Lina 2.0: A major performance upgrade for the Lina Network DAC

[dCS Team]

Lina 2.0 brings a range of new features, including new Mapper settings, filter options, and balance control, to the Lina Network DAC.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve released several performance upgrades and new features for dCS owners. We delivered a major firmware upgrade for the dCS Bartók, and launched the next generation Bartók APEX. We also made our Expanse crossfeed feature available to dCS Rossini owners, and added digital volume control and volume lock to the dCS Lina Network DAC, allowing listeners to use the DAC as a pre-amplifier in two-channel audio setups.

This upgrade reflects our commitment to continuous product development. We are dedicated to enhancing the performance of our products throughout their lifespan, releasing new features and innovations as we develop them so that listeners can participate in our latest discoveries.

In addition to launching the Lina 1.1 update in March this year, we have been working on a substantial software upgrade for the Lina Network DAC.

The Lina Network DAC 2.0 update brings several new features that are designed to enhance performance, aid ease of use, and give listeners more control over their playback experience.

It is available to new and existing Lina Network DAC owners and is provided free of charge.

Highlights include:

Two new Mapper settings

Lina 2.0 brings two new Mapper settings to the Lina Network DAC. These settings – first introduced in the dCS Vivaldi, Rossini and Bartók ranges – enable the Ring DAC to operate at double speed [5.6 or 6.14MS/s]. These additional settings are the result of careful refinement and continuous development. Since releasing the original Mapper [now MAP 2], we have continued to refine our process and improve jitter performance. We are now able to offer the option of a higher ring rate – a development which, in turn, allows us to move matching noise further out of the audible band – along with other improvements and refinements to our mapping algorithm. Listeners can now choose from double-speed settings or the original dCS Mapper to suit their preference.

DSD 128 Upsampling

A new DSD128 upsampling feature, as seen in the dCS Vivaldi, Rossini and Bartók DACs and Players, allows the Lina Network DAC to convert PCM audio to DSD at a greater speed, pushing noise higher in the frequency range [to somewhere above 40kHz]. This, in turn, allows the use of gentler filters. Depending on a listener’s music choice, this can result in improved spatial presentation and a more natural, nuanced sound.

New PCM and DSD Filters

All dCS DACs provide a range of carefully designed filter options, allowing listeners to select the setting that best suits their music and preferences.

The Lina Network DAC launched in 2022 with a choice of two filters, F1 and F2, for ease of use. The 2.0 update brings four new PCM filters, plus an additional DSD filter [F5] with a relaxed roll-off and smoother phase response.

This brings the number of filters available with the Lina Network DAC in line with our Rossini and Bartók DACs and gives listeners even more control over their system’s performance.

Balance Controls

An additional balance control function allows listeners to adjust left and right balance when listening with headphones or loudspeakers.

Read about more new features & access links for immediate download here: https://dcsaudio.com/edit/lina_2_0

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

This update is legit. Really well done, guys. We have our Lina system setup with an AVM integrated amp and Canton reference speakers in the office, and it's seriously mindblowing.

 

[Alpexis]

A free upgrade for my Lina. Txs so much guys!!

Would it be possible to explain in layman's terms the effects of Mappers 1-3 on overall sound signature?

 

[dCS James]

A free upgrade for my Lina. Txs so much guys!!

Would it be possible to explain in layman's terms the effects of Mappers 1-3 on overall sound signature?

Mapper 2 is the 'Classic' Mapper, which is the same as your Lina will have had before the 2.0 update. Mapper 1 and 3 are the new ones, so they will be where you want to experiment, with Mapper 2 as a good baseline comparison.

Typically I find Mapper 1 is more musical and Mapper 3 as more spacious with a larger presentation.

You can A/B/C test between them easily in the Mosaic app (go to Menu -> Audio Settings -> dCS Ring DAC). You can change the setting mid track and the audio will keep playing so it makes for easy testing!

 

[jmaranto]

Amazing guys

 

[Alpexis]

Thanks for the reply!

Another question if I may: would it be possible to explain in layman's terms the effects of DXD versus the new DSDx2 on overall sound signature? And building on that: in which situations might I choose one over the other?

I love experimenting myself, but after a while I get analysis paralysis. So some general descriptions and guidelines would help me greatly.

Cheers!

 

[dCS James]

Thanks for the reply!

Another question if I may: would it be possible to explain in layman's terms the effects of DXD versus the new DSDx2 on overall sound signature? And building on that: in which situations might I choose one over the other?

I love experimenting myself, but after a while I get analysis paralysis. So some general descriptions and guidelines would help me greatly.

Cheers!

I totally get you on analysis paralysis, so I’d definitely say start with the Mappers and then take a look at some of the other new settings after a day or two once you’re more used to the sound - and with fresh ears.

Both the Mappers and Upsampling are ‘set and forget’ settings, so if you find a preference it’s probably not something you’ll be changing regularly.

Naturally, selecting either DXD, DSD or DSDx2 Upsampling can’t reveal any more information from the music than the other, but they can present the details in different ways. DSD or DSDx2 will give a smoother presentation, with a bit less sharpness on the transients. In my experience it tends to be more popular with orchestral music, or really anything without many sharp transients or dynamics.

The difference between DSD and DSDx2 is akin to what you’d get moving from a DSD recording to a DSDx2 recording - the out of band noise shifted higher in the frequency spectrum, meaning the filtering used can be gentler.

My suggestion here would be to play with the new Mappers for a while on DXD, then when you know which new Mapper you prefer, switch to DSDx2 Upsampling and DSD filter 5, and see how you get on

 

[TheOneInYellow]

To @dCS James, though I'm not a Lina owner (nor own/afford any dCS product), I wanted to praise you for the lovely responses you have given to @Alpexis and forum members.

