I tried the new Scala out recently, might as well pipe in. Large room (~45m2), hi-res files used, orchestral music, some opera (to get the feel of screechy sopranos), can't remember cabling. I look for dynamics, reasonable phase integrity, low-high frequency reproduction—as far a the spkrs & the room & the recordings allow, of course.
The fun was during an audio show, so lots of partnering equipment to hand!
*IMO and given your budget, you are better off going used (or eschew the impulse to buy a pre)
Here are *some* unusually good results (i.e. there are obviously others)
1) I strongly urge you to reconsider Devialet: the case for separates pales before the excellent driving capability (& output-input impedance matching versatility) of a Devialet 400 for example!
2) Amazing: the Benchmark amp (called sthing like AHB etc), used in mono -i.e. buy two -- does an excellent choice! Worth checking out.
#)The YBA mentioned above is an excellent bet as well albeit, expensive (I listened to 2x 650 bridged mono).
3)Aries Cerat (lovely machines) mentioned above et alia tubed, either cost the earth or won't drive yr Scala; a pair of AR 600 monos for ex, drove them well, but the Devialet drove them slightly better.4) A medium powered hybrid from Ypsilon called Phaethon, gave exquisite results, but I was given the impression that this phaeton costs the earth!� (For the record.)
5) Of course, many other brands can and will do the job adequately (Hegel and similarly trendy offerings), the above are some that did an unusually good job.
The fun was during an audio show, so lots of partnering equipment to hand!
*IMO and given your budget, you are better off going used (or eschew the impulse to buy a pre)
Here are *some* unusually good results (i.e. there are obviously others)
1) I strongly urge you to reconsider Devialet: the case for separates pales before the excellent driving capability (& output-input impedance matching versatility) of a Devialet 400 for example!
2) Amazing: the Benchmark amp (called sthing like AHB etc), used in mono -i.e. buy two -- does an excellent choice! Worth checking out.
#)The YBA mentioned above is an excellent bet as well albeit, expensive (I listened to 2x 650 bridged mono).
3)Aries Cerat (lovely machines) mentioned above et alia tubed, either cost the earth or won't drive yr Scala; a pair of AR 600 monos for ex, drove them well, but the Devialet drove them slightly better.4) A medium powered hybrid from Ypsilon called Phaethon, gave exquisite results, but I was given the impression that this phaeton costs the earth!� (For the record.)
5) Of course, many other brands can and will do the job adequately (Hegel and similarly trendy offerings), the above are some that did an unusually good job.