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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
fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
373 posts
 

@dsrobert  Yes, I use the Wavelet II as an external crossover and for the Room correction, it does an amazing job for that. Yes, I use a VAC Renaissance 70/70 Signature amp on top. I am saving for an Aric Audio amp to replace it. My VAC amp is getting old so I want to keep it to swap from time to time, it is a wonderful amp. I also am saving for Arics Motherload XL pre amp too. I may get that first.

dsrobert OP
13 posts
 

Right on, thank you all again.  Super helpful info.  

thebrokenrecord
36 posts
 

I have a pair of Legacy Focus speakers from near that era and they are wonderful and run very well with low power ( I use a 35wpc SS amp). Assuming they are voiced similar to the Focus I have, they will be very hard to beat, especially at that price.

They sound much better if you can get them up on some sort of stand or feet and off of the rails they come with. Even using spikes with the rails in not ideal. I found some fairly inexpensive stands with adjustable spikes that could screw right into the holes where the rails attach and now the bass is much better controlled and articulated.

If you get them, I would strongly urge you not to use them with a high powered amp, as you'll lose much of the nuance they are capable of delivering.

dsrobert OP
13 posts
 

Thebrokenrecord, Very interesting to hear how you are powering them and the adjustments you made to get them off the floor, appreciate the feedback.  
 

dsrobert OP
13 posts
 

Finally got the Focus 20/20’s.  My Brother in law lent me his Antham MCA 5 amp and pre amp combo.  The speakers sound incredible, haven’t even applied room correction yet.  Amazing because the room they are in is a large room with a high “a frame” ceiling.  Sounds like the music is coming from the entire front wall, can’t even tell there at two speakers with some of the source material.  I’m blown away at how good a $2,200 set of used towers can sound.

 

thanks to everyone for your suggestions!
 

 

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