Jump to content
IGNORED

Aqua Lascala Optologic


Recommended Posts

I think I should have a pair of spare tubes.

Don't want to wait when time will come...

Are the current ones good for about 10,000 hours?

 

Someone suggested these (identical to current one):

ECC81 Telefunken / RFT (NOS) - Vorstufenröhren: Doppeltrioden Tube

 

Are these the same?

www.thetubestore.com - Telefunken ECC801S / 12AT7WA Audio Tubes

 

Wisnom in this thread suggested other makes...Not sure I agree these Telefunken sound dead...

 

Anyone want to team up with me and try some?

Mac Mini Late 2014 (16G/SSD) w Uptone JS-2 w OWC Thunderbay 4 Mini RAID (JS-2) / Roon

Aqua LinQ w EtherCon cable (Ghent) w Uptone EtherRegen w Uptone JS-2

Aqua Formula xHD w Ocellia RCA Interconnect & Shunyata Delta NR

Kora TB 200 Integrated Amplifier w Audio Art Power Cable

Magico V2 w Ocellia speaker cables w Shunyata Dark Field Elevator & JL Audio E-Sub e110 X 2

All equipment, including subwoofer on Modulum platforms (modulumaudio.com)

Link to comment

Hi,

I am looking into ways to boost the performance of my DAC even more.

Based on my experience with Uptone's Ultracap, I am quite certain that there is a strong potential to up the performance with cleaner power. LIO's MINI PURE-DC-4EVR is another option.

 

Does anyone know how the board runs?

 

Thanks

Mac Mini Late 2014 (16G/SSD) w Uptone JS-2 w OWC Thunderbay 4 Mini RAID (JS-2) / Roon

Aqua LinQ w EtherCon cable (Ghent) w Uptone EtherRegen w Uptone JS-2

Aqua Formula xHD w Ocellia RCA Interconnect & Shunyata Delta NR

Kora TB 200 Integrated Amplifier w Audio Art Power Cable

Magico V2 w Ocellia speaker cables w Shunyata Dark Field Elevator & JL Audio E-Sub e110 X 2

All equipment, including subwoofer on Modulum platforms (modulumaudio.com)

Link to comment

bump

Mac Mini Late 2014 (16G/SSD) w Uptone JS-2 w OWC Thunderbay 4 Mini RAID (JS-2) / Roon

Aqua LinQ w EtherCon cable (Ghent) w Uptone EtherRegen w Uptone JS-2

Aqua Formula xHD w Ocellia RCA Interconnect & Shunyata Delta NR

Kora TB 200 Integrated Amplifier w Audio Art Power Cable

Magico V2 w Ocellia speaker cables w Shunyata Dark Field Elevator & JL Audio E-Sub e110 X 2

All equipment, including subwoofer on Modulum platforms (modulumaudio.com)

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Just FYI - Had the firmware upgrade a few weeks. Update fixed an issue where some sounds would generate a "buzz". Did not happen often but could repeat 100% of the time with a small number of tracks. All gone!

 

This DAC is an absolute winner. Will try to set-up a comparison of the Nagra Classic DAC and/or Nagra HD DAC in the near future along with the Formula. Will gather a group of great ears for this.

 

In the meantime, could not be happier.

Mac Mini Late 2014 (16G/SSD) w Uptone JS-2 w OWC Thunderbay 4 Mini RAID (JS-2) / Roon

Aqua LinQ w EtherCon cable (Ghent) w Uptone EtherRegen w Uptone JS-2

Aqua Formula xHD w Ocellia RCA Interconnect & Shunyata Delta NR

Kora TB 200 Integrated Amplifier w Audio Art Power Cable

Magico V2 w Ocellia speaker cables w Shunyata Dark Field Elevator & JL Audio E-Sub e110 X 2

All equipment, including subwoofer on Modulum platforms (modulumaudio.com)

Link to comment
Just FYI - Had the firmware upgrade a few weeks. Update fixed an issue where some sounds would generate a "buzz". Did not happen often but could repeat 100% of the time with a small number of tracks. All gone!

 

This DAC is an absolute winner. Will try to set-up a comparison of the Nagra Classic DAC and/or Nagra HD DAC in the near future along with the Formula. Will gather a group of great ears for this.

 

In the meantime, could not be happier.

 

Looking forward to reading the impressions of your group. I am considering an upgrade to the formula.

Link to comment
Just FYI - Had the firmware upgrade a few weeks. Update fixed an issue where some sounds would generate a "buzz". Did not happen often but could repeat 100% of the time with a small number of tracks. All gone!

