Dynaudio focus 360

Try moving the speakers closer to the front wall for a start.

viridian

5,224 posts

05-10-2025 at 11:47am 

Try moving the speakers closer to the front wall for a start.

I had them closer but moved them out to approx .22 inches to get clearer bass.

The issue with the vocals and everything dropping down in volume was present when they were closer also,but now the bass does sound more defined.

Thanks

I can’t help but think it has to do with the amplifier. It is very old 1990’s and is know as a high voltage amp. I do not know or pay much attention to design... but that sounds like an unusual claim... and if I remember correctly... that is different from a high current design. If my guess is right... this could be good for electrostatics but very bad for good dynamic speakers. 

I’ve heard a lot of Dynauidio speakers and never heard them sound at all like you describe. It is unlikely the Mac... so, your left with the amp. 

I don’t think they need 350 wpc... just a good quality contemporary amp... 100 wpc or higher. 

Thank you, have you played with toe in, and altered the distance the distance between the speakers? Always easier to start with things that are free.

Maybe your dealer, or a friend, could loan you a more powerful amp as well. I have owned several Dynaudio speakers but have not experienced the phonomena that you are describing, even with low power amps. 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestion's

I have tried all the usual things,and the problem is mostly with the vocals.

I have been listening tonight with the volume up about 8/10ths,and they sound pretty good.

They sound great with funk and R&B,it's mostly rock.

It seems they just run out of power when everybody is jamming out,and then they fallback to bring it down for a softer passage,that's when it sounds like I turned the volume down to 2.

I have a new more powerful amp coming,so we will see.

+1 with what @ghdprentice said.  The Adcom GFP-545 II (I'm assuming that is the model, not GFP-5452) most likely struggling.  It is around 30 years old and probably in need of a refurb or even failing completely.  (Are the distoration lights on the front flashing?)  

As for what to replace it with, while more watts is always nice, I would just want to make sure that the wattage comes close to doubling as you go from 8 ohms to 4 ohms.  (Example 100 watts @ 8 ohms to 200 watts @ 4 ohm)  That is an indicator that the amp a higher current model.  Also, with the Focus 360's, avoid going the direction of "bridging" a stereo amp to create a monoblock.  The Focus 360's are 4 ohm speakers and a bridged amp will see the load as 2 ohms, which is going to be harder for the amp to drive.

Good Luck.

-Jeff

This is like the 6th thread OP had started on this subject. He's been told countless times to go audition speakers in person but no, he can't be bothered to drive to the big city and properly audition speakers. Instead he buys speakers based on YouTube videos.

In the immortal words of the immortal PIL song:

This is what you want

This is what you get

Now toss your garbage amp in the trash where it belongs and go get proper ones. It ain't gonna be cheap but it's gonna sound good. Good luck

devinplombier

Thanks,that ’s really helpful.

 I have purchased a different amp(Conrad Johnson Premier 350),which I should get by the end of the month.

I was just asking if I could expect improvements in the area’s I described.

Sorry if my post annoyed you.

@twangy57 Not quite encouragement, but I am very experienced, and honest. With all of your posts, I hate to be the barer of bad news, but if you are expecting your 360s to reproduce a Marshall stack, at the spl levels I believe you are speaking about, you are fooling yourself. I believe your new amp will be wonderful, at 1st, but certain weaknesses will show themselves quickly, with your speakers. Truth be told, there are speakers that can be cranked, and those that cannot. Dynamic compression is a real thing, with amplifiers, and with speakers. Keep in mind as well, that the louder one plays music in their room, the room itself can show weaknesses, way before your ears. Your use of percentages, 70%, 80%, 90%, is confusing to me. Are these numbers based on the volume control setting of your preamp, or are you using a decibel meter measuring the room from your listening seat? Another thing I always mention in my posts, and you mentioned it here, are the production qualities of the "recorded music" we all are listening to. Such a variation. A great system set up ime, is a system that can play all music at all volume levels, that the listener desires, and enjoys. My best, MrD.

@twangy57  -  You should see an improvement assuming that:

• The CJ is working properly.  It is a very nice amp.  It is a major step up from the Adcom.  However, it is another "vintage" piece that could be as much as 23 years old.  So, questions like, has it been recapped? Has it been professionally checked out?, etc.
• The McIntosh preamp (vintage again, first made in 1962) isn't having problems.  So, same type of questions as above.  What shape/age are the tubes? Are they due for replacing?
• You don't have a room or enviromental problem.
• Your cabling is up to par and in good shape.

and question... I don't remember from your previous posts, what are you using for a phono preamp with the Rega table? and what shape is the cartridge in?

