New dCS Firmware Update for Lina

RICKY KOVACS | MOON AUDIO STAFF/
Lina full system

Firmware V1.1 and Mosaic App V1.41 Now Available!

We are excited to announce the release of new firmware for the Lina DAC (V1.1) and a new update to the Mosaic Control App (V1.41). One of the most important new features of the latest new firmware is the addition of dCS’s high-performance digital volume control in the Lina DAC. Moreover, the volume level may be locked/unlocked at a custom level to suit system preferences and needs. Lina can now be used in a two-channel system without a preamp, driving a power amplifier directly, making Lina one of the most versatile and flexible streaming DACs available at its price point.

dCS’s Mosaic control app has also been updated. The latest Mosaic can control the new Lina DAC volume feature. Additionally, building upon the last major firmware release to Rossini, users can now access and adjust dCS Expanse and crossfeed settings on the Rossini using Mosaic. These updates are available now, free of charge. Both upgrades are facilitated via Mosaic under the Support tab, select Versions, scroll down, and select Check for Updates. Please follow the prompts. More Info below!

About dCS

The UK-based dCS has pioneered many state-of-the-art digital audio technologies during its more than 35-year history. Upsampling, oversampling, clocking, and PCM-to-DSD conversion are all areas in which the company has taken a revolutionary path, with several digital audio world firsts along the way. dCS never stops measuring, refining, and improving. Recognizing that technology is constantly changing, dCS has developed a flexible and modular product architecture that allows the company to continually invent new features and develop new capabilities.

From the digital processing platform and Ring DAC™ circuits at the heart of dCS technology to the control and user interface systems, dCS products can be easily reprogrammed. This serves as "future proofing," allowing owners to continue improving the performance of their system throughout the life of the product. dCS' philosophy is to create products that are unrivaled in sonic and technical performance – products that deliver consistency, reliability, and performance like no other. It starts with all hardware and software being crafted in house. Every component is carefully chosen from the best suppliers, most of them within Britain. dCS follows a manufacturing and testing process that exceeds even the most demanding industry standards. The company uses an automated testing system that was originally designed to meet exacting military standards.

Lina 1.1

New Update Adds dCS Digital Volume Control to Lina

Like all dCS streaming DACs, the Lina was designed with upgradeability in mind. Flexible firmware provides unlimited scope for future improvement, with new features and enhancements delivered via simple software updates. With Lina 1.1, we have implemented dCS’s digital volume control. Users can access the volume control using Lina’s touch panel or via the latest version of dCS Mosaic. Lina can now be used in systems without a preamp, driving a power amplifier directly. This approach eliminates unnecessary redundancy—reducing the number of volume controls, gain stages, and interconnects in the signal path—a strategy that provides extraordinary purity and transparency. The DAC’s output can also now be better matched with the input specifications of a connected preamp or headphone amplifier, allowing an analogue volume control to be used in its ideal operational region.

Volume Lock

With Lina 1.1, it is now possible to set and lock the volume level. The output level can be custom configured for use with a vast range of preamplifiers, power amps, or headphone amplifiers. With this feature, the volume can be locked to the desired level. Whether the volume control is in variable mode driving an amplifier directly as a part of a high-performance two-channel system, or used in locked mode in conjunction with a preamplifier, integrated amp, or headphone amplifier, the Lina 1.1 is fully up to the task.

High Performance and Extreme Flexibility

Lina’s exceptional musicality and transparency make it ideal for use in a traditional, two-channel audio system, especially for installations where space is limited. Whether your primary focus is headphone listening, two-channel audio, or both, a Lina system can be built component by component. The system can begin with the Lina Streaming DAC. Later, the Lina Master Clock or the Lina Headphone Amplifier can be added. The Lina Clock also makes a superb companion to the Bartók APEX, improving its musical performance even further.

Available Now

Lina updates are facilitated via dCS Mosaic. On Mosaic, navigate to Support/Versions/Check for Updates. Please allow 30 minutes for the update to complete. Do not power off Lina during the update. To access the dCS variable volume control remotely, dCS Mosaic must be updated to version 1.41 (see the following page). If you have questions, you are welcome to contact dCS service and support at [email protected] or contact us here at Moon Audio.

Full Lina system stack

Mosaic 1.41

Lina Network DAC

dCS Mosaic is a carefully assembled collection of hardware and software modules that, when combined, provide a listener with easy and intuitive access to a vast catalogue of digital music. Mosaic also provides access to dCS settings, such as Mappers, Filters, and Upsampling configurations. Mosaic 1.41 now includes the Lina volume controls and settings. Additionally, Rossini owners can now access and adjust dCS Expanse and crossfeed settings using dCS Mosaic. (Rossini v2.1 is required to access dCS Expanse.) dCS Mosaic now supports HTTP live streaming, and can play HLS streams.


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Ricky Kovacs

My dad told me to be responsible and get a job that would allow me to finance my passion for music. Well, I did. That's why I spend all day in a proverbial candy store for music lovers. It's a dream job really.

Ricky Kovacs is a performer at heart but loves to bring his passion and experience with music to others. With a background in both politics and religion, Ricky has a knack for writing about divisive topics - which is why at the end of the day he loves writing about the one thing that brings us all together: music. Outside of Moon Audio, Ricky enjoys performing music in his band, recording, video games, virtual photography, reading, traveling, partaking in the finest scotch, and spending time with his wife, newborn, and doggy.