Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac Owner Testimonial

[Synaxis]

I found the sound I was looking for in the NOS Telefunken (see post #34 in this thread). This tube pulled things together for me with the La Scala. While I still own the La Scala I rarely use it anymore, now putting my focus into the Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP3.

The Siemens is similar to the Tele except is has a touch more magic in the midrange vs. the Tele.

What do you like about your Lampi vs the La Scala?

 

[Synaxis]

Thanks! That definitely helps.
John

Happy to help John.

 

[Designsfx]

What do you like about your Lampi vs the La Scala?

There are many things I like about the TRP3 over the La Scala but of course it would be very difficult to list all of the nuances. Overall the TRP3 produces a much larger more pronounced presentation with fairly more detail.
The La Scala provides a great presentation but I’ve found that things sometimes become too congested if there is a lot going on in the music. The TRP3 provides better separation, clarity and depth in these situations. While the stage is generally somewhat larger I would say that the La Scala is close to equal when it comes to imaging but the TRP3 exceeds that with regard to stage depth.
The wide array of tubes that can be used with the TRP allows one to push past what the La Scala can offer and though frustrating in the beginning one can quickly learn which tube pairings offer the best results based upon specific genres of music or just their system in whole.
The TRP3 digs deeper in bass reproduction and produces high frequency information with a little more extension than that of the La Scala. It’s also possible to tweak the TRP to create more focus in the midrange or to accentuate more low end with tube rolling. It’s a versatile piece of gear!

 

[Synaxis]

There are many things I like about the TRP3 over the La Scala but of course it would be very difficult to list all of the nuances. Overall the TRP3 produces a much larger more pronounced presentation with fairly more detail.
The La Scala provides a great presentation but I’ve found that things sometimes become too congested if there is a lot going on in the music. The TRP3 provides better separation, clarity and depth in these situations. While the stage is generally somewhat larger I would say that the La Scala is close to equal when it comes to imaging but the TRP3 exceeds that with regard to stage depth.
The wide array of tubes that can be used with the TRP allows one to push past what the La Scala can offer and though frustrating in the beginning one can quickly learn which tube pairings offer the best results based upon specific genres of music or just their system in whole.
The TRP3 digs deeper in bass reproduction and produces high frequency information with a little more extension than that of the La Scala. It’s also possible to tweak the TRP to create more focus in the midrange or to accentuate more low end with tube rolling. It’s a versatile piece of gear!

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful.

 

[JohnP]

I bought the La Scala DAC to go along with the La Diva transport. The sound from this combination is amazing. I compared the SPDIF connection to the I2S connection. No contest! The I2S connection is much better.
I also tried different types of Ethernet cables using the I2S connection. This also made a huge difference. I settled on an Audioquest Diamond Ethernet cable. I ordered an Ethernet cable from Aqua thinking Aqua would know how to make an excellent Ethernet cable. It’s been about a month and I haven’t received it yet. When I do receive it, I’ll post again about what I hear.
I also did some tube swapping. I listened to about a dozen different ECC81/12AT7 tubes. My two favorites by a large margin were the JJ ECC81 and the Mullard 10M. I slightly preferred the JJ ECC81. It was just a bit more nuanced. I also tried the Telefunken ECC801S. It was lush but not as nuanced as the JJ and the 10M. I think it is interesting to note that the JJ had a completely different plate structure from all the others.

John

Update: I received the Aqua Ethernet cable to use with the I2S format. I like it better than the Audio Quest Diamond. The Aqua Ethernet cable was more transparent and open, real nice improvement.

John

 

[Backo NYC/SF]

Wow, I am impressed that you tested the La Scala against the T+A 3100 HV generation and preferred the Aqua. Sure, the Aqua is the better value proposition, but I would have expected the T+A to come out on top.

The La Scala uses ECC81 type tubes, not ECC82. So you would need a Telefunken 801s. But I tested it and can´t recommend. It´s like the complete opposite of a Mullard ECC81.
If you like the Mullard CV4024 late military type, then try to get your hands on some older ECC81 Mullards from Blackburn. They have the same signature, but are in all aspects the better tube. Way better top end resolution while still being smooooth. If you can´t find Blackburns, you could also go for Heerlen Netherlands production - sometimes also found as Philips Miniwatt brand.

I have an Aqua La Scala MkII and want to replace the tubes. Where’s a good source for the Millard’s in the US? Thanks!

 

[facten]

I have an Aqua La Scala MkII and want to replace the tubes. Where’s a good source for the Millard’s in the US? Thanks!

Maybe check with Brent Jesse

 

[Backo NYC/SF]

Maybe check with Brent Jesse

Thanks!

 

[rgmd11]

I have an Aqua La Scala MkII and want to replace the tubes. Where’s a good source for the Millard’s in the US? Thanks!

12AT7 Tubes in Stock