- Jeff

twangy57

It’s not this particular thread, it’s all the ones you start asking for basically the same advice, getting it, disregarding it, refusing to audition gear, and then starting a new thread when you get tired of being told to go audition gear. 

Have you auditioned the CJ you’re getting? Just sayin

The Premier 350 was a good and capable amp though, so you may have lucked out and may only need appropriate speakers at this time.

And, of course, what @mrdecibel said.

@twangy57 I was not trying to be negative, but I am familiar with the 360s as I have heard them a few times. A great speaker, for the right listener. @jeffbij The Mcintosh MX 110 has a mm phono stage. My best, MrD.

There are some very grumpy people on this forum. 

jeffbij

The amp  i'am going to get has been recently gone over,and the mac mx110 had a service with about half the tubes being replaced.

Everything was sounding much better,I just replaced the Polk m10's

with the Dynaudio.

Let me be clear,these speakers sound great on most things,it's just the classic rock that I'am very familiar with.

Some times the guitar sounds more in the background than I'am use to.

I have spoke to someone who had these,and said that should go away with the more powerful amp.

Viridian suggested moving the speakers closer to the wall,which I have and he was correct.The vocals are no longer getting to weak when music get's softer.

Thanks 

devinplombier

I’am sorry if I angered you.

I'am new here ,I didn’t realize it was bad etiquette to make more than one post on the same subject.

I have got a lot of good advice here so I will try to watch that in the future.

Thanks

unclewilbur

I really like these speakers and will figure out a way to make them work.

I moved them closer to the wall and put foam inserts in the rear ports.

That made the bass tighter and the vocals sound more balanced.

Thanks

mrdecibel

3,108 posts

05-11-2025 at 02:17pm 

@twangy57 I was not trying to be negative, but I am familiar with the 360s as I have heard them a few times. A great speaker, for the right listener. @jeffbij The Mcintosh MX 110 has a mm phono stage. My best, MrD.

I agree.

I love the clarity on acoustic instrument's.

I have pulled out my old Tony Rice Unit CD's

Great bluegrass/jazz.

Thanks

mrdecibel

I think I need to clarify what I mean when I say loud guitar.

I just mean balanced within the particular song.

I don't listen to rock music that loud by most of the people I know standards.

I do not expect these speakers to sound like a real Marshall stack,or 1/10 as loud.

I just want the mix of the guitar in the song to be out front when it should be ,and clear and laid back when it should be.

Since I have moved the speakers back to about 18 inches from the wall and put foam inserts in the the baffle openings,we are almost there.

I listened to Who's Next last night and it was fantastic!

Baba O'Riley was amazing,and Won't Get Fooled Again had all the crunch I could ask for.

I might have to re-adjust things once I get more power,but I'am thinking it will work out.

Thanks

@twangy57 

I've been reading this forum for about 8 or 10 months. I seldom comment for various reasons, and prefer to read and try to learn.

I've learned some things about audio and the people here. There are all kinds of people, no matter where you go, so this forum is no different. There are definitely some grumpy people here. But there are also some kind and thoughtful people, and everything in between.

Some of the threads happening right now are very revealing of people's bad nature and inability to accept others. Whatever, that's life.

Anyway, I don't think you need to apologize for anything. And good luck with your audio mission!

Have a nice day. 😊

unclewilbur

Everybody has a bad day now and again.

I have had a great time hearing all the different approaches to obtaining sonic bliss.

I have enjoyed my  Adcom amps and Polk Audio Moniter 10's for 30 years.

I bet I will enjoy these Dynaudio's and Mac,Conrad Johnson amps for whatever time I have left..

Some times it easier on the pocket book to not know what your missing.

Thanks

There are many posters who ask for advice and don't follow any, that they are given. It's just part of the game. It's also typical to refuse to research and listen properly.

Those are mostly "fly-by" members. 

gano

374 posts

05-11-2025 at 04:58pm 

There are many posters who ask for advice and don't follow any, that they are given. It's just part of the game. It's also typical to refuse to research and listen properly.

Those are mostly "fly-by" members. 