 

This DAC is an absolute winner. Will try to set-up a comparison of the Nagra Classic DAC and/or Nagra HD DAC in the near future along with the Formula. Will gather a group of great ears for this.

 

In the meantime, could not be happier.

 

On WBF, MikeLavigne compared the Aqua Formula, Nagra HD and Lampi Golden Gate using the SGM server and HQP. The Aqua Formula was preferred in the end.

 

If its not against the forum rules, http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?22299-GG-Nagra-HD-Aqua-Formula-and-SGM-server

 

Wonder how close the La Scala is to the performance of the Formula?

Link to comment
I am also extremely please with my La Scala Opto. Major upgrade from my QB-9 DSD.

 

I use HQP + mRendu with LPS-1. Sound is simply stunning, lifelike and very realistic.

 

I am curious to hear about other users experience with HQP settings.

 

I have so far tried no oversampling, oversampling to 192K and 352K more as a proof of concept than anything.

I have not done critical listening comparing. I used poly-sinc-shrt and NS9.

 

Hope to hear from you!

 

Do you prefer no upsampling or oversampling?

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Thought this review of the latest Aqua LaScala Optologic DAC from Digital Audio Review's John Darko would be of interest.

 

Conclusion excerpt:

"In other words, the most satisfying DAC heard by yours truly to date just got significantly better... In its Optologic incarnation, the La Scala MKII cements further its position at the very top of the DAR-KO DAC Index and DAR-KO Award assignation becomes as easy as it has ever been. In a word, primo!"

Link to comment

Of course it pretty much is impossible to tell for sure, but my impressions are that the sound has tightened up a bit over time. Sort of like a really clean expensive turntable now. Maybe more a extension of its former self, than a diversion.

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Kimo, I have the MkII and I am thinking of upgrading. How does DSD sound? I remember reading an interview with the designer of the Berkeley Alpha DAC, who I believe said they could have included DSD, which they did not, for an extra $100.

Roon software, Lenovo TS 440 server, IPad Air 2 for remote control and Dell 2340T display, Dell Latitude 7140 tablet (Windows 8.1, 256 SSD and 8 GB RAM) with Dell docking station, Aqua Hifi LaScala mk ii DAC, Allnic L 5000 DHT preamp, Shaker Logic Attune with two outputs for the amplifiers, Vitus SS-101 mk ii amp, Bosendorfer VC-7 speakers and Focal Sub Utopia Be subwoofer.

Link to comment
Hi Kimo, I have the MkII and I am thinking of upgrading. How does DSD sound? I remember reading an interview with the designer of the Berkeley Alpha DAC, who I believe said they could have included DSD, which they did not, for an extra $100.

 

Sorry, but I can't report on the DSD. I set up the original DAC to work with a Vanity HD board converting DSD to PCM, prior to outputting. Had no choice at the time.

 

I thought about switching the out the old Vanity Board for a new one, which will output DSD, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Link to comment
Now that Tidal has finally 'flipped the switch' to enable MQA streaming, I hope that Aqua gets on board with MQA decoding. Has anyone heard anything about this possibility? TIA!

 

When I inquired a month ago about the upgrade, they said they were looking into MQA but no other information was provided. I asked because I only want to ship the unit back to Italy one time not two times so I may wait to see what happens.

 

The cost of the upgrade by the way is 1,800 Euros or about $2,000 not $1,000 as reported online. This cost includes shipping both ways. The Formula undoubtedly sounds better but the cost seems prohibitive.

I can upgrade the La Scala for about $2,000 or sell it for about $3,000 and pay $13,700 for the Formula, a $9,000 difference. Interestingly 6 Moons said specifically they were comparing the Formula to the old La Scala and in another review said they were comparing the La Scala Opto to the old La Scala. It seemed like they purposely did not compare the La Scala Opto to the Formula. I would rather put $9,000 into better speakers.

Roon software, Lenovo TS 440 server, IPad Air 2 for remote control and Dell 2340T display, Dell Latitude 7140 tablet (Windows 8.1, 256 SSD and 8 GB RAM) with Dell docking station, Aqua Hifi LaScala mk ii DAC, Allnic L 5000 DHT preamp, Shaker Logic Attune with two outputs for the amplifiers, Vitus SS-101 mk ii amp, Bosendorfer VC-7 speakers and Focal Sub Utopia Be subwoofer.

Link to comment
Well.. Slingshot over here the optologic upgrade is exact € 900. That's including shipping costs from Poland to Italy.

Can you provide me the comparison of Aqua la Scala MK2 vs optologic upgraded.

 

Yes, when I have it upgraded it which will be in a while. I believe they use air freight to the U.S. which is expensive.

