I recently auditioned an Aqua La Scala MKII (~$7,700) in my system. It is a only a DAC.
In direct comparison to my K-03x with Cybershaft OP17 clock, I could only detect improved sound in complex orchestral sections of some Mahler symphonies. The La Scala was cleaner and clearer. For the other 99% of the music I used to compare, there were no audible differences. Certainly not enough for me to give up the spinner in the K-03x for the La Scala.
That experience has caused me to pause my search for a better DAC. They were so close that I now realize I have to audition any replacement in my system to be sure I get an improvement. That is nearly impossible. I was very fortunate to have a dealer willing to lend me the La Scala. Very doubtful I can find another dealer willing to lend me an MSB, LampiZator, dCS etc... As a result, I feel stuck.
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Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2 X 2, Block Audio Line & Mono SE Amplification, Bricasti M21 DAC, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server, Clearaudio Performance SE. Satisfy tonearm & Maestro Wood MM cartridge.
Power: Shunyata Everest 8000, Sigma XC v2, Sigma NR v2, Block Audio PCs, Defender, ADDPowr Wizard
Grounding: Shunyata Altaira CGS - 4 X Alpha CGS cables,
Network : Supra Cat 8+, Twin (Nenon) Modified Buffalo GS2016 Switches, Keces P3 LPSU,
Cables: Wireworld Platinum 8 USB, Wireworld Platinum 8 Speaker cables, 6M & 1M Tubulus Concentus ICs,
Other:Two PSI Audio AVAA C20, Multiple GIK products, Stillpoint Apertures, Stillpoint Minis and Ultra SS, Three 20 Amp lines, Furutech GTX - Gold outlets, Adona Rack
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