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Best Digital Amp for Legacy Focus 20/20?

Hi: I will be starting a two channel from scratch and I originally was going to go with a new pair of Klipschorns, but didn't think the bass was to my liking for loud rock music,so I have now decided on Legacy Focus 20/20.
Due to rack space and electrical limitations, I was thinking of one of the digital amps being put out by a few companies.I am looking at the Acoustic Reality Ear202 stereo amp right now, plus others.
I do not have anything right now(saving up), so am looking for suggestions! The 20/20 are a 4ohm speaker, so I think most amps(digital)can handle under 4 ohms.Will a tube preamp work with these amps?? Just wondering if these amps can push the multiple drivers to my listening levels(85-95db)Thanks for all your help! Huck
huck55

Showing 10 responses by muralman1

muralman1
1,527 posts
 
It goes without saying, try the amp in your on system. on more than one occasion H2O amps have been dropped into existing systems with less than satisfactory results. I totally revamped my system to augment the H2O.

Your amps on four of the same speakers..... opposite results..... hmmmmmm

I don't agree with you on ICE HF limitations. It isn't born out in the white papers.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
For starters, What is your budget?
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Huck55 Some people are quite happy with the Nuforce 8. It sells in that range. I know, for a fact, it can run your speakers to any loudness you can stand. There are digital power supply ICE amps aplenty. Some of them sell below $2000. Try to buy US, if you live here. Service is a bitch otherwise.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Ar_t what do you mean when you say, " The only drawback is that the frequency respsonse is load dependent?"

My speakers are a mean ass load, and there is no audible frequency problem.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Ar_t I wish you wouldn't suppose you know what the H2O's capabilities are, just because you make ICE amps. FWI owners of a wide variety of speakers are excited by the H2O's performance; Speakers including, Meadowlark, Green Mountain, Soundlab, Gallo, German Physics, Maggy, Wilson, to name just a few.

You being a builder, I think you should restrict your comments to your own products, and not make sweeping generalizations impugning a competitors product.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Good one Woodburger. In no way will I say the H2O is the best amp for everyone. We all have at least slightly different expectations. There is no substituting something else for tubes for a die hard tube lover. The H2O review by Sajran at 6moons bore that out. For me, as well as Sajran, the H2O does mimic tubes to an extent. I think it's sound closer to tubes than to solid state. Given it runs cool, and you never have to roll tubes, it is a good alternative.

The room is the thing.... I have heard SET amps. With the right speakers, the sound is captivating in a small space. (Need that sub, though)
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
I'm not agreeing with you about anything. You don't have a clue what my amps sound like. They don't sound like yours. I have never heard two ICE amps that sound the same.

Yeah, all three are below .05 THD + N up to near full power, which I never approach. even with my >dead short speakers.

Sure, the graphs look wildly divergent, until you realize the minute parameters, now you see .005 compared to .05 THD. Big deal.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
A_rt, how about you telling us what it is B&O says about their module 500A HF aberrations. I can't find anything.

Are you talking about their Performance Characteristics graph illustration at 4, 8, 16, and open ohms? Can't be, there's nothing there.

B&O's ASP module's digital supply produces some noise. This can be clearly heard, when comparing well made amps using the two modules. B&O's graphs do bare that out.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Art, my highs are pristine. If you look at that graph dcarefully, you would see the dead short has the widest divergence from the other three. The 16 ohm line has maybe a 1/8 dB divergence, while the 4 and 8 ohm lines remain tied beyond 20dB.

The 500A is clearly superior to the 500ASP. The ASP graph have the four lines diverging between 10 and 15 kHz. Yet, you say whether one or the other sound better is a matter of opinion.

How about sending me one of your amps. I will arrange a group of honest people to give it a good listen.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
I had the eAR amp for a short time in my system. It was a revelation. It was the best sound I had on my large Apogee systems up to that time. Things just got better and better. BTW, the eAR MKII is a 500A amp.

The difference between the ASP and A versions is well documented. I am not saying the ASP amps are worthless. Henry of H2O has his own version. For a lot of speakers, an ASP amp will do wonders.
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