Peacemaker Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 First of all, I want to say that La Scala's have been on my bucket list for along time and finally we found a set (1980, upgraded) that were in great condition. They have been one of and so far the best audio-related purchases I've made since starting out in this hobby many years ago. Thank you jimjimbo! By way of background, I've been involved in this hobby for a few decades starting out with a NAD 7120 stereo receiver and a set of Boston Acoustics A-60 speakers and moved on and up to Sony ES separates and NHT speakers in the early to mid 90's, when I began to focus solely on home theater. Eventually, I upgraded from the Sony ES pre/pro to a Denon AVR. The biggest limitations were budget, space, and having little ones running around, literally . That said, we're at point now where we can focus on listening to the music and want to begin exploring "better" sound. What does that mean? I don't know but I think I'll know it when I/we hear it 😉. Currently, we're listening to the La Scala's by rotating in a few different vintage Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, and Technics receivers as well as a Sansui CA/BA2000. As I've only had experience with older and vintage equipment with the La Scala's, I'm curious what a more modern integrated amplifier would do for the sound of the La Scala's in addition to adding a bit of modern convenience in the form of remote control. Our sources are Chromecast streaming, a turntable, and CD/DVD. I'm really interested in what La Scala owners are using, why you selected your particular unit, as well as your experience with it. So many options: Class A, Class A/B, Class D, Digital inputs. I'm not sure which direction to go in and where do I begin experimenting? I'd appreciate any and all the advice you could share. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry4841 Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 To see what you have been missing in sound try a tube amplifier. Cheapest alternative for great sound with LaScala's. Some of the Chinese ones are great deals right now. Amazon 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Are you doing strictly 2 channel stereo now? No HT? Thanks! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacemaker Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 6 minutes ago, billybob said: Are you doing strictly 2 channel stereo now? No HT? Thanks! Yes, 2 channel. Home theater is in the basement. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacemaker Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 7 minutes ago, henry4841 said: To see what you have been missing in sound try a tube amplifier. Cheapest alternative for great sound with LaScala's. Some of the Chinese ones are great deals right now. Amazon I've done some research into tubes, but don't know what to jump into, SET, or push pull. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Integrated or new separates would be better than any receiver. Personally I prefer a clean amp which does not add colorations to the original source. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacemaker Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 2 minutes ago, oldtimer said: Integrated or new separates would be better than any receiver. Personally I prefer a clean amp which does not add colorations to the original source. I'd like to keep the stack small, so separates are not an option. What integrated amps do you use or recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 I use Sunfire separates, which does not fit your size limit. By some standards they might even be thought of as "vintage" although they are around only 20 years old. Look for amps that can handle impedance dips, ideally doubling in power as impedance halves. If you give the forum a budget, others can help you spend your money! There are lots here with experience of all of the well known brands currently available. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Shagmore Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Chorus II slinger here. I compared my vintage Marantz 2245 back to back with my new Yamaha A S2200 integrated. I have a huge respect and sentiment with my old 2245, but the new Yamaha is just a far superior unit. The detail and presence is outstanding. The low end is punchier and tighter. Plus it comes with a remote, and the VU meters are a joy. I'm really pleased with the Yamaha! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Yeah buddy. I used to run a 1980 yamaha 45 watt integrated back in the day. Lacked a little power, but what it did, it did it well. Of course no remote back then. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 39 minutes ago, Jeepnmon said: Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, and Technics receivers as well as a Sansui CA/BA2000. I had my BA/CA2000 combo recapped. I like the amp, but the preamp did not sound as well as the Sansui AU7700 that I was and still am using for the preamp. I am running the CA2000 on a different system to see if it mellows to sound right. I bought a Sansui AU919, but I will have it recapped before I use it. I like the sound of the older amps better than newer ones, but I might not have heard what others have. If you have not had the Marantz or Sansui recapped, I would do that before passing judgement on their sound. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 I just picked up a restored, recapped vintage HK A402 to try with my LSI splits. So far, sounds pretty sweet. Separate L/R channel power supplies is the HK trademark...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 3 hours ago, Jeepnmon said: 😉l as a Sansui CA/BA2000. Sansui CA/BA 2000 are great with Lascala Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 How much do you want to spend ? A really good 20W Amp is more than you can use Schiit looks like they have really good 20W Class A Solid State Their products bench test well, performance matters You would have to come up with a pre amp, depending on what you listen to If all digital, run a DAC with a volume control or passive direct 1/100 Watt is loud listening volume 1/2 Watt is screaming 2 Watts will take you head off Passive pre amp $49 DAC on one input, phono on 2nd input https://www.schiit.com/products/sys Schiit also has formidable DACs starting around the $700 number Schiit Aegir Continuity™ Power Amplifier $799 Stereo, 8 Ohms: 20W RMS per channel Stereo, 4 Ohms: 40W RMS per channel Mono, 8 ohms: 80W RMS Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 3Hz-500KHz, -3dB THD: <0.01%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 20W RMS into 8 ohms IMD: <0.01%, CCIR, at 20W RMS into 8 ohms SNR: >112db, A-weighted, referenced to full output Damping Factor: >100 into 8 ohms, 20-20kHz Gain: 12 (22dB) Input Sensitivity: AKA Rated Output (Vrms)/Rated Gain. Or, 14.3/12. You do the math. Input Impedance: 22k ohms SE, 44k ohms balanced Crosstalk: >95dB, 20-20kHz Inputs: L/R RCA jacks for stereo input, single XLR for mono input Topology: Fully complementary, all-BJT, current feedback, no