[jwes]

We are sending Tone Audio a pair of La Scala Monitors, where Marc Phillips will be reviewing them with Jeff Dorgay's Isabella and 30.2.

Srajan Ebaen of 6moons has an Isabella tube preamp (with built-in Isabellina dac) and 30.2 power amp, and will soon be receiving a pair of WLM La Scala floorstanders and will be conducting a review of the system!

Hi Vinnie,

Just curious if anyone has a 70.2 reviewed teed up.  All the energy I've ever seen on the board or in reviews is the famous 30.2.   But I need a bit more power, and I understand from you the benefits.  Is it just odd coincidence that no one reviews the 70.2's?  I saw a partial upgrade review on 6moons a long time ago, but that wasn't the current product.  Thanks and congratulations on the great work!!!

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Vinnie,

Just curious if anyone has a 70.2 reviewed teed up.  All the energy I've ever seen on the board or in reviews is the famous 30.2.   But I need a bit more power, and I understand from you the benefits.  Is it just odd coincidence that no one reviews the 70.2's?  I saw a partial upgrade review on 6moons a long time ago, but that wasn't the current product.  Thanks and congratulations on the great work!!!

Hi jwes,

The partially upgraded Signature 70 sounds identical to the 70.2 - but it lacks the SMART module and new front/back panels of the 70.2.

The 70.2 shares the same sonic signature of the 30.2, but it is even better!  It is not only more powerful (with twice the output current capability), but it even sounds better at all volume levels.  This is described on the 70.2 website:

Each Signature 70.2 Monoblock Amplifier contains a modified version of the Signature 30.2 circuit -- configuring the output stage to operate in “paralleled output mode,” which offers 2x the maximum output current drive capability. Monoblock operation also boasts complete separation of the left and right channels. Each channel is now powered by its own dedicated, high-current SLA battery supply.

Compared to the Signature 30.2 stereo amplifier, the Signature 70.2 monoblock amplifiers feature improved bass response, sound staging, stereo imaging, and spaciousness. This distinctiveness is attributed to the monoblock operation… the separate power supplies, complete isolation between the channels, and the change in the output stage circuit configuration (paralleled output mode).

So you can take all the Signature 30.2 reviews and their comments on the sound - this is what the 70.2s sound like, but the 70.2s offer the improvements mentioned above compared to the 30.2. 

Most of the reviewers have shown an interest in the 30.2.  Perhaps the simplicity of one box is most attractive?  Perhaps it is a matter of best value? 

Hopefully we'll be able to line-up some reviews of the 70.2s soon...

Vinnie

[miklorsmith]

I rote dat reeview on da 70.2 uppdate. 

They're awesome amplifiers, still my references.  They toe the line between resolution and tone exceedingly well.  They allow clear examination of what's going on around them, easily revealing differences while avoiding the microscopic pixellation that can also achieve this, at the price of long-term enjoyment.

They're destination pieces for sure.  I have a hankering for another SET amp but even if it's the best on the planet I won't sell the 70.2s.

Disclaimer - my speakers are 101 db efficient and the main amps aren't responsible for deep bass.  So, I can't comment on "drive".  But on the difficult balance between tuneful and resolving they're a home run.

My personal opinion is they benefit greatly from a tubed preamplifier.  I've been saying that since the Clari-Ts were running wild and it's still true.  I had a couple of those, the 70s and now the 70.2s.  Each generation has made tubes less necessary upstream but as good as they've gotten I still like some triode space and tone.  With the advent of the Isabella (it's killer too) it seems the maestro agrees with me.   

[jwes]

Vinnie and miklorsmith,

Thanks very much for the feedback on the 70.2's!!  Miklorsmith, do you run the new Zu Def?  101db and 6moons makes me think of Zu!  . 

[Vinnie R.]

I just split these last few posts from the "RWA-WLM complete system" thread because it was starting to get off topic 

I definitely encourage continued discussion - I just believe it was best to make this a separate thread.

Best regards,

Vinnie

[miklorsmith]

Yep, the Zu Definition 2s.  They're freaking awesome speakers.  I have a review on them I've been trying to finish for way too long.  I AM working on it every single day, expect to see it on the airwaves in the next couple weeks.

I had a get together last weekend (I oughta get that up, hmmm. . .) with FIVE killer preamplifiers.  The Defs and 70.2s ran the show and we just plugged all the different preamps in.  Each and every one of them showed their personalities clearly through the amps and speakers.  There were some on the leaner side and some pfatter.  All of us could easily identify the preamp characters though we had different ideas about what was "better".

[Delacroix]

Most of the reviewers have shown an interest in the 30.2.  Perhaps the simplicity of one box is most attractive?  Perhaps it is a matter of best value? 

Hopefully we'll be able to line-up some reviews of the 70.2s soon...

Vinnie

Hey, if you wanted a review in Affordable Audio, just ask me......I'd LOVE to try the 70.2 monos, even if it will cause some folks to complain that the price is not 'affordable' enough....

Delacroix (Patrick D)

[TONEPUB]

Yep, the Zu Definition 2s.  They're freaking awesome speakers.  I have a review on them I've been trying to finish for way too long.  I AM working on it every single day, expect to see it on the airwaves in the next couple weeks.

I had a get together last weekend (I oughta get that up, hmmm. . .) with FIVE killer preamplifiers.  The Defs and 70.2s ran the show and we just plugged all the different preamps in.  Each and every one of them showed their personalities clearly through the amps and speakers.  There were some on the leaner side and some pfatter.  All of us could easily identify the preamp characters though we had different ideas about what was "better".

So you are dumping the Modwright 36.5 for the Isabella?  Interesting...

[BudhaNl]

Yep, the Zu Definition 2s.  They're freaking awesome speakers.  I have a review on them I've been trying to finish for way too long.  I AM working on it every single day, expect to see it on the airwaves in the next couple weeks.

I had a get together last weekend (I oughta get that up, hmmm. . .) with FIVE killer preamplifiers.  The Defs and 70.2s ran the show and we just plugged all the different preamps in.  Each and every one of them showed their personalities clearly through the amps and speakers.  There were some on the leaner side and some pfatter.  All of us could easily identify the preamp characters though we had different ideas about what was "better".

So you are dumping the Modwright 36.5 for the Isabella?  Interesting...

I couldn't reach that conclusion, how did you?

[kaka]

We are sending Tone Audio a pair of La Scala Monitors, where Marc Phillips will be reviewing them with Jeff Dorgay's Isabella and 30.2.

Srajan Ebaen of 6moons has an Isabella tube preamp (with built-in Isabellina dac) and 30.2 power amp, and will soon be receiving a pair of WLM La Scala floorstanders and will be conducting a review of the system!

Jus wondering if the Tone Audio review ever came about? Their index page isn't comprehensive anymore unfortunately

And how about the 6 moons system review? I can see component review but not a full system review, or have I missed it?

[Vinnie R.]

Hi kaka,

The Tone Audio Review of the La Scala Monitors is in Issue 20:
http://www.redwineaudio.com/documents/TA_020_LaScalaMonitors.pdf

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65377.0

Regarding 6moons, see:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/redwine11/m+m.html

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/systemreview1/system.html

I think that covers it.

You'll also find RWA + WLM feedback right here in the RWA forum (you might have to did a few pages back, as there are a lot of posts).  For example:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=70720.0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=61216.0

I need to dig for some more...

Also - Srajan Ebaen of 6moon will be reviewing the Isabellina HPA next!  Stay tuned!
http://www.redwineaudio.com/products/isabellina_hpa

All the best,

Vinnie