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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 2 responses by saki70

saki70
907 posts
 
Upfront... I have not owned the 1037 Be's . But I have owned the 1036's with SS amplification and , like you , I was always looking for more bass .

I tried adding a sub but could not get it to integrate well . There is just so much bass that will come out of those little 7 something inch woofers ! The tube rolling suggestion is a good one . It should help but it may not get you where you want to be .

In the end , you may have to change your speakers .

Good luck .
saki70
907 posts
 
Sorry , meant 906's and 926's.
Old age can be a "B" !

Mac's have a stellar reputation and thus hold their resale quite well . Is the 6900 still in production ?
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