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The Proverbial "best amp" for Focal Sopra No. 1

Salutations,

I recently acquired the Focal Sopra No.1. These are without a doubt the last bookshelves I will ever own. 
I'm seeking suggestions for my perfect match for those amazing speakers. I added additional constraint/hints for selecting the amp at the end.

My current setup is McIntosh C712 with McIntosh MC7100 (2 x 100w @8Ohm). It is a bit old, but it's the best combo I ever had. With the Focals, it is an amazing listening experience every time!  The only problem is, they are not mine. It's a lend, and the (sad) day will come where I'll have to give them back. So what do I get to replace this combo?

I like the sound of the McIntosh, so I'm looking obviously for the MA5300, the MA7200 and, MAC7200. Is it ok to make the following assumption: The amp/speaker synergy between the Focals and all of those McIntosh integrated will be similar to what I have today.

What else should I put on my shortlist to try before I buy? I have a really good feeling about the Hegel H190, but never heard it. Has anyone had the chance to hear this amp and the Focals?
What about Naim? Are they a good fit for those? Any other suggestions?

I will greet your suggestions with an open mind.

Thanks,

-Papyneau

P.S. More details to improve suggestions :

  • Room size is 9' x 11', but not really rectangular. It is what it is for now. But not forever.
  • Music is varied, but mainly strong female voices, piano, violon, acoustic blue and jazz. Very little of RbB, Hard Rock.
  • Budget is 4k-7k CAD, negotiable.
  • I only use one source: A Bluesound Node streaming Spotify andTidal.
papyneau
james633
914 posts
 

I really like McIntosh and focal. It is a safe match with longterm enjoyment. There are many other but stick with what you like, don’t let people send you down the rabbit hole. Are there better amps? Sure, but long term I have settled into Mac and I am happy with it on a number of different speakers. It is always good but never amazing.

I really like the high power Mac amps. Don’t over look power specifically capacitance or what mac call dynamic headroom. It makes a difference I think. On the MC462 I use they spec 3db of dynamic headroom and to me this means it can double the power almost instantly for short burst.

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 

Naim.  Those speakers are voiced using Naim amps and Naim is owned by the same parent company.  Naim and Focal go together like peanut butter and  jelly.  

patrickcarey
12 posts
 

Well... i own both the Aria 906 and the 936 for the LR.  

I think the pre-amp is the bigger factor, and generally has an outsize impact on sound quality vs a power amp.  

I have found Anthem amps to be an excellent pairing with the Aria series. 

for Pre-amps i have both anthems and the wonderful Proceed AVP.   I do prefer the Proceed as it has a warmer sound and the detail and range are astonishing - as a pre-amp.   i am curious about McIntosh - i have heard some retro amps of theirs make homemade plywood boxes sound like pro monitors. 

for the money, Proceed+ Anthem here.  If money is no object, then I suppose the McIntosh is worth a listen.

 

 

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