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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
twangy57 OP
217 posts
 

jeffbij

I have received so much great information,and I have taken notes trying to put in a logical format to have a practical check list.

Well I know its a little late for that.

I have looked at lot of the suggestions for amps given,and most of the newer amps do not either have the correct impedance or currant to work with the speakers and pre-amp I now have.

Some have said get rid of the Mac and then you will have so many more options.

I really like the sound of this pre-amp,and since making adjustments as far as speaker location and just listening to lot of different music and realizing I can turn the bass way down with these speakers and I will get much more vocal clarity,I have come to the conclusion that I could be happy with everything just the way it is.

I will probably try the CJ amp to see if it will sound as good as I think,and if it doesn't I will sell it and try something else.

I going to sell a lot of my guitar gear so maybe I can get one of those sweet modern amps next.

I really appreciate all the help 

 

gano
420 posts
 

you seem to know a good deal about the damping factor and impedance compatibility, I unfortunately don't.

I think Dyna speakers are very good at a few things, and not that hard to drive. I forgot about another great match: Musical Fidelity. They are a bit hard to look at, the newer models but very clean and powerful sound.

jeffbij
191 posts
 

@twangy57  -  As I mentioned before, the main indicator to identify a high current amp is does the rated wattage double as you drop from 8 ohm to 4 ohm.  There are plenty of "modern" amps that are available.  But, as you noted, the impedance requirement is definitely limiting your options.

Keep working on adjusting the speaker placement.  It can take a lot of time and experimentation to get it right.  Also keep in mind that room acoustical treatments (which can be as simple as a pillow in the corners or a couple of book shelves) will affect the sound.  If you are having to turn down the bass, that is usually a indication that either placement needs work or you have some room issues.

I think you should try the CJ amp.  It's not really an antique, just make sure it is functioning properly.  If needed you can send it to CJ in the Wash DC area and they will check it out and fix it if necessary. They are a great company to work with. It will be a significant upgrade to the Adcom.

One last thing, I would strongly recommend getting a stand alone phono preamp to use instead of the one built into the Mac.  You don't have to spend huge money there.  There are plenty of choices in the $400 to $600 dollar range that should be a noticable improvement.  (Even the Schiit Mani at $149 might be a step up and worth a try.)

In the end, going forward, take your time, do your research, and be methodical in evaluating and testing.  And enjoy the music!

(Oh, by the way... current is spelled with an e, not an a.  ...Mom was an English teacher... lol  laugh)

Good luck.

-Jeff

 

 

twangy57 OP
217 posts
 

jeffbij

Thanks Jeff,

I have been  listening for a least a couple hours a day since getting these speakers and the tidal streaming.

I have to agree I should at least get a standalone phono preamp,

A lot of Rega users don't really like there MM cartridges from what I have read. I have the Exact,which isn't the best or the worse from the things I have read.

I will have to decide if changing to MC would be better considering my system and budget.

I have been enjoying this learning experience.

I think the one thing I never realized,is how much the recording quality of the music maters.

I was listening to steely Dan Aja yesterday,a recording that I thought I heard enough of to last the rest of my life and can't believe how great it sounds through these speakers.

So I'am already enjoying listening more then I have in a long time.

Thanks again.

twangy57 OP
217 posts
 
gano

I didn't know anything until about damping factors or amp output current,until I was schooled on it here.

From what I have been told it was the focus floor standing speakers that like a lot of current.

I think Musical Fidelity slipped thru the cracks.

I know I wrote it down to check,and a lot of folks like them.

Thanks for reminding me.

 

 

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