Suncoast Audio welcomes Aqua DAC’s

Had an S2 and really enjoyed it. I liked the option of changing DAC modules for different flavors. Does the S3 and La Scala have this option?
 
I have a friend that loves his original Aqua La Voce. He went through a PSA Direct Stream, Yggdrasil, Metrum Hex and a few others before settling on the Aqua DAC. He loves the very analog sound of the DAC.
 
mike -- non-oversampling, discrete R2R ladder DACs are really grabbing my attention...

any more listening impression from the la scala mkii optologic DAC and how would you characterize it versus other DACs in your line-up? how about vs the t+a dac8 dsd?

also, any more info on the "simpler network AQlink gateway"?

Mike said:
Also, we are now evaluating to introduce a simpler "Network AQlink Gateway" device, developed on the basis of the same know-how, and designed to be connected to our DACs. This device will have of course a lower price than the LinQ, and cost-sensitive (around of $ 1800 USD), we think to many owners of La Voce S3.”
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aKnyght said:
mike -- non-oversampling, discrete R2R ladder DACs are really grabbing my attention...

any more listening impression from the la scala mkii optologic DAC and how would you characterize it versus other DACs in your line-up? how about vs the t+a dac8 dsd?

also, any more info on the "simpler network AQlink gateway"?
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Yes. The La Scala has really evolved sonically since a week ago. It has pretty much run non-stop. The tubes in the La Scala create a big soundstage with a more vocals up front soundstage. It has retained its excellent instrument separation and bass has improved. The engaging nature of the DAC comes out in spades. This is a very musical, engaging DAC and not a Hi-Fi DAC like an Esoteric K-01 for example.


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still-one said:
Tubes in a DAC??? That is just wrong. Kind of like LP sourced from CD's..
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Ha! I thought you would say, “that’s like a solid state Phonostage.” Kidding aside, it sounds fabulous.


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Nice find Mike. This is where an experience audio dealer bring "value engineering" to the table. Outstanding sound for $7,700 and from what I gather punches way above its class. Very nice.
 
8 month on, any more listening impression with the la scala mk-ii ??

...this R2R, NOS dac with tube output stage is like the song of the sirens luring me toward the rocks.
 
aKnyght said:
8 month on, any more listening impression with the la scala mk-ii ??

...this R2R, NOS dac with tube output stage is like the song of the sirens luring me toward the rocks.
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Still going strong. We used the Aqua La Scala at the Florida Audio Expo with the Fyne 702’s and had great sound. The Aqua La Scala is more romantic sounding than the other two due to the tubes. Under $10K, it’s easily one of my favorites. Very musical.
 
Any thoughts on the Aqua Formula?

The new Aqua Linq is quite interesting - seems to be a form of “network bridge” that can feed i2s signals to Aqua DACs.
 
Calvin said:
How does it compare to:

Luxman D-08u
MSB Select II
dCS Vivaldi
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It’s similar in sound to the Luxman D-08u. Very analog. It’s not anywhere near at the level of the Select II which does everything - tone, bass, 3D, analog, organic, rich, engaging, detail, transparency, the whole enchilada.

I’m not a fan of DCS, so not going to comment, other than to say that DCS is the number one brand traded in for MSB. There are many here who have moved from the Vivaldi to MSB and they’ve made many comments about how happy they are with the change.


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