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  1. Backo NYC/SF

    Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac Owner Testimonial

    If i move on, I'll be trading up from the Esoteric P-03/Aqua La Scala DAC comboI have to the Esoteric K-03XD. It's hard though. I'm getting pretty all in on digital downloads to my music server rather than SACD's and the Aqua still has me charmed.
  2. Backo NYC/SF

    Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac Owner Testimonial

    Another La Scala owner here. I was curious. Are you using the balanced or unbalanced outputs? The unbalanced are MUCH brighter and don't quite get the lower mids and bass as well as the balanced outs. The balanced outs don't favor the high end quite so much. I'd call it 'smoother' for lack of a...
  3. Backo NYC/SF

    Massif Audio Design racks incoming, and......

    Thanks for the info. I do want to emphasize that I am only referring to my experience in any addition of ferrous materials used in isolation devices. Even so, nothing has been absolute. It’s strictly experimental for me and, even still, my goal is still to get the gear I have to sound like the...
  4. Backo NYC/SF

    Massif Audio Design racks incoming, and......

    I actually used a set of Trevor's ebony/metal ball bearing footers under my Aqua La Scala DAC with good results. It all falls into the "Everything you do is going to tune your system elements, for better or worse". I found them very helpful and it wasn't until I upgraded to Klein Music Super...
  5. Backo NYC/SF

    Massif Audio Design racks incoming, and......

    Just weighing in here. I have two Massif racks and one amp stand, both of ash and also use the Daiza isolators between the gear and rack shelves. In some cases I also use Stein Super Natural Matrix footers both with and without the Daiza. I don’t think i try to isolate as much as tune the...
  6. Backo NYC/SF

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    You could save some steps if you play all the quiet passages first and then the loud ones. Make sure to let the system cool down between passages. At least 24 hours. And whatever you do, don't forget to reverse the phase of USB.
  7. Backo NYC/SF

    Massif Audio Design racks incoming, and......

    Since you posted it, here’s a few closeups of the current setup.
  8. Backo NYC/SF

    Massif Audio Design racks incoming, and......

    Jumping in here and putting in my own two cents (US) about the effect of Massif rack construction sonically. I bought two 4-shelf racks and an amp stand from Trevor with a different gear configuration than currently but with the plan to upgrade. The two 4-shelf and one amp stand have the sonic...
  9. Backo NYC/SF

    Massif Audio Design racks incoming, and......

    I’m a big fan of Trevor’s work myself. I have two solid ash stands in black and his amp stand also in ash and stained black. Have been using one of his first lignam vitae record weights as well and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
  10. Backo NYC/SF

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    I have been using the stock tubes. Aside from Telefunken, do you have any recommendations?
  11. Backo NYC/SF

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    The N01XD is stunning and a great value. Still in love with my LaScala. ;)
  12. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

    Can’t wait to hear them
  13. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

    Sorry I missed you in CA but had a great time meeting David, Daniele, and Paola on Wednesday. Of course I had a bunch of questions after I left that I wished I had asked Daniele but they will wait until the next time! Congratulations on a successful event!
  14. Backo NYC/SF

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    Thanks Christiaan. I only wish I’d gotten two more Daizas when I had the chance. They are/were a great product and a real value.
  15. Backo NYC/SF

    Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac Owner Testimonial

    Tube rolling is next. I have to say that getting the Taiko Daiza isolation base and then using Stein Music Super Footer Matrix feet (3 per set) was when the LaScala really blossomed. I really can’t stress enough the need to get a really wonderful DAC off of some really not great stock feet. I...
  16. Backo NYC/SF

    Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac Owner Testimonial

    My love for the La Scala notwithstanding, it made sense for me because I already had a love affair going with my Esoteric P-03 CD transport and was just looking for an upgrade from my Chord Hugo TT. If I were going to be considering a CD upgrade or purchase, I’d be really leaning into getting...
  17. Backo NYC/SF

    Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac Owner Testimonial

    I am not a fan of just throwing money at something, but the Aqua has been such a great value compared to DAC’s I’ve heard selling for twice as much, a pair of tubes at $300 USD a set isn’t the most frivolous spend I’ve ever made on gear. To be clear, I loved the LaScala from day one and...
  18. Backo NYC/SF

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    I have been following this thread for a bit and can only comment on a few things. 1 - The Taiko IS a beautiful piece of kit. It’s also VFH. Taking Emile’s advice keeps my chiropractor at bay. 2 - I have the Taiko on a Daiza platform with the simplistic view that there’s a chance that it might...
  19. Backo NYC/SF

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    I am not. I am using Tellurium Q Ultra Black speaker cables. I’ve been looking to upgrade and the Cardas CB cables are a great value. I don’t think you can get better cables, overall, for that price. I did get the current cable inventory earlier in the system’s evolution but they still do...
  20. Backo NYC/SF

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    Update: I’m relistening to the Aqua with the balanced Clear Reflections since I’ve tweeked the isolation by adding the Stein Music Super Natural Matrix feet to raise the Aqua off of its stock rubber feet. I really think you need to give the LaScala a listen.
  21. Backo NYC/SF

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    The Cardas Clear Reflection interconnects definitely have that “warm” Cardas sound without losing the shape of the sound stage. I have been using the Clear Reflection balanced interconnects with the Aqua LaScala and got great results. I’m currently using the unbalanced outputs of the LaScala...
  22. Backo NYC/SF

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    Hi, Just wanted to mention the Aqua LaScala DAC. I’ve been using it for almost two years now and it’s one of the pieces of gear that I just never tire of. I am using a Taiko Extreme Server as my primary digital source with a Cardas Clear USB cable. I also run my Esoteric P-03 transport with a...
  23. Backo NYC/SF

    Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac Owner Testimonial

    Big LaScala fan here. I’ve had mine since 2021. No tube experimentation done yet. Have been using Cardas interconnects and currently listening with the unbalanced outputs although the balanced have their own charm. The most important thing was isolation for me. I use a Taiko Daiza isolation...
  24. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

    That would be great! I’ll be there the last two weeks of August. I’ll reach out when I have a handle on my schedule. Thanks!
  25. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

    We’ve had the place for awhile. We are still based out of NYC but are back and forth. We will be in town that week and I’d love too!
  26. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

    I’m interested as well. Speaking only as a fine arts major, the cabinet design looks like it really allows the sound to “wrap” around with low reflection.
  27. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

    Hey! We have a place in Orinda tha will be the “forever” home in a year or so. Can’t wait to see the place when you’re all set up. In the meantime, I’ll keep bugging Bob. ;)
  28. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

  29. Backo NYC/SF

    Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms

    Beautiful. That said, when my wife sees them, she will be relieved that I’ll settle for the Caravaggio X’s. ;)
  30. Backo NYC/SF

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    Thanks Thomas

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