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Integrated amp with HT bypass for Focal Electra 1008 Be

Hi!

This is my first post here, so,, hello everyone ! :D

I recently acquired a pair of Focal Electra 1008 be bookshelf speakers. These are going to be used as Fronts of a 5.1 surround setup. I currently have them hooked up to a NAD 326bee. NAD's power amp input is connected to Denon X3400H AVR's pre outputs. AVR is driving the center and surround channels, sub is active (Dali IKON sub MK2). This setup is not very optimal, since I cannot take AVR out of equation, and I really don't trust AVR's DAC or pre amp section very much. I want to be able to use my home theater via AVR easily, while being able to use the Focal Electras for a good stereo music experience.

I read about integrated amps or preamps with HT Bypass feature, I believe one of those would fit my requirements very well. Current models I have in mind are:

1- Hegel H360, H300 or H160
2- Parasound Halo Integrated
3- Atoll IN300 or Atoll IN200SE
4- Cambridge Audio 851A or 840A
5- Marantz PM8005 or PM14S1

Cheapest items in that list are Marantz PM8005 and Atoll IN200SE. I was wondering if one of those would just work for me, or if I should go for Hegel H360? Any opinions of these amplifiers and how they would match with Focal Electra line, especially given that it has the beryllium tweeter units, would be highly appreciated! :D

I was initially quite excited about the Atoll IN200SE, since it has a true dual mono architecture. However, then I got to know that only way to shut it down is to flip the on/off switch on it's back. Turns out when device is on stand by, it is still using around 19 watts of power.

Parasound's sub management features are quite attractive as well. I guess I can have the same with others integrated amps that have pre out (my sub has separate LFE and L/R inputs).

Any suggestions or thoughts would be highly appreciated!
denizpiri
denizpiri OP
43 posts
 
@hudo Loving them! Sound gets better in time, especially in the first 20-30 hours of use. Bass is great instantly, however upper range needs time to get in shape. Bass control is crazy good, the amp is super fast and impactful. I am so happy with my system right now, never listened to any better system that sounds as good for all music genres. I hate systems that sounds great with slow jazz, but when you throw dubstep amp/speakers can't keep up. This is totally not that, it is great at everything I threw at it so far.

I leave the amp on all the time. I built a 12v relay based switcher myself, that is connected to my AVR's 12V trigger output, that switches between my DAC (RME ADI-2 DAC) and AVR's outputs. So, basically for music, I use it directly connected to RME ADI-2 DAC, and sounds crazy good.

I also removed the power light of the Apollon Hypex power amps. I can also turn the screen off on the DAC. That allows me to listen to music at night time with no lights. Love it! :D

Let me know if you have any specific question.
hudo
13 posts
 
@denizpiri is that just poweramp? Did you tried any preamps, how much does it affects the sound?
But the main question is, what would be the difference from AA Puccini, expect the obvious difference in W. I have Puccini with 1007be, so just wondering about power+pre separates, how much better would it be (music i listen is mostly jazz/rock/electro).
Thanks! 
bc6
1 posts
 
I'm a little late to the discussion, but I've had experience with the Parasound Halo 5 and the Atoll IN200 and IN300 and wanted to throw in my two cents. 

I have power hungry speakers - Polk Audio SDA 2.3TLs that have been upgraded with new capacitors and resistors. For pure sound and power, the IN300 is a beast. I didn't experience the same weakness that you did. I swear my speakers are having fun when I run it. There's a presence and gravitas that doesn't show in the other two amps. I use a PS Audio DirectStream DAC instead of the onboard DAC in the Atoll. It attempts to be musical but smudges the music a little too much for me.

The IN200 has a similar sound with less power but it's still musical and clean. With both Atolls I found the HT Bypass a bit clunky. I have to switch the inputs and the Bypass switch doesn't work with a universal remote.

The Parasound is by far the easiest to integrate with the home theater. It manages sub inputs for both seamlessly. It's difficult to describe the sound because the music is just there. It's quite enjoyable. Nothing pulls my attention away from the music. My speakers disappear with it, but that be a result of the SDA effect. I really don't hear strengths and weaknesses. I just wish it had more power. 

That said, your journey has me intrigued. I might take a look at the Puccini Anniversary...


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