I bought it directly from them two years ago before they were selling it here. They are very responsive to emails. They are also very honest people. The Euro had declined from when they first gave me the price and they lowered the price about $500.

Roon software, Lenovo TS 440 server, IPad Air 2 for remote control and Dell 2340T display, Dell Latitude 7140 tablet (Windows 8.1, 256 SSD and 8 GB RAM) with Dell docking station, Aqua Hifi LaScala mk ii DAC, Allnic L 5000 DHT preamp, Shaker Logic Attune with two outputs for the amplifiers, Vitus SS-101 mk ii amp, Bosendorfer VC-7 speakers and Focal Sub Utopia Be subwoofer.

Link to comment

Interested in the Aqua LaScala Optologic but I'm wondering about two topics.

 

Is the power switch on the front just to turn tube stage? Does the digital portion stay on warm and stable and one just use the power switch to take out of stand by?

 

When the tubes need replacing does the DAC requires a service technician to readjust or calibrate the gain levels or bias?

TP-LInk 1200 WiFi router>Transparent Audio ethernet cable>Synergistic Research Switch>Transparent Audio ethernet cable>Innuos Pulsar> Sablon EVO USB cable>Innuos Phoenix>Sablon EVO USB cable>T+A DAC 2000 >Enleum AMP-23r>Audience SX speaker cables>Raidho X1t or HiFiMan HE-1000se headphones. Synergistic Research Atmosphere Excite powers cords>Puritan Audio 156 pwr conditioner.

Link to comment

I own one. Awesome DAC.

I think the switch is a full on/off.

I leave it on most of the time. Tubes are cheap.

It takes 5 mins to change the tubes. Nothing special needed.

Mac Mini Late 2014 (16G/SSD) w Uptone JS-2 w OWC Thunderbay 4 Mini RAID (JS-2) / Roon

Aqua LinQ w EtherCon cable (Ghent) w Uptone EtherRegen w Uptone JS-2

Aqua Formula xHD w Ocellia RCA Interconnect & Shunyata Delta NR

Kora TB 200 Integrated Amplifier w Audio Art Power Cable

Magico V2 w Ocellia speaker cables w Shunyata Dark Field Elevator & JL Audio E-Sub e110 X 2

All equipment, including subwoofer on Modulum platforms (modulumaudio.com)

Link to comment

I am in the market for a new DAC and I recently auditioned and compared three candidates in my system. One of them being the new Aqua La Scala mk II optologic. The other two: the Metrum Pavane and the Chord DAVE.

 

My impressions: the Aqua and the Metrum are in the same league but totally different. In short, the Aqua is for audiophiles, the Metrum is for music lovers. An analytic, neutral and a bit sterile presentation vs. a musical one. The Aqua is better in layering and sound staging, the Metrum in engagement and delivering emotion and a more analogue sound field. I somehow expected the opposite because of the tube stage of the Aqua. The Metrum rocked in my headphone system, the Aqua was flat and uninspiring. With the Aqua I found direct USB input delivered the best quality. With the Metrum, the optimal connection was via AES/EBU fed by a Mutec MC-3+ USB. The USB implementation of the Metrum seemed of lower quality.

 

If I had to choose between the two I would not hesitate and go for the Metrum. The new Adagio (with volume control) has updated DAC modules and I was informed that the Pavane will get this modules as well and will sound even better. Btw, as other contributors to this thread, I also experienced a popping noise in the right channel with the Aqua when switching sample rates.

 

As price would suspect, the DAVE is in another league. It is musical, it creates a soundstage and gives spatial clues that I consider as a new industry standard and almost close to perfect. And oh, that timbre... For me, the only downside is the form factor and especially the build in headphone amp. It is not certainly not bad but it is not a competitor to my Bakoon HPA-21. I hoped it was. I suspect because my LCD-3's are difficult to drive. The combination with the Bakoon on the other hand even bettered the Metrum.

 

There a some other DAC's I want to audition (Ayre QX-5 twenty, new Weiss DAC 50x) before I make a decision but until now the Chord DAVE is on top of my list!

Streamer dCS Network Bridge DAC Chord DAVE Amplifier / DRC Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 Speakers Lindemann BL-10 | JL audio E-sub e110 Head-fi and reference Bakoon HPA-21 | Audeze LCD-3 (f) Power and isolation Dedicated power line | Xentek extreme isolation transformer (1KVA, balanced) | Uptone Audio EtherREGEN + Ferrum Hypsos | Sonore OpticalModule + Uptone Audio UltraCap LPS-1.2 | Jensen CI-1RR Cables Jorma Digital XLR (digital), Grimm Audio SQM RCA (analog), Kimber 8TC + WBT (speakers), custom star-quad with Oyaide connectors (AC), Ferrum (DC) and Ghent (ethernet) Software dCS Mosaic | Tidal | Qobuz

Link to comment
Skatbelt, you should also try thr Lampizator Golden Atlantic, The Bricasti Dac, the Berk Ref 2 and the Aqua top of the line Formula Dac.

