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

LaScala commenters, are you referring to the mk2 or mk3? 

I've heard multi-day comparisons in a friend's very revealing system(flagship Zu's, Merrill monoblocks) vs. a top Meridian dac and the Yggy OG. In the end all 3 listeners preferred the LaScala, which I think was mk2, this was about 5years ago. 

Another friend upgraded from an Aqua La Voce and while the latter was also really good, the difference was clearly noticeable (at twice the cost). They would definitely be on my short list if looking in those price ranges. Cheers,

Spencer

I've not heard the Atma-Sphere amps yet, but the other GaN amps I have heard (Technics G2700M2, Technics R1000, AGD Adion monoblocks) are all exceptional.

@sbank I believe that you may be confusing two models. The current La Scala is the MkII, and I do not believe that there has ever been a MkIII. There is a La Voce S3, which is the latest in that line, but as you suggest the La Scala is widely considered to be a very clear step up in class.

In fact, when I communicated with Aqua before I completed by purchase of the La Scala, they told me that their production capability was "almost saturated by a big number of backlog orders for the Formula, La Scala, LinQ, and a much lower request for La Voce S3."

So, at the time, while the La Voce was back ordered, the company was prioritizing the models that were both very popular and of higher quality.

One other observation that I can make re: the La Scala is that it is somehow able to extract fine details, yet at the time sweeten poorly recorded material. That is counter-intuitive to me, but perhaps it is related to the tube output.

In any case, as mentioned above, I feel no urge whatsoever to make a change, and now pay virtually no attention to articles about other DACs.

@whipsaw thanks. Yes, I was conflating the LaVoce and LaScala.

I’m also a believer in the La Scala having used the Optologic MKII version for some time now. I run this between my Naim source and Audio Research gear and have been very satisfied with this combination.

I too have moved away from the stock tube set changing to NOS Tele’s purchased from Brent Jesse. This change seemed to bring even more presence and detail forward while tightening up the bottom end. It’s a great dac for the money!