Interesting,

I have never thought of listening properly,could you give a couple examples of how to listen properly.

Are there recordings you would listen to to test your system?

Thanks

When I say listen properly, I mean listen in a comparable environment, and with a setup similar to what you would use. Not youtube, not different gear, it takes a long time to learn what you like. It's not about brands. It's about synergy and sound and connection. You can decide you must work with one component and build "around" it. 

The most puzzling thing to me is "350 watts per channel". Who needs that? A stadium, maybe....

The bigger and more complex the gear, the harder it is to get it right. The source is usually easy. The amp and the speaker is the tricky part. You have a small space, don't try to overpower it. Go for a sophisticated, fine tuned result, smaller is better. I always had the best sound with simple 2x60 watts amps from audiophile grade manufacturers. Not necessarily expensive but hifi, 2 channel oriented. I can give you a list if you are interested.  

@twangy57 thank you for your response. I obviously read your meaning incorrectly. I hope everything works out for you. Music listening is awesome for many of us, so I always wish the best. As far as stuffing foam in the ports on the 360s, I never heard them that way, but my feeling and experience is that they were designed as a ported box and therefore would sound best this way, at least the way Dynaudio intended with the design. Just have to dial them in within the room, which can take a while. My best, MrD.

Ok,

I thought you meant listening to certain recordings and how your system performed in different area’s.

To address where did I get 350 watts,I got that by reading many posts on here.

I went back and read every post on the dynaudio focus 360’s I could find.

Many said these speakers need high currant,and while I agree that sounds like over kill,I also talked to someone at dynaudio and they said they have heard back from customers that these speakers like 200-300 watts per channel.

I have heard several conrad johnson tube amps and really liked them.

I know solid state is different but everyone that reviewed these have said there are excellent.

One other thing was the output impedance of my Mac mx110 is 10k,and macintosh recommends a input impedance of at least 100k on any amp you use with it.

There aren’t many solid state amps with that high of a input impedance.

Particularly in the under 5000 range.

I would be glad to hear what amps you think might work well with these speakers.

I was going to go with the Pass labs X250.5. But the input impedance is only 20/30 kohms.

I was told by a couple of audio shops this would not be a good match.

I’am starting to like these speakers even with the Adcom amp now that I have moved them closer to the wall and plugged the back ports with the foam inserts,but of course I know they would probably sound much better with a better amp.

Thanks

mrdecibel

3,109 posts

05-11-2025 at 06:14pm 

@twangy57 thank you for your response. I obviously read your meaning incorrectly. I hope everything works out for you. Music listening is awesome for many of us, so I always wish the best. As far as stuffing foam in the ports on the 360s, I never heard them that way, but my feeling and experience is that they were designed as a ported box and therefore would sound best this way, at least the way Dynaudio intended with the design. Just have to dial them in within the room, which can take a while. My best, MrD.

I know,I really don't like the idea of restricting the output,but they do supply these with the speakers.

I think they suggest using them when you don't have enough room to move them out far enough,and your getting muddy bass.

I will reevaluate this when I get my new amp.

Thanks for your help.

OP, FWIW, I think your goals in getting and setting up your system may be based on a misconception about what it’s all about. The goal is to set up a system that accurately reproduces the sounds as they are recorded by an engineer in a studio (or live for that matter). Recording wise you get just that. The recording engineer places the mic’s and puts down tracks for each mic. Then he mixes them to reproduce his recording. Then this gets put on a disc or tape, etc. Then you buy it take it home and play it on your system. He did not design/set up your system so is not responsible for what you actually hear. All very obvious, yes?

Now most of your recordings are not made by the same engineers, different engineers, different musical sounding recordings, even with the same music. 

In a well matched and set up system you get to hear the recorded music exactly as it exists on the disc. 

When I look at your original post I can’t begin to understand where you have heard that music, as recorded, and find such divergence in the sound made by the system depending on the type of music you are listening to. IMO if you set up your system so that you hear one type of music as you want it to sound, without regard to the actual music on the disc, you will alter the sound when you play different types of music, for better or worse.

I would suggest that you rethink your expectations of your systems performance based on its absolute audio performance not your present expectations of how it should sound with one particular type of music. 

FWIW I doubt that the amp you have purchased (?) will solve your issues, hope that it does, just doubt it. FWIW, being able to match impedances is important but I don’t think that that issue alone will make the difference you seek. It can make a tonal change for sure and the 10K output of your preamp is unusually high yet resolve your audio issues, I doubt it. 

