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This is purely subjective opinion. Aqua LaScala/ Atma-Sphere Class D

The last couple weeks I’ve been listening to my Atma-Sphere Class D amps. I added the Aqua LaScala and set of ECC801S Tele’s. And I can say this is a magical combination.  The Atma-Sphere are simply amazing. Probably the best Class D on the market. But when fed by the LaScala DAC and the Tele’s it was like wow. Bringing the system to an entirely new level. I can not believe how transparent this system is. And how real Sax, Piano and female vocals sound. Had a Music Teacher over tonight. She teaches Piano on the side. She couldn’t believe how George Winston’s Steinway sounded. She said she’s never heard a Steinway reproduced that close before. BTW she has a Steinway Grand in her home. Tomorrow I’ll be adding a Innous PheonixUSB too the mix. The Atma-Sphere Class D is the best Class D I’ve ever heard in my system. And as close to OTL as you’ll ever get without going OTL. And I’ve had plenty of Class D amps in the system.  The Aqua LaScala is an excellent DAC. Great addition to the system. I’d strongly suggest if your looking for a really nice DAC…. This should be on the short list.  And it really shines with the Telefunken ECC801s tubes. Anyone else out there have opinions on the Aqua LaScala?

Running Roon, dedicated core, Atma-Sphere MP-3 3.3 with Vcaps and Caddocks

128x128pstores
holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

I’ve never heard of Aqua LaScala, but you seem to have some nice gear in general.

 

Had a Music Teacher over tonight. She teaches Piano on the side. She couldn’t believe how George Winston’s Steinway sounded. She said she’s never heard a Steinway reproduced that close before.

Getting piano and vocals right is a great sign. The rest gets easier from there.

pstores's avatar
pstores OP
190 posts
 

Aqua makes some really nice DACs. I picked it over the Bricasti. I am glad I did. I’ve been putting together this system for years. And now I can say it’s really coming together. The depth of the soundstage is great. Space between instruments  excellent. All instruments are accurate a sound as they should. Acoustic  guitars are really fun to listen to. Spectacular detail and micro detail. 
  Have a few more pieces to sell and then can round off my system. 

mahler123
3,308 posts
 

Some Hi End Class D amps seem to be getting rave reviews lately.  I’ve only been able to hear mid Fi Class D, which while it has come a long way from the early days, wasn’t lighting my fire.

whipsaw
758 posts
 

She couldn’t believe how George Winston’s Steinway sounded. She said she’s never heard a Steinway reproduced that close before. BTW she has a Steinway Grand in her home.

This is very interesting to me, as when I was asked early on to describe the differences between my Aqua La Scala DAC and my previous Denafrips Pontus II, I said this:

...one particular thing that immediately grabbed my attention is how piano is reproduced. It was not something that was on my mind at all, so no expectation bias involved, yet across genres, all of the well-recorded piano music seemed much more natural and detailed than what I have previously experienced. It may well have something to do with the clock, and more accurate decays, as that is something that crossed my mind with the reproduction of other instruments, as well. But whatever the exact explanation, having had the experience, it seems that in retrospect I have typically been listening to piano as almost a generic, background instrument, lacking fine definition, and I now suspect that going forward it might be a particularly important and useful focal point when auditioning any DAC, and/or speakers.

FWIW, I listen to the La Scala with a C.E.C. TL-15 CD transport, and Circle Labs A200 hybrid integrated amp, through a pair of FinkTeam KIM speakers.

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