Focal Scala Utopia vs Wilson Sasha?

How are you guys going with your Scala? I am considering a pair. Would be interested to hear from anyone who has auditioned Scala. Thanks.

Mert,

So have you formed a definitive view about scalas yet?

Others, what is your latest view?

Thanks.

Mert,

Thanks, that's encouraging. I heard Scala only once and immediately thought it was ahead of every other speakers I had heard up to that point. (I only listen to speakers generally below US$40K. I have heard a few around 100K+ but didn't think there was anything particularly special about them.)

My set up is Cremona M + Marantz SA7-S1 + Naim amps (power amp 250.2 at 80w).

I could afford to upgrade to Scala and my budget would be burnt. I hope the amps are ok for a year while I save for
next upgrade.

My current room is 4m x 6.5m.

I will be able to audition Scala again soon in a similarly sized room. I will bring my amps.

But I will not be able to hear Maestro, which a few people here say is the sweet spot in the line. While undoubtedly superior (given price), I can't imagine that it would be much better. But of course I want to make the right decision. If Scala is most of Maestro but with smaller footprint I would be ok to live with Scala. For example, Amati is significantly "more" than Cremona M, and I would not settle for Cremona M. I would like to be able to settle with Scala for many years (if not a "last" pair).

Mert,

Yes eventually amp budget will have to follow speakers. But one step at a time. :). Also will take my amp to check and make sure they could make something out of scala. I will not get scala without proof they r agreeable with 80w of naim power.

Elviukai,

How many times have u compared scala and maestro head to head? You seem to have formed a form view scala is not quite there. Would b interested in learning more. I spent only around 30min with scala with my wife. She liked it a lot too and admitted they were special but does not fully fancy them. She prefers Tidal.

Elviukai,

Thanks, that is a lot of air time you've had with these speakers. Sounds like you work in the industry to have priviliged with so many fine speakers. While I see what you mean, I don't quite agree. Personally when I listen to music I want to engage. For background listening I could use a radio or alarm clock. I have my SF Cremona M. I do like these speakers a great deal, but they are a little polite and do not pull me into the music as much as scala. But I know what you mean very well, since my wife similar taste to your night time preference.

Did you say that Maestro is superior to Grande in soundstage/mid-range balance?

Northstar,

I am constantly astounded as this hobby grows... :) I hope to end the upgrading bit for many years with next upgrade. Depends entireley where you spend your time and what you enjoy. Car is important and i wouldn't spend more on hi-fi but priority could be very different for other people. I think enough said already on this sliperry topic!

Listened to Scala yesterday. But only 50hrs use. Was not near the level we experienced previously. Sound lacked focus and background not very quiet.

For Scala owners, did you experience this during break in?

Mert,

Setup was:

Accuphase sacd player
Accuphase pre amp
Accuphase mono blocs (150w)
Nordost interconnects and SC

Mert/Nolitan,

Went back again yesterday after 2 weeks burn in. Set up identical - accuphase sacd player with accuphase pre amp and monoblocs (I think 160W). Took same discs. A colleague also joined us.

Once again I was disappointed. Wife and friend didn't like it much either. Voice was certainly good and probably better than my home set up but fell far short of what I remember these speakers were capable of. Highs were also splendid. But bass was pedestrian, inarticulate.

We suspect something wrong elsewhere - cables or amps or both or room.

Will give these speakers one last go in 2 weeks. They will set Scala in a different room with BAT monoblocs. I hope to rediscover the sound that mesmerized 7 months ago, at that time with reference Chord electronics.