2. amps-preamps
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Focal Maestro Utopia , need advice for AMP/PRE

i bought Maestro Utopia , i should get them next week

this is my current setup:
acoustic zen silver reference ii XLR interconnect
Cardas Clear speaker cable
wireworld platinum usb cable
Focal Electra 1038 be II
Pass labs X350.5
Pass labs Xp10 pre
Oppo BDP-105
PC computer

my setup can drive the new speakers well or i should consider more powerful Amp?
i red review , using Clasee 600 Amp to drive it
they said that this speakers need a lot of power.

thanks
pelo911

Showing 14 responses by pelo911

pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Thanks Albertporter

what about DAC?
do you think it's the weak link in my system?
or you see any other weak link?
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
one more thing:
this model come with Spikes
i guess it will ruin the woodfloor (116KG)

there is a solution for that?

for example:
http://www.euphonia-audioforum.se/calle_jr/2011-02-27/DSC_0881.JPG
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Focal Dealers told me that the Maestro is the most demanding speakers of Focal , even more then Stella and Grande
because of the magnetically damped woofers.

they told me also My Pass X350.5 not even close to getting the best from the Maestro.

one dealer recommend the Aesthetix Atlas Mono Amps and TARA 0.8 EX interconnect and speakers cables.

what do you think?
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Czbbcl

Streophile Review:
http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/focal_maestro_utopia_iii_loudspeaker/

they wrote that this speaker need powerfull AMP
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Bifwynne

"on paper" the 1038 are easy to drive
but in order to get full bass control and wide soundstage you need power.
the Electra 1038 it's amazing speakers , if you want to buy my 10 month old pair they are for sale now :)

pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Czbbcl

XS have crazy price.
XA 160 or 200 , those are sweet Class A
but they have the power to push that king of speakers ?
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
few focal dealers that know the Maestro
told me that the Pass Labs not the best choice for the Maestro.
the sound is "dull" and not warm.
Virut might be the best AMP but it's cost around $40K , it's over my budget.
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
more and more Focal owner recommend me to use Accuphase
they said it's on different class then almost anything with Utopia models.

anybody here think the same?
what model have enough power to drive the Maestro at their best?
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
someone here know about any Focal Maestro owner that i can ask what he chose for AMP/PRE/DAC ?
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Seos1: you like the Maestro more the Magico Q5 ?!

Bvdiman: i need Vitus SS101 (i'm from USA)
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
finally connect the new speakers

they are in another league compare to my Electra 1038
the sound now have "weight"
i feel that the Pass are slightly "dull"
i'm looking for more dynamic and aggressive

someone can advice?
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
the speakers are 6 month old
already broke in
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Ren_audio
Thanks for your response
i'm happy to hear you think the Maestro better then Q5.

it's very hard to match system for the Maestro
specially for me since i'm new to High-End.

i'm trying to find out what other Maestro owner using
so far those are the Amp i found that the owners using:
pelo911 OP
46 posts
 
Aesthetix Atlas Mono
VTL 450 III
Accuphase A-200 and M6000
Karan acoustic , i'm not sure what was the model KAS600 or KAM900
Krell 402E or 600e
AVM Audio MA8
Goldmund
Audionet Max ,
BURMESTER 911
Gryphon
McIntosh MC601

i guess the weakpoint at my system:
Oppo 105
maybe one of the Cables?
i should buy a Reference DAC and CD player , do you have recommendation to test?
maybe also to get Apple computer instead PC?
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