Your posts are very easy to understand and thoughtful, and I wanted to just say thank you for helping others understand your products and answer various audio reproduction questions.

Spoiler

Mapper 2 is the 'Classic' Mapper, which is the same as your Lina will have had before the 2.0 update. Mapper 1 and 3 are the new ones, so they will be where you want to experiment, with Mapper 2 as a good baseline comparison.

Typically I find Mapper 1 is more musical and Mapper 3 as more spacious with a larger presentation.

You can A/B/C test between them easily in the Mosaic app (go to Menu -> Audio Settings -> dCS Ring DAC). You can change the setting mid track and the audio will keep playing so it makes for easy testing!

I totally get you on analysis paralysis, so I’d definitely say start with the Mappers and then take a look at some of the other new settings after a day or two once you’re more used to the sound - and with fresh ears.

Both the Mappers and Upsampling are ‘set and forget’ settings, so if you find a preference it’s probably not something you’ll be changing regularly.

Naturally, selecting either DXD, DSD or DSDx2 Upsampling can’t reveal any more information from the music than the other, but they can present the details in different ways. DSD or DSDx2 will give a smoother presentation, with a bit less sharpness on the transients. In my experience it tends to be more popular with orchestral music, or really anything without many sharp transients or dynamics.

The difference between DSD and DSDx2 is akin to what you’d get moving from a DSD recording to a DSDx2 recording - the out of band noise shifted higher in the frequency spectrum, meaning the filtering used can be gentler.

My suggestion here would be to play with the new Mappers for a while on DXD, then when you know which new Mapper you prefer, switch to DSDx2 Upsampling and DSD filter 5, and see how you get on

 

[Alpexis]

Hi James!

Some quick questions regarding system finetuning:

1. Does the Lina dac apply any filtering or signal conditioning on the Ethernet port? I'm wondering if adding an Ethernet switch would further enhance SQ.

2. Would you recommend upgrading the standard BNC clock cable? I guess that might further enhance the timing and natural flow of the music?

Txs!

 

[dCS James]

To @dCS James, though I'm not a Lina owner (nor own/afford any dCS product), I wanted to praise you for the lovely responses you have given to @Alpexis and forum members.

Your posts are very easy to understand and thoughtful, and I wanted to just say thank you for helping others understand your products and answer various audio reproduction questions.

Thank you for your kind comments! It's always a pleasure interacting with the folks on here - passion for the gear and music makes it a super easy group to talk to

1. Does the Lina dac apply any filtering or signal conditioning on the Ethernet port? I'm wondering if adding an Ethernet switch would further enhance SQ.

We have a very good coupling transformer that we use on the network circuitry to remove any electrical noise on the interface. Past that, we stick to the IEEE rules for hardware as frankly Ethernet just works brilliantly and doesn't require this kind of tweaking.

From a data integrity perspective, when you're using the network you have no worries. It's always bit perfect, so you don't need to add any hardware in or any tweaks to help here.

The consideration that floats around online a lot is electrical noise on the Ethernet interface. All Ethernet ports (even the ones on your ISP router or your $20 switch) have galvanic isolation in the form of coupling transformers, which do a great job at dealing with this noise. The caveat is that if you use a shielded Ethernet cable, you're creating a connection between the ground plane of your Lina DAC and the ground plane of whatever network device it is connected to. This connection gives a route for that electrical noise to get to your Lina bypassing the coupling transformers, so using these cables can degrade performance from a technical standpoint. Stick with a CAT5e or an unshielded CAT6 cable and frankly it doesn't matter what you connect to your Lina, it will work great and won't impact the sound either way.

So in essence, keep it simple. Use an unshielded cable, and only add components like switches when you need them to do switch things, not because you're looking for sonic changes. In my opinion, the budget there would be better spent upgrading other areas of the system (like the clock cables ).

2. Would you recommend upgrading the standard BNC clock cable? I guess that might further enhance the timing and natural flow of the music?

It definitely can be a great place to look at upgrading your system. The cables that come with the Lina meet the electrical specifications that the interface requires (75 ohms on both cable and the BNC connectors), but sonic gains can definitely be found with aftermarket cables. It is quite a personal choice, which is a part of why we include industrial grade cables, not to make that choice for you. If you're looking to upgrade your system peripherals, this is a solid place to go, much more so than networking tweaks in my opinion. Anything that helps improve the clocking signal path will mean things sound less digital, and as you say, more natural with better flow.

 

[Donald D]

I watched one review of the Bartock where it was mentioned that its strength are the vocals. I assume this applies to the Lina DAC as well, particularly after the upgrade. I will give it a listen with my setup where vocals are an issue with a number of my favorite tracks. The Crossfeed function with the different modes also sounded like it could help in this regard. The dealer has to get the units from the distributor and I‘m not sure how long it will take.

 

[Donald D]

The Lina HeadAmp with the Lina DAC output at 6V drives two Utopias easily so two people can listen at the same time. The volume dial at 11 to 12 o’clock is perfect for the balanced signal, it’s probably around 6 dB less loud with the unbalanced cable but one can also use the dual 3-pin XLR connection for equal volume level.

https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-sensitivity-in-headphones/

Quotes from the link above: “The Utopia’s Sensitivity is 104dB/mW, so it needs less juice to reach optimal levels...So with a headphone that has a 105dB of Sensitivity, only 2.5mW of power is required to reach optimal loudness (110dB SPL).”