I owned a pair of JM Labs/Focal Alto Utopias for 4 years. I sold them to buy Venture CR-8 Signatures. The Venture speakers, even though not as heavy or as big as the Altos, kicked the Altos backside in every way. Better bass (2x8" vs. 1X11), tweeter is more refined, and best of all, more musical and detailed at the same time.
Amp and Preamp for JM Lab Alto Utopias
I know this question has been asked before, but I haven't seen any recent answers. I'm strongly thinking about a change in my amps. I've had the Alto Utopias now for more than six years, and I still love them. I'd like a preamp and amp that pair well with the Altos and that can do well with the great variety of music I have in my collection: rock, jazz, soul, international, electroacoustic, blues, Afrobeat, dub, ambient, trip hop, breakbeat, etc. For the most part, I prefer a lush and warm sound for most acoustic recordings. But I prefer a bit more analytical detail on electroacoustic music, which requires closer attention. I sense a good, powerful solid state amp works best with the Altos for better control of the bass.