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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 1 response by lapierre

lapierre
547 posts
 
I've auditioned the Focals with the MC275 and the bass was satisfying. I follow percussion very closely on a lot of my music so the drum kit and percussionist are important. But I do understand you want a bit more bass.

Instead of looking at new pre/power amps one option should follow replacing all tubes in Jolida and buying a sub or two.

Replace the 6550/KT88 tubes with NOS or new production Genalex Gold Lion KT88 ($200 to 600 a quad) for more power. Next replace the four 12type tubes ($60) with Mullard or Telefunken (as suggestions) for clarity and warmth in the midrange. This should improve the bass and details and more warmth on your Jolida.

Then decide if you have room for one REL B2 sub ($2195) or two REL R-205 ($1395) for deep and tight bass.

Changing fuses using HiFi Tuning ($29) in the Jolida is also a nice tweak for clarity in the bass.

http://www.rel.net/index2.htm
http://www.tubedepot.com
[url]http://www.thecableco.com/prodListing.php?cat=53[/url]
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