Aqua Formula - new upgrade, retrofittable!
- Thread starter asiufy
- Start date
Just to share my experience.
I have been running in brand new Formula xHD with 2019 update 24x7 for 2 weeks. As expected, it was getting better for that 2 weeks of running in.
Then I went for traveling for 10 days and continued the run in when I was away.
When I was back from Japan (should be around 800 hours of total run in), what I listened was something really special and drastic difference.
It was not just about soundstage getting bigger, more opened sounding, more defined bass. The vocal was brought forward, separation was excellent, the presence was much better and it was like live music playing in front of you.
I believe you will get the ‘organic’ presentation with continuous playing. Not sure how long the analog board needs to run in for the best performance though.
Let’s us know your experience!
The aqua Formula xHD receives the Digital / DAC award at RMAF 2019 - International HiFi Press Awards
https://www.audiofest.net/awards/
https://www.audiofest.net/awards/
A number of friends and customer have this dac and are very happy with it. Great sounds for the modest price point, especially when driven by a Taiko server, and is well designed and constructed. The modular build enables easy updates in the future, some by the owner without the cost and downtime of factory shipping, and it is completely reliable. Is a product which I feel comfortable recommending to my customers.
I see the LinQ was being shown at one of the shows recently. Any feedback and any pricing?
Finally got the analog modular upgrade, will see how it sounds after burn - in. 
Aqua Acoustic Formula xHD analog output upgrade review
A bit of install tidbits: With the Formula being a modular design the analog modular output upgrade was a snap. 6 screws on top and 3 per side allow removal of the top cover. The output module sits in the back right section and attaches via 2 screws. Once removed, simply install the new module, install the cover and you're in business. Easy peasy!
I let the output module burn in for about 125 hours before this review. The dealer (Alex from Alma audio) recommended ~100 hours for critical listening with 200 hours for full burn – in. As such burn - in should be mostly if not totally complete. I'm not one to wax poetically so let's get down to it..
Upon listening to Peter Wolf’s A Cure For Loneliness I was immediately stuck by what seemed like a bit less low frequency output. However the more I listened I realized it was better bass control and more articulate bass with fewer artifacts. To 2x confirm I played one of the most notoriously challenging CDs for accurate bass reproduction - Cecile McLorin Salvant's Grammy winning, "For One To Love". On "What's The Matter Now" the floor toms appear out of the distinct right channel and with the upgrade there was less overhang, less delay yet with a bit more body, the best of both worlds. Also, the double bass was clearly less plump, if you will. There is a bass run about half way through the song, if you want to test if your ability to render low frequencies at equal loudness I highly encourage playing this track. With the upgrade the bounce from note to note was equal level per note, tight, clean, yet full bodied. Also, to a lesser degree I believe there's a slight increase in dynamics. In addition, there is more precise definition of the leading edge in mids which has the added benefit of a bit better clarity.
In summary, Aqua's modular design permits multiple upgrades that yield sonic benefits and this analog out upgrade proves worth the shillings. Most apparent is the overall better, tighter more real and slightly fuller bass with a side helping of improved leading edge transients and slightly better dynamics. Bravo Aqua!
A bit of install tidbits: With the Formula being a modular design the analog modular output upgrade was a snap. 6 screws on top and 3 per side allow removal of the top cover. The output module sits in the back right section and attaches via 2 screws. Once removed, simply install the new module, install the cover and you're in business. Easy peasy!
I let the output module burn in for about 125 hours before this review. The dealer (Alex from Alma audio) recommended ~100 hours for critical listening with 200 hours for full burn – in. As such burn - in should be mostly if not totally complete. I'm not one to wax poetically so let's get down to it..
Upon listening to Peter Wolf’s A Cure For Loneliness I was immediately stuck by what seemed like a bit less low frequency output. However the more I listened I realized it was better bass control and more articulate bass with fewer artifacts. To 2x confirm I played one of the most notoriously challenging CDs for accurate bass reproduction - Cecile McLorin Salvant's Grammy winning, "For One To Love". On "What's The Matter Now" the floor toms appear out of the distinct right channel and with the upgrade there was less overhang, less delay yet with a bit more body, the best of both worlds. Also, the double bass was clearly less plump, if you will. There is a bass run about half way through the song, if you want to test if your ability to render low frequencies at equal loudness I highly encourage playing this track. With the upgrade the bounce from note to note was equal level per note, tight, clean, yet full bodied. Also, to a lesser degree I believe there's a slight increase in dynamics. In addition, there is more precise definition of the leading edge in mids which has the added benefit of a bit better clarity.
In summary, Aqua's modular design permits multiple upgrades that yield sonic benefits and this analog out upgrade proves worth the shillings. Most apparent is the overall better, tighter more real and slightly fuller bass with a side helping of improved leading edge transients and slightly better dynamics. Bravo Aqua!
The Aqua Formula xHD Optologic Modular DAC was reviewed by Hi-Fi News and given an "Outstanding Product" award!
https://www.hifinews.com/content/aqua-formula-xhd-optologic-modular-dac
https://www.hifinews.com/content/aqua-formula-xhd-optologic-modular-dac
I have had a Formula (fully upgraded) since it came out.
Was using it via USB.
I have had a LinQ in my system for a month.
Simply put, I had never heard my DAC.
i2S is by an order of magnitude the best input.
My jaw still hurt.
Main thing is image.... My speakers have never disappeared as much.
Truly amazing. A simple cable from Ghent audio is all you need.
Was using it via USB.
I have had a LinQ in my system for a month.
Simply put, I had never heard my DAC.
i2S is by an order of magnitude the best input.
My jaw still hurt.
Main thing is image.... My speakers have never disappeared as much.
Truly amazing. A simple cable from Ghent audio is all you need.
Congrats on your LINQ. What were you using before the Linq? Was it a streamer adder or did you use something else before?
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