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Legacy Focus 20/20 Speakers AMP/Pre Amp

Hi, I am new to the forum and have been trying to find some information on the Legacy Focus 20/20 speakers.  I realize these are older speakers, but there is a pair locally where I live that are in very good condition and at a really decent price.  I have a large room that they will be going in, which is why I was drawn to these larger speakers.  I have also been looking at Legacy's newer speakers too, such as the Focus XD's or the Aeris on the forums, but they are typically only offering local pick up.  Any thoughts for or against the Focus 20/20's? 

I'm also looking for suggestions on amps and a preamp for these.  I am considering a McIntosh MC 452 or a pair of McIntosh 501 mono's for power.  Any thoughts on either of those for powering the 20/20's?

Last, any suggestions on a tube vs. solid state pre amp?  I wasn't sure if a solid state would be needed, or if I could go with a tube preamp (which I would prefer).  I also understand that Legacy has their Wavelet preamp with room correction that seems to be a requirement with their newer speakers, but wasn't sure if that would be beneficial with the Focus 20/20's.  As I mentioned, the room where these speakers will be going is a large, square room, but it also has a high "A Frame" type ceiling.  So that will likely play into the acoustics.     

Starting out, I will be running a MM turntable and a media/CD player.    

I am a novice when it comes to getting into specs of speakers and amps/preamp requirements, which is why I am reaching out on the forum.  

Thanks,

Dave

dsrobert

Showing 5 responses by soix

soix
8,731 posts
 

Given what you’re looking for in sound with good power and something smaller I immediately thought hybrid integrated.  This Unison Research Unico 150 offers lots of power with a tubed preamp section so you’re done in one box and would seem to offer the sound characteristics you’re looking for.  Sound Approach offers free shipping and a 30-day return policy in case it doesn’t work out for some reason.
https://soundapproach.com/unison-research-unico-150-class-a-hybrid-integrated-amplifier.html

Here’s a review that gives you an idea of its sound characteristics…

https://www.stereotimes.com/post/unison-research-unico-150-integrated-by-david-abramson/

Just an idea given what you’ve been saying, and best of luck in your search. 

soix
8,731 posts
 

Really depends on what sound characteristics you’re looking for and are most important to you because the sound of electronics vary greatly.  Any info you could provide about your tastes/preferences would be most helpful in making good recommendations. 

soix
8,731 posts
 

Thanks for the helpful info.  Forgot to ask, what’s your budget?

soix
8,731 posts
 

I can attest to the Legacy's loving tubed amplification. Those 20/20 are 96 Db sensitive and can mate with tubed amps @ 20wpc  easy.

Apparently that’s not the case with the 20/20s as they drop below 2 Ohms in bass frequencies.  I can’t imagine too many tube amps doing well with that.  Here’s an excerpt from John Atkinson’s measurements section in his review…
 

“The Legacy's sensitivity was slightly lower than specified, but still a very high 94.5dB(B)/2.83V/m—this speaker will play very loudly even with a low-powered amplifier. However, its plot of impedance (fig.1) reveals that it needs to be used with an amplifier that can deliver high current into low impedances. Not only are there two minima in the bass of less than 2 ohms, and another of less than 3 ohms in the mid-treble, but there is an amplifier-crushing combination of 3.3 ohms magnitude and 60 degrees capacitive phase angle at 20Hz. Fortunately, it is rare in music to have high levels of energy this low in frequency. However, a good, beefy solid-state amplifier will probably work better than a tube design.”

soix
8,731 posts
 

Congrats man!  Enjoy!!!

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