dCS has just introduced the Lina DAC X, the newest member of its Lina lineup—and despite the name, this isn’t just a DAC. It’s a full-featured network music player built for high-resolution streaming, physical media playback, and integration into just about any hi-fi setup you can imagine.

If you’re familiar with the original Lina DAC, you’ll notice that the “X” version brings a few key updates: a larger, full-width chassis, more control options, and broader connectivity. It’s designed for people who want digital convenience without giving up versatility, whether that’s plugging in a CD transport or streaming hi-res tracks from TIDAL.

Shipping begins in June 2025, with a price tag of $15,500 in the U.S. and £13,500 in the UK.

The Lina DAC X carries over the same internal technology as the original Lina DAC, which debuted in 2022 and remains available. That includes dCS’s proprietary Ring DAC system and digital processing platform, both at the heart of how the unit converts and handles audio.

What’s different is the physical design. The original was built with a compact 22cm-wide case, making it perfect for desktop setups or headphone-focused listening. The DAC X, on the other hand, stretches to a full 44cm width. That makes it more at home on a standard hi-fi rack alongside amps, CD players, or other stereo gear.

There are also some user-friendly updates: a physical volume dial right on the front panel and an infrared remote control, which give you more ways to interact with the device without needing an app or external preamp.

At its core, the Lina DAC X is a network streamer with broad compatibility. It can handle high-resolution PCM audio up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD128, and it works with major services like TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and even QQ Music. There’s also support for platforms like Roon, Audirvana, JPLAY, UPnP, and AirPlay 2, so it plays nicely with a variety of music management systems.

That said, there are a few limitations—Bluetooth and Chromecast are missing, which may matter depending on how you plan to stream.

In terms of physical connections, the DAC X is flexible. It has coaxial, optical (Toslink), USB-A, and USB-B digital inputs, so you can plug in everything from a TV to a CD or SACD transport.

Output-wise, you get both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, meaning it can feed just about any amplifier setup. You can use it with an integrated amp, a separate preamp, or even connect directly to powered speakers or a power amp for a more streamlined system.

Another key feature is its upgradeable architecture. Like other dCS gear, the Lina DAC X can receive firmware updates over the internet. That means new features or performance tweaks can be added down the road without needing to swap out hardware. For owners, that’s a solid way to keep the product current without having to reinvest every few years.

dCS has a history of offering free software updates to its user base, and the DAC X looks set to follow that same model.

The Lina product line originally launched as a three-piece system: the Lina DAC, Lina Master Clock, and Lina Headphone Amplifier. The DAC X doesn’t replace the original, but instead adds another option for users who want a larger form factor or more control features.

Even though it’s essentially a high-end streamer, the “DAC” name ties it to the rest of the Lina family. So while the naming might cause a bit of initial confusion, the idea is to keep things consistent across the lineup, especially for those who want to mix and match components.

The dCS Lina DAC X is set to begin shipping in June 2025 and will be available in black or silver. Pricing is $15,500 in the U.S. and £13,500 in the UK. The original Lina DAC remains available for those who prefer a more compact setup, priced at $13,650 / £12,500.