Hope things work out for you. 

newbee

I can appreciate where you are coming from.

I grew up playing guitar since I was 12 years old,and I’am 67 now.

I don’t think I conveyed my expectations very well.

I was having problems with these speakers recreating the volume of the guitar in the mix of some rock recordings that I have listened to for 50 years.They just sounded neutered and to smooth.

I also understand what you mean by creating a more versatile system that can play most types of music well.

If I’am understanding what you are saying,don’t build a system striving to make some poorly engineered recording sound good,at the expense of all the excellent recordings out there.

If I have that right ,I agree with that.

Since the speaker location adjustments things are sounding better,and I have been enjoying listening for past the few hours.

The guitars are sounding like guitars.I listened to Who’s Next and it was really good.

Vocals are sounding better also,not dropping way down when the singer uses a softer delivery

I’am must admit,I was surprised  just how much difference it made by moving the speakers about 4 inches in closer to the front wall.

As the far as which amp to match with the mx110,I almost wish I would have just bought the speakers first,but I had already bought the preamp before getting on here.So I will keep looking,but at least this set up is sounding better to me now.

Thanks

@twangy57 , did you hear this problem through your Polk Monitor 10s? Although I was a horn guy (still am), I admired many Polk speakers and have had quite a few floor standers by them, including the 10s, in my rotations. I found every model to be able to play at a satisfying listening level, with all types of music. They can handle loud; I am talking about the models manufactured before they went overseas for build, as the 10s. However, I do understand why you changed from them and, did well. Keep in mind, that the 360s reveal a good amount of detail, so you might hear some weaknesses in the recordings themselves. Many listeners only listen to "the finer engineered recordings", and I can understand why. You experienced this in your original post. I would not be surprised if you start listening more and more to these quality recordings. Everyone loves music, but to only a small number of us (relatively to the rest of the world), this is a characteristic of being an audiophile.  Last note. IME, most classic rock is not recorded well, so you may hear things in the recordings...use of compression, equalization etc., which becomes obvious once you reach a level of transparency. My truth that I believe, is for bad recordings, listen to the musicians "play" and forget everything else. I feel the same way about great recordings too (1st and foremost, it is all about composition and musicianship), but when one of these recordings is playing on your system, you understand why you spent the money upgrading. It is amazing how recordings can sound so good through the home system. You will have a lot of fun with the CJ 350 (I liked it the few times I listened with it in a friend's system). MrD.

I almost wish I would have just bought the speakers first.

Kevin almost wished he had reinstalled the gas tank before he fueled up. 

Oy vey

OP, if I looked at the specs correctly of the amp you are using, they list 100 wpc into 8 ohms?  And those speakers are listed as 4 ohm nominal impedance?  Does your current amp have any specs listed for what it does into 4 ohms?

According to my search, artificial intelligence says:

The Adcom GFA-545 II power amplifier is rated at 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms. 

If it doesn’t double down it’s not high current in my opinion. And I don’t know much about your speakers, but they probably get into 2 ohms at higher frequencies, (and at 2 ohms there’s nothing left in the tank). So that’s probably a clue.

But I’m sure you’ll get it working just right!

The Dynaudio Focus 360 speakers have a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. While the exact impedance curve is not provided, it is known that the impedance dips to a minimum of around 3.88 ohms at certain frequencies, and the phase angle can also fluctuate. Dynaudio's speakers generally have a smooth impedance curve, with minimal dips. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Rated Impedance:

The Dynaudio Focus 360 is designed to have a 4-ohm impedance. 

Impedance Dips:

While the nominal impedance is 4 ohms, the impedance curve will have some variation, with dips to around 3.88 ohms at specific frequencies. 

Phase Angle:

The phase angle of the speaker's impedance can also vary, with some values being as low as -48.21 degrees at certain frequencies, as noted in a Sound & Vision review. 

Smooth Curve:

Dynaudio generally designs speakers with a smooth impedance curve, minimizing large dips that could strain an amplifier, as mentioned in a Dynaudio article. 

@twangy57 

As the far as which amp to match with the mx110,I almost wish I would have just bought the speakers first,but I had already bought the preamp before getting on here.

Getting all the "in my opinion", the "for what it is worth"’s, etc. out of the way...

