Aqua Acoustic Quality - Formula xHD Rev.2 - DAC / D/A Converter

The Formula xHD Rev.2 is designed for listeners who want digital playback to sound organic, dimensional, and emotionally convincing rather than overly processed or artificial. Aqua’s proprietary Optologic R2R conversion architecture avoids traditional digital filtering, allowing music to flow with exceptional realism, tonal density, and natural timing.

What sets the Formula xHD Rev.2 apart is its obsessive focus on purity and isolation. Its FPGA-driven resistor ladder design, galvanic and magnetic isolation, and fully discrete analog stages create a presentation with remarkable clarity and quietness. Instruments and vocals emerge from a black background with convincing texture, depth, and spatial realism while maintaining a smooth, fatigue-free character.

The Rev.2 analog module and upgraded xHD architecture further improve speed, transparency, and low-level detail. Whether paired with high-resolution streaming or a reference transport, the Formula xHD Rev.2 delivers an immersive and highly musical digital experience built for serious long-term listening.

Available in Satin Silver or Satin Black finishes.

FEATURES

• Proprietary Optologic D/A Conversion System
• Pure R2R Ladder FPGA-Based Architecture Without Digital Filter
• Galvanic and Magnetic Isolation Between FPGA and R2R Ladder Converter Branches
• Jitter Free AQlink PRO (I2S Protocol) Digital Interface
• Discrete R2R Ladder DACs with Low Noise Precision Resistors
• Zero S/PDIF Jitter Design with PLL Technology
• High-Performance AQ Discrete Regulator Power Supply Using MOSFET, J-FET, and BJT Devices
• 2 Separate Low Noise C-Core Power Transformers for Analog and Digital Sections
• Upgradeable Modular Multi-Board Platform Design
• Transformer-Based True Balanced Audio Output Stage
• Fully Upgradeable High-Speed USB Hybrid 2-Stage XMOS xCore XE216 + FPGA
• Fully Floating Isolated USB Decoding and FPGA Clock Generation
• Proprietary USB Firmware and Driver Architecture
• USB Asynchronous Native Support for Apple Mac OS and Linux OS
• Digital Phase Selector on Front Panel
• High-Quality Selected Components for Sound Quality and Longevity
• Tantalum, Solid-Polymer OS-CON, and Double-Metalized MJP Capacitors
• Low Noise Metal Foil Ultra-Precision Resistors
• Double Metallized Film Pulse Capacitors
• Ultra-Fast Diodes
• Halogen Free Internal Cabling
• Aluminium Anti-Resonant Cabinet with Nextel Finish
• Optional RC5 IR Remote Controller
• Designed and Handmade in Italy
• Advanced ARM Microcontroller for User Interface and System Management
• Direct-Coupled Capacitor-Free Signal Path
• Single-Ended and Transformer-Coupled Balanced Output Stages
• Ultra-Low RF Noise Electronics Design
• Customized XMOS X Core Driver for Windows OS
• Rev.2 Analog Module with New Output Transformers
• Super-Fast Active Components and Improved Circuit Polarization

SPECIFICATIONS

• DAC Architecture: Proprietary Optologic Pure R2R Ladder FPGA-Based DAC
• Digital Filter: None (Filter-Less Design)
• Converter Structure: Sign-Magnitude Converter Structure
• Resistor Banks: Four 24-Bit Precision Resistor Banks
• Supported PCM Resolution: Up to 768kHz PCM
• Supported DSD Resolution: Native DSD512
• USB Architecture: Hybrid 2-Stage XMOS xCore XE216 + FPGA
• USB Operation: Fully Floating Isolated USB Decoding
• Clock Generation: FPGA Proprietary Clock Generation
• Operating System Support:
  • Windows 7 / Windows 10
  • Mac OS Native X Core Audio
  • Linux USB Audio 2.0
• Digital Interface: AQlink PRO (I2S Protocol)
• Power Supply Design: Separate Analog and Digital Power Supplies
• Power Transformers: 2 Low Noise C-Core Transformers
• Signal Path: Direct-Coupled and Capacitor-Free
• Output Stages:
  • Single-Ended Output Stage
  • Transformer-Coupled Balanced Output Stage
• Control System: ARM Microcontroller with RS232 Communication Support
• Cabinet Construction: Aluminium Anti-Resonant Chassis with Nextel Finish
• Manufacturing: Designed and Handmade in Italy