Scala Evo or SF Il Cremonese
 

Hi.
I am hoping some of you can help me spend some $$$.

I’m looking at upgrading my Focal Scala V1.
I am driving them with MC275LE monos. REL G1X2, McIntosh C500, Aesthetix Rhea Eclipse, ClearAudio Ovation and Koetsu Jade Platinum round out the rig.

It’s time for an upgrade.

What I love about my current system is it’s PRAT, ability to place artists in the room and overall musicality. Classic rock sounds amazing especially bass guitar, piano and drum kits.

What I miss is more ambiance, deeper space and increased air.

Following Paul McGowan’s recommendations start with the speaker.
My local dealer suggests to upgrade the Focals especially for the improved midrange and vocals.
I heard the Scala V2’s and did not feel it was worth the upgrade. I have not heard the Evo yet due to pandemic restrictions.
I have heard the SF IC but felt it would be a lateral move away from PRAT and dynamics more towards ambiance and air. I am not willing to sacrifice what I have already.
I have heard Wilson’s, not sure which ones a few years ago and they sounded upfront and alive but were using AR 160M’s.

I am looking for any suggestions please.
I believe I would probably replace my MC275’s with MC901’s eventually.
My room is heavily treated with 6 20 amp dedicated fuse runs.
All cabling is Shunyata, a few generations old.
Turntable needs to be upgraded and the Aesthetix is a little noisy with all those tubes but man does it bring the magic.

I considered the Magneplaner 30.7 but my room is too small. I really am not a fan of the 20.7.

Thanks in advance.

Mike Segal

Hello,Scala is a great speaker,I have version V2 and thought about upgrading to EVO or cremonese but i am not convinced the improvement in sound quality would be worthy of consideation,(maestro evo) might be other option.
I mostly listen to jazz and instrumental music.
Invest in preamp and see it change your mind.
I purchased AR ref6 and i could not believe the soundstage and music(to my ears) as compared with MC 2700 preamp.
I ended up purchasing AR 160M mcintoshTT5 and audioquest cables(hurricane)

wish you happy listening and comparasions before you jump off the ship.
best reards,
Sami

Thanks for your insight.
I do love AR.
Interesting option moving from C500 to AR ref6.

Best.
Mike.

Yes ,in my case preamp AR ref6 made the biggest difference,clean, open sound,not congested,you could sit in chair and enjoy the music and then I matched it with AR amps and moved out MC 1.2KW from the system.Mcintosh 1.2@ kw are wonderful amps, i did not have any issues.
other things for consideration are ,power conditioner and cables( niagra 5000 and AQ hurricane in my case) made system quiet and darker.with no back gound noise.

Hope this step wise upgrades will help you navigate , there is no wrong or right way here; it is your disposal money that can buy "temporary" happiness and satisfaction.

Funny

Same thing for me. Ref 6 made my Maestro EVO’s really start to sing as well.

Edward