Also: with Focals (through experience), I would stay away from dry-sounding class D amplification. Other than that, even inexpensive amps like McIntosh, Hegel, and Pass Labs go well with Focal (so long as they have good peak current capability, and not just high wattage).
Made the move: Focal Maestro 3 to Focal Maestro EVO
Traded in my Focal Maestro 3 and have my new Maestro EVO’s sitting in my living room In beautiful black finish. First, I want to comment on their fit and finish. “WOW” they are simply gorgeous. I would take them on a date anywhere and they would be the envy of everyone with their stunning curves and eloquent display. Since I have less than 5 hours listening so far, I will only make some brief comments on their sonics. The evolution from Maestro 3 to EVOs not only transforms the greatest strengths of the Maestro 3: presence, impact, and scale to a new level but also fixes its weaknesses. One area of criticism of previous generations of Focal’s has alway been in upper frequencies. I lived with the Maestro 3 for 3.5 years and I can attest to this area of concern. I can say without hesitation the beast has been tamed. There’s no hint of brightness or edge with the EVOs. Other areas of improvement are lower levels of distortion, tighter bass, much easier drive capability and listening enjoyment. These areas of improvement have only been noticed with less than 5 hours of listening to a new speaker. If there is interest in this thread I will continue to update as break in continues.
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