Amp / Preamp for Focal 1007 BE Speakers?


Hello all - I would like some amp/preamp or integrated amp suggestions from fellow Focal 1007BE owners.

Here's my current setup -

Transporter (wireless) with all files Apple Lossless format
Jolida 502B integrated
Acoustic Zen Hologram II speaker cables
Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Interconnects

I like the sound from my setup but the bass is too thin for my liking. I am a bass player, so naturally like a little more oomph than most. I mostly listen to acoustic and acoustic rock music - Dave Mattews, Howie Day, Damien Rice but also like some more upbeat rock every once in awhile.

I figured that the Jolida at 60 watts wasn't supplying enough power, so demo'd a DK VS-1 MkII integrated (160 watts) over the weekend. I was not impressed at all - the sound was very sterile and the bass levels actually dropped from the Joilda. I guess that I'm a tube guy!

Here's what I have been thinking - whatever direction I go, I think it's critical that the pre or integrated have some sort of tone controls so that I can get the bass level where I'm happy. With that said, does anyone have any good ideas on pre / amp or integrated? I would be buying used and can spend up to about 4K.

The McIntosh MA6900 seems like it might be a sweet match as it has a 5-band equalizer. I have not heard the Macs but hear they lean towards warm sounding, so a solid state Mac might not be problematic.

Any thoughts / advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Ken
keoliphant

Showing 2 responses by keoliphant

Hey guys - thank you for your responses. My room is about 240 square feet, so the 1007's should work perfectly. I actually ran an experiment with my old Harmon Kardon AVR receiver since it has a bass & treble knob. Although the overall sound was not pleasing, the speakers are capable of plenty of bass - I just need to find an audiophile amp to do it. With that, a couple more questions -

Lapierre, you mentioned possibly adding a sub with the Jolida 502B. I was wondering how you could do this - it does not have a line out nor (2) sets of speaker output. Do the newer Jolida's have the line out?

Arthur, I'm happy to hear that you have heard the MA6900 + 1007 combination. Yes, if the treble's the MA6900 weak spot, the 1007's natural accuracy will probably even things nicely.

If I purchased the MA6900 new, what do they go for? How much "wiggle room" do the retailers have on the sticker price? For example, if suggested retail is $4,000 - what's the "real" price? If purchased used, what are they going for?

Is there much risk in buying a used Mac? Do they have a pretty clean track record - no frequent repairs or lemons?

Thanks again everybody!
Well, I spent a little more than my 4K budget but ended up with a great system - I just picked up a used McIntosh MA7000. It really compliments the Focals and I have been smiling since its arrival.

The sound is rich and my favorite - adjustable with the 5-band EQ. I will end up adding a Rel subwoofer down the road as I really like the deep bass (I'm a bass player) but need to accumulate some capital first!

Thanks to all that responded!

Ken