It’s not too late.  Alot of us have bought equipment in the past that turned out not to work well with the rest of our systems.  It happens.  Key is not to let dwell on it and be willing to make a correction. 

The old Adcom GFA-545 needs to be replaced.  That should not be in doubt.  The CJ is definitely a step in the right direction.  The Focus 360’s are nice speakers as well.  Different sounding than the Polk 10B’s, but also a step up.  

That said, you seem to be questioning will the MX110 preamp fit with the rest of your system.  It is a legitimate concern.  It has a very high output impedance and is going to be difficult to get a good match to an amp.  And, please don’t take this the wrong way, but it was introduced in what, 1962?  That makes it more than a 60 year old design.  And that goes for the phono preamp section as well.  You also seem to like a bit of a harder, edgier sound.  While I have not heard the MX110 myself, I would wonder if a tube pre from that era is going to be a bit too laid back (even "mushy") for you.

So, all that said...  Maybe it would be time to take a step back and reevaluate the choice of the MX110?  Maybe sell it and get something different?  And maybe a standalone, and better phono preamp as well?

And if you do, you wouldn’t be the first to go through it.  I’ve been in this hobby since I was 15 with no money and I’m now 61 and semi-retired.  I know I have backtracked myself on several occasions.  I would dare say, it is all part of this hobby.

- Jeff

mrdecibe

Great points.

I know classic rock was mostly recorded quickly and as cheaply as possible in many case’s,but it’s what moves me and It’s ingrained in most of the memories of my life.

So,I will find a way to enjoy it if it takes just listing to it in my car through some old Jensen coaxil’s.

I have began to really like these speakers and the problem’s I was experiencing have all but disappeared,since,since trying different placements.

You couldn’t be more right on your assumption that I would start to seek out better recordings.

I put Debussy on my tidal stream and just let it play for a hour or so.It sounded very good on these speakers to my novice classical ears

My dad used to play me Debussy and Stravinsky when I was little and I still remember parts of The Firebird,cool..

To address your question on the Polk monitor 10’s,no they did not have the problem I was having with the midrange

I was just wanting something more revealing and that’s what I got.

I’am feeling pretty good about these now.

Thanks 

unclewilbur

Yes,that what I get from what I have read.150 into 4 ohm.s

I think it only puts out 20 amps also,vs the Conrad Johnson’s 60.

What effect would not enough currant have on a speaker that likes a lot of current?

thanks

I don't know a lot of amps, especially expensive ones, but I do have a pair of Dyna speakers and here is what worked very well:

Hegel

Vincent Audio

Quad

Mission

I would check out the British Audiophile for amps, he reviews a lot of them, 

gano

Thank you,I will see if I can find the British Audiophile and see what he has to say.

immatthewj

2,910 posts

05-11-2025 at 10:14pm 

OP, if I looked at the specs correctly of the amp you are using, they list 100 wpc into 8 ohms?  And those speakers are listed as 4 ohm nominal impedance?  Does your current amp have any specs listed for what it does into 4 ohms?

 Yes,I puts out 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

I have been told the real problem is it puts out 20 amps and that these speakers like more than that.

They are growing on me as I listen more,so I think they will work if I can get the right combination of power and current.

Thanks

https://www.youtube.com/@abritishaudiophile7314

gano

thanks for the link.

I have watched him before.

I think he did a review on the dynaudio special forties.

his reviews are very thorough and technical. A lot of great amps under $1500 too

Yes,but he has a expensive speaker habit .lol

@twangy57 , not everyone around here seems to feel this way, but I am in the camp that believes the electronics in front of a speaker will impact the way they perform.

...right combination of power and current.

Agree you're on the right track- ample availability of current needed for high energy bass

 electronics in front of a speaker will impact the way they perform

I am confused. How would it not?

@twangy57 

How about some good class d Monoblocks? 

ronboco

902 posts

05-12-2025 at 07:45pm 

@twangy57 

How about some good class d Monoblocks? 

I believe I looked into them and I couldn’t find any with input impedance of 100koms or greater,which is what macintosh recommends for my mx100 tube pre/tuner.

I must also admit I’am a little leery of them because I remember reading quit a few articles stating they thought they sounded sterile.

I know that they have come a long way over the years ,but I’am old school.

I guess I’am waiting for all the tube folks to start selling everything and buying them

Is there a brand or model in particular they you were thinking of?

Thanks