display, a streamlined user interface, and a powerful flex-ridged circuit board, which allows us to deliver all of the features you’d expect from a dCS system in a much smaller chassis. The result is a powerful, supremely capable product designed for use in a wide range of environments.
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
Master Clock
Informed by our extensive experience of developing master clocks for professional and home use, the Lina Master Clock uses two quartz crystals to deliver a precise clocking reference for all audio formats and frequencies. When paired with our Lina Network DAC, it 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.
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
Headphone Amplifier
Our powerful 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 headfi 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
These dCS Lina array are serious units. Distributed by Absolute Sounds, the finest high end outfit in the UK. They are the place, along with their select dealers, to book a demonstration of this system.
If you have read thus far and are kinda current, you might be pleased to know that you can go experience these at CanJam London, this weekend, 30th/31st July.
PRICES:
£11,750 for the dCS Lina Network DAC
£6,750 for the dCS Lina Master Clock
£8,400 for the dCS Lina Headphone Amplifier.