Amplifier recommendation for Legacy Focus 20/20

I would agree with the others who recommend a powerful SS amp. Don't let the higher sensitivity of the Focus fool you into thinking a low powered amp will do. Those (3) 12 inch woofers create quite the back EMF and sound best with a powerful high current SS amp, IMHO. I'd also recommend something like the Krell KSA-250, Classe CA-400, Jeff Rowland 8, or a pair of Threshold SA-10e's. These old beasts will slap those 12 inch woofers into place and keep them under tight control. My Clayton M100 monoblocks would do it too, but you probably won't find a pair of them.

If you like the Mac sound look for a MC-402, MC-500 or a pair of MC-501's.

Happy hunting,
John

How difficult it is depends on how flexible you are between models/prices/condition.

There's always something out there that would do the job nicely. Here are just a few.

Krell KSA300s

Classe CA-300

Plinius SA-250 mk IV

McIntosh MC402

Any of these should control those woofers well. See how easy shopping is?
If you don't like these, place a wanted ad. I've found stuff I was looking for this way too.

My best advice would to just be patient and do your homework. Search the archives here and at AA. The best deal may not be there right now. Be ready when one appears.

Happy hunting,
John

Well, I would think if it's a little bright, selling the CJ and buying the X1 won't help things. I've never heard of a CJ preamp considered to be the source of brightness. Maybe a Cary SLP-98 will smooth out that Pass. I love most of Pass' work. I love his old Threshold gear. I love his Aleph series for Pass, the X series I found a bit more sterile. I understand the XA-series is supposed to help address that issue.

Regards,
John