 

Thanks for your suggestions. My budget is not unlimited. I hope to find something satisfying within the 10k range.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

Streamer dCS Network Bridge DAC Chord DAVE Amplifier / DRC Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 Speakers Lindemann BL-10 | JL audio E-sub e110 Head-fi and reference Bakoon HPA-21 | Audeze LCD-3 (f) Power and isolation Dedicated power line | Xentek extreme isolation transformer (1KVA, balanced) | Uptone Audio EtherREGEN + Ferrum Hypsos | Sonore OpticalModule + Uptone Audio UltraCap LPS-1.2 | Jensen CI-1RR Cables Jorma Digital XLR (digital), Grimm Audio SQM RCA (analog), Kimber 8TC + WBT (speakers), custom star-quad with Oyaide connectors (AC), Ferrum (DC) and Ghent (ethernet) Software dCS Mosaic | Tidal | Qobuz

Link to comment
Golden Atlantic is less than $9K (single ended), Bricasti is about $1k more, Berk Ref2 is $19K, Formula is $14K.

 

By way of comparison the DAVE is about $14K.

 

I forgot to mention I am in the EU and meant 10K euro. The DAVE is just under here in the Netherlands. The Bricasti and the Berkeley are way more because of shipping, VAT, import duties etc. I am open to Lampizator DAC's though.

Streamer dCS Network Bridge DAC Chord DAVE Amplifier / DRC Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 Speakers Lindemann BL-10 | JL audio E-sub e110 Head-fi and reference Bakoon HPA-21 | Audeze LCD-3 (f) Power and isolation Dedicated power line | Xentek extreme isolation transformer (1KVA, balanced) | Uptone Audio EtherREGEN + Ferrum Hypsos | Sonore OpticalModule + Uptone Audio UltraCap LPS-1.2 | Jensen CI-1RR Cables Jorma Digital XLR (digital), Grimm Audio SQM RCA (analog), Kimber 8TC + WBT (speakers), custom star-quad with Oyaide connectors (AC), Ferrum (DC) and Ghent (ethernet) Software dCS Mosaic | Tidal | Qobuz

Link to comment
I forgot to mention I am in the EU and meant 10K euro. The DAVE is just under here in the Netherlands. The Bricasti and the Berkeley are way more because of shipping, VAT, import duties etc. I am open to Lampizator DAC's though.

 

Understood.

 

In that case, yes, the DAVE, and The Lampi will be will both be low Euro10K for sure. Not sure what the Ayre Qx-20 runs for in Europe...but should be in the mix too, price wise.

 

I own a Chord Jute EX and a Lampi Golden Gate, in case you are interested.

Link to comment
Understood.

 

In that case, yes, the DAVE, and The Lampi will be will both be low Euro10K for sure. Not sure what the Ayre Qx-20 runs for in Europe...but should be in the mix too, price wise.

 

I own a Chord Jute EX and a Lampi Golden Gate, in case you are interested.

 

The most interesting Lampi for me would be 'Der Siebener DAC'. Problem is, there is no dealer in the Netherlands. Except for adventurous lower budget stuff, I always want to try out a new items in my own system for some days before I decide anything. I know Lampizator has a 7 days return policy but even with this, costs for shipment will be substantial. Again thank you for your suggestions but let's make this an Aqua La Scala thread again.. ;)

Streamer dCS Network Bridge DAC Chord DAVE Amplifier / DRC Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 Speakers Lindemann BL-10 | JL audio E-sub e110 Head-fi and reference Bakoon HPA-21 | Audeze LCD-3 (f) Power and isolation Dedicated power line | Xentek extreme isolation transformer (1KVA, balanced) | Uptone Audio EtherREGEN + Ferrum Hypsos | Sonore OpticalModule + Uptone Audio UltraCap LPS-1.2 | Jensen CI-1RR Cables Jorma Digital XLR (digital), Grimm Audio SQM RCA (analog), Kimber 8TC + WBT (speakers), custom star-quad with Oyaide connectors (AC), Ferrum (DC) and Ghent (ethernet) Software dCS Mosaic | Tidal | Qobuz

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



×
×
  • Create New...