Amps for Focal Maestros

Sweet!  Congrats on the awesome new amps and thanks for the follow up. It’s always so gratifying when you finally find The One that does everything right.  Enjoy!

It’s been a long time, but for those interested...

I went from the tubes, which were completely inappropriate for these speakers to..,.

1. Pass Labs X260.8. These were a big improvement, but the bass was still muddy.

2. Classe Delta Monos. These were another step up. Bass was quite good, but the highs were harsh and shouty.

3. NAD M27s. I have a pair of these for the home theatre. Tried them out as monos and they sounded better than anything prior. Bass is stunningly good, but the highs lacked a lot. Very dry sounding.

4. Boulder 2150s. Just got these and there is no contest with anything prior. Incredible bass, beautiful mids and highs. The tweeters have never sounded this sweet and extended before. Obviously, way more expensive than any of the others. What a rabbit hole...

My local dealer, 3mA Audio in Houston handled the setup and install. Spectacular job. They recorded a lot of it for YouTube. Check out Audiophile Junkie on YouTube.

As an owner of them i wouldnt rule out citadel 1.5s, are overkillish for. My snells but amazing

I paired my Scala Evos with a Mc C2700 and a pair of MC 3500 mk2 power amps.  Source is an Esoteric N-01XD network streamer and DAC.   All connected with Clarus Crimson cables.  It sounds really good.  And loud.  

You shoilf checkout 
The new coda 16 330k amp sound for 16k

Dave and troy
Audiointellect nj

Went to a local dealer to listen again to the Focals with Naim 500 series and Mac 1.25kW.  Was very interesting in that the Naim system sounded absolutely fantastic this time (I had previously had a quick listen and did not think they were anything special). Bass was of course improved, but the most impressive thing was the sound stage.  I've never heard such a wide and deep presentation.  The rep said it was largely a function of speaker positioning in addition to the electronics.  I was able to make some improvements to my current system based on his tips.  Houston Audio really did a great job setting everything up ahead of time.  Definately will buy from them if the Naims prove to be the winners.

The Macs were another story.  At almost 10 times the rated power of the Naims, they sounded muffed, dull and lifeless.  The rep said many people prefer the sound I found uninspiring.  To each their own for sure.  I'm not at all trashing Mac as I've heard them with B&Ws for example and thought it was an outstanding sound.  Apparently they match very well with Sonus Faber.

I really wanted to hear the Ayre MX-R Twenties, so headed next to the dealer for them.  Unfortunately, they do not carry any Ayre in stock for audition and do not plan to get any.  It is so difficult to get any listening done these days...

That dealer had a system available with Wilson Alexia 2s, D'agostino Momentum monos and preamp. It was the worst system I have ever heard!  The bass was prodigious, but the tonality was way off.  Piano sounded more like electric bass and was slow and muddy.  I was so surprised I mentioned it to the rep and he agreed.  He said it was because they had not yet calibrated the cables, which were Transparent Opus cables for like $60k!  I cannot believe this system did not have some other issue as I know the combination is highly regarded.  The room was a bad setup, but that was not the main cause of what I heard.  Maybe it was the cables, but wow, not good.

So for now, Naim is the front runner, but just because it is so difficult to audition.  I do have a rep willing to bring out Lamm for an in home listen, but find myself wishing for audio shows to return.

I use Krell FPB 450mcx monos with my Focal Maestro. They make deep, powerful and articulate bass. 1800 watt pure class A at 2 Ohm.

There’s a Clayton S2000 available on US Audio Mart.  Wonderful, sweet, full-sounding Class A, and with 600Wpc into 4Ohms I don’t think you’ll need to worry about power.  Best of luck in your search. 

Two options that are very interesting:

Chord Ultima 3s - these are much warmer than prior Chord amps which were notoriously bright.  There switching power supply and auxiliary rail allow them to handle shockingly low impedances.  Preamp here will matter.  You are going to want a warm preamp to pair with it.  Not sure what you are using now.  The price on these at the moment is amazing and I can’t mention it publicly but it is on one pair and is a first come, first serve situation.  You can add in a brilliant, warm preamp to go with these and be below budget.  

AVM Ovation MA 8.3 - 1100w of power into 8 ohms, a proprietary tube input stage that doesn’t need replacement and a warmth that will make a tube lover happy.  I have heard a pair of these driving Magicos without issue and currently have a pair on order for a customer with Kef’s.  The list is $34,900 but these easily could be your end game amps.  

I.e., want to buy my last set of amps.  

Have you looked into the Convergent amps?  Incredible bass drive, along with incredible everything else.

Boulder will tame them Focals.

The pre is also PlimaLuna Dialogue Premium. Probably will replace it also. Budget would be up to $50k. I.e., want to buy my last set of amps.  Famous last words...🤫
Have heard great things about Gryphon, so will need to research Octave now. 

I have have Scala Evos and use Octave gear- HP 700 SE pre / RE320 amp with super black box(a must).  Very happy with it and chose this over the gryphon diablo 300 I had before. 
Happy hunting!

Budget?  BTW, what pre are you using?

I'm using Bob Carver M350 mono block with my Focal's.

ozzy

I got the scala evo and had one Primaluna hp amp at the time. The bass was very lacking and sold off the Primaluna pretty quick. 
Im surprised you didnt like the Naim as that is what Focal uses. Ive never tried Naim
I now have the Mark Levinson no534. I have also tried the Musical Fidelity mono blocks that sounded good with them. 

I have not tried Pass labs but would think they have enough current to give you the bass back.