2. speakers
  3. 194416-203505

Dynaudio focus 360

I recently acquired a pair of Dynaudio focus 360's and hope there are folks here that have had these or similar Dynaudio's that can shed some light.

My system currently consist's of a Rega p6 and auralic vega1 into a  McIntosh mx110,to a adcom gfa5452 out to the focus 360's.

First off I know these speakers like a lot of power and currant,and I have plans to get a amp with 350 watts per channel.

Here is what is going on.

If I listen below 70% of my maximum listing volume,the sound falls flat on its face and sounds like a cheap radio with 4 inch speakers in it.

If I turn up to 80%,things sound much better,at least modern quality recordings.

Tunn up to 90%,things sound real good,until the singer backs off for a softer vocal delivery.Bam.The vocals fall way way back and way to low.

Same thing with electric guitar.As long as its playing lead up front in the mix it sounds good,but the rhythm guitar just melds into mush.No tight loud crunch where it normally is.

The vocals only sound clear and good when it is a sparse mix,with few instruments competing for space.

Then the vocals sound very very good.

One example:Alison Krauss Baby now that I Found You.

Stunning,I mean it sounded like she had walked up to me and was singing 3 feet from my face.

Please assure me these drop outs in mid-range and vocals will go away with big power and currant.

These speakers sound fantastic with acoustic instruments and drums.

They just can't reproduce electric instruments with the required oomph on my classic rock recordings.

They come close when I crank it to 100% of my listening volume,but still the krang of a Marshall stack is missing.

It is strange how when ever the vocals are just a little bit reserved the volume drops a lot and looses all body,even on the intro of a song.

I'am going to wait until I try these with the more powerful amp before I make my final judgement,just hoping I can get some encouragement here that all will be well.

Thanks

 

 

I a

twangy57

Showing 1 response by knownothing

knownothing
1,680 posts
 

@twangy57 I have learned some things from your series of recent threads even after being reactivated in this hobby for the last 20 years after a long break.  You can get a lot of valuable information here once you learn how to apply the appropriate filters.

At one point I had convinced myself that a tube preamplifier and high damping factor solid state amplifier was the way to go.  I ran into the same impedance matching issue you have been describing when shopping, and I ultimately went in a different direction.  Based on everything I have read here, I think the CJ amp you purchased will sound very good in your system, and look forward to your comments on whether it meets your needs.

Folks have suggested you adjust or upgrade your cabling.  I would hold off on that until you are satisfied that you have the right gear, or are at least comfortable with the sound of the McIntosh pre, CJ amp and Focus speakers.  I agree that power cords can make a big difference, but given that your pre is essentially vintage, it is probably more valuable in resale unaltered.  A great 20 amp c19 power cord may unleash even more of the beast in your new 350, but something tells me it would rock pretty hard with whatever comes with it from the factory.  For my current system, I did not realize some of the soundstage characteristics and capabilities until I upgraded from budget speaker cables.  The Focus 360’s deserve good cables and you should be rewarded immediately for upgrading there once your amp arrives.  You can start another thread for advice on cables when you get around to that but be prepared to buckle up and watch some sparks fly.

And yes, a decent budget phono pre will pay great dividends.  Some here have mentioned Rega and Schiit.  I have both a Schiit Mani and ProJect phono preamps and prefer the ProJect.  YMMV.

kn

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