coupling capacitors or DC servos with Continuity™ constant transconductance output stage Oversight: microprocessor-controlled monitoring and management of critical operational points, including DC offset, with standby mode and relay shut-down for overcurrent, thermal, and other faults Power Supply: 600VA transformer with dual mono main rails, plus boosted, regulated supply to input, voltage gain and driver stages, plus separate, isolated and regulated rails for microprocessor management. Power Consumption: 450W maximum Size: 9” x 13” x 3.875” Audio Precision APx555 Report for Aegir Continuity™: Benefits Beyond Class A Aegir is our first Continuity speaker amplifier, extending a technology we introduced with the Lyr 3 headphone amp. Technically, Continuity is a way to eliminate transconductance droop outside of the Class A bias region, and extend the benefits of Class A biasing. It also solves the NPN and PNP device mismatch problem, since it uses both NPN and PNP devices on both rails. It’s still a very hot-running amp, though, with over 10W of Class A standing bias. A True No-Excuses Design Like Vidar, Aegir uses an exotic current-feedback topology, as well as a 100% linear power supply (with 7 separate voltage rails and 600VA transformer) and microprocessor oversight to eliminate capacitors and DC servos in the signal path. No Class D, no switching supplies, no fans, no compromises, nothing in the signal path but music—for a three-figure price tag. Power That Scales Aegir provides 20W into 8 ohms, doubling to 40W into 4 ohms. Run mono, and you’ll see 80W into 8 ohms. Best of all, Continuity ensures you see Class-A-like performance at all these power outputs. Convenient Standby Mode On Aegir, we’ve added a front-panel button to put the amp into Standby mode. This de-biases the output stage completely and reduces standing power consumption significantly. This keeps the rest of the amp up and running, without massive heat output. Designed and Built in California By “designed and built in California" this is what we mean: the vast majority of the total production cost of Aegir—chassis, boards, transformers, assembly, etc—goes to US companies manufacturing in the US. Our chassis are made minutes from our facility. Our PCBs are done just over the hill from us, or done in NorCal. Our transformers are also made in California. You get the picture. 5-Year Warranty and Easy Return Policy Aegir is covered by a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. And if you don’t like your Aegir, you can send it back for a refund, minus 5% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 PS LaScalas are forever Instead of buying a car cash, I purchased LaScalas in 1980 5 cars, 3 houses, bunch of girlfriends, and one wife........ all gone The LaScalas are still with me....... 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 8 hours ago, Jeepnmon said: 😉 Currently, we're listening to the La Scala's by rotating in a few different vintage Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, and Technics receivers as well as a Sansui CA/BA2000. As I've only had experience with older and vintage equipment with the La Scala's, I'm curious what a more modern integrated amplifier would do for the sound of the La Scala's in addition to adding a bit of modern convenience in the form of remote control. Our sources are Chromecast streaming, a turntable, and CD/DVD. I have a bunch of Receivers, and integrated amps I love them all but, they don't spec out as well as the separates. You could score one of the vintage Yamaha A-1000s, A-1020 which are stellar great phono section but it's still a 40 year old unit, that has to be rebuilt $200+300-500 = 700 ? Power output: 120 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo) Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% Damping factor: 90 Input sensitivity: 0.16mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line) Signal to noise ratio: 80dB (MC), 94dB (MM), 106dB (line) Channel separation: 70dB (MM), 65dB (line) Output: 150mV (line) Dimensions: 435 x 146 x 424.5mm Weight: 13kg Year: 1983 https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/yamaha/a-1000.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacemaker Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 "If you give the forum a budget, others can help you spend your money! There are lots here with experience of all of the well known brands currently available.My budget is $5000. That said, I would seriously consider reducing my collection of receivers as I wouldn't need them any longer and also to help fund this purchase. Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 https://www.decware.com/newsite/tubes.html Looks like a $1000 unit would work 2W Class A Andrew Robinson reviewed the new lascalas with Decware he is in love with you could drop him a line and see what he thinks 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry4841 Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 4 hours ago, Jeepnmon said: I've done some research into tubes, but don't know what to jump into, SET, or push pull. Either one would be a good choice but for an entirely different sound SE. The thing is one would have to spend much more for a SS amplifier to get the quality of sound in a tube amplifier. This is from someone who has 30 or more amplifiers at the present time both tube and SS. Most of my SS ones are First Watt clones which retail in the thousands. This one is highly reviewed. https://www.amazon.com/BOYUU-Hi-Fi-Stereo-Amplifier-Single-end/dp/B07L4GL63N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=21ZGDGM8E1AZJ&dchild=1&keywords=tube+amplifier+stereo&qid=1611866460&sprefix=tube+amp%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFLRUFDVzM1REVTTEgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNDQ2MTgyWlpTNjY1VzkzWUU3JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MzU4MThNVFFTWEdONzVGMU0md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl And for push pull consider this one. https://www.amazon.com/BOYUU-MT-34-Intergrated-Amplifier-Push-pull/dp/B07L3HQ425/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=21ZGDGM8E1AZJ&dchild=1&keywords=tube+amplifier+stereo&qid=1611866523&sprefix=tube+amp%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUVpCUE9WSzEzVTNHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzI5ODIzRkw3TkVCOTU3QkoyJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MzQ0MDIxUzVZNjlBSFNXOTM5JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coytee Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 53 minutes ago, Bubo said: PS LaScalas are forever Instead of buying a car cash, I purchased LaScalas in 1980 5 cars, 3 houses, bunch of girlfriends, and one wife........ all gone The LaScalas are still with me....... ^^^ Listen to the man. I can't meet all his comments... 7 cars, bunch of girlfriends, all gone. Still have my wife, house AND the LaScalas The LaScalas give me that warm & fuzzy look......the wife.... only gives me "the" look.... 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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