2. amps-preamps
  3. 124459-2436

The best SS integrated amplifier for Focal 807W Prestige speakers

I'm thinking about buying a new SS Integrated up to 5k. My main speakers are Focal 807W. (92db, very revealing).
Looking for the transparent and detailed sounding Integrated amplifier. Must have Rec Out.
I tried with the following amplifiers but it didn't sound right:

Arcam A19 - Great dynamics, veiled (brushed) highs
Parasound Halo - Great dynamics, veiled highs and no details.
Musical Fidelity M3si / M5si - Not so good dynamics, slightly rolled off highs and no details
NAD C356BEE - Great dynamics, acceptable highs and of course no details. Terrible volume gain.
Naim Nait 5si - Great dynamics but totally not musical.

Speaker cables:

Thank you in advance on your opinions.


topten

Showing 2 responses by paraneer

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Like the previous two posters, I too am a Marantz reference owner having a PM15S2.  As much as I love this amp and would not hesitate to recommend it, after trying six amps with none satisfying you I would ask another question...

How do you know it's not the speakers you object to?

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Did you hear these amps driving your speakers in your room?

Perhaps it's the acoustics in your listening room that is preventing you from duplicating what you heard.  But if your confident that the various amps you have tried are truly the problem, then I suggest the Marantz reference integrateds as previously mentioned.  Good luck!
More to discover