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Power Amp for Focal Scala Utopia Evo (Pass, Luxman, Moon, Mc, or Audia Flight?)Hi everyone

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some guidance on choosing a solid-state power amplifier to pair with my Focal Scala Utopia Evos. Unfortunately, I am unable to demo these options in my home environment, so I am relying heavily on your experiences and impressions.

The Contenders: All of the following are in a similar price bracket in my region ($20k):

  • Pass Labs: X350.8

  • Luxman: M-10x

  • Simaudio Moon: 861

  • McIntosh: MC462

  • Audia Flight: Strumento No.4 MkII

My Current System Chain:

  • Source: Hifi Rose RS130

  • DAC: Gustard R30

  • Preamp: Octave HP700SE (Tube)

  • Cabling: Full Neotech UP-OCC loom (Power, Interconnects, Speaker cables)

Listening Preferences: I listen to a wide variety of genres. You can view my reference playlist here for a better idea of my taste: The Palette of Resonare - Apple Music

Given that I am running a Tube preamp (Octave), I am looking for the power amp that offers the best synergy with the Scalas. I would appreciate any thoughts on the tonal characteristics of these matches.

 

darkknight8586
kofibaffour
718 posts
 

get the McIntosh @darkknight8586 

darkknight8586's avatar
darkknight8586 OP
33 posts
 

@soix Hi mate, I’m currently using the Kinki EX-B7. Overall, the tonal balance is quite neutral, but I’d prefer it to be a bit warmer with more extension in the sub-bass. The vocals sound a little metallic now, so I want to make them more natural with a better holographic soundstage.

darkknight8586's avatar
darkknight8586 OP
33 posts
 

@kofibaffour Should I choose the Mc611 instead of the Mc462? I found a demo version of the Mc611 for about $10k near my location.

soix
11,247 posts
 

Given what you’re looking for and that your speakers aren’t an overly difficult load I’d look at the Pass XA60.8 if you can handle a full Class A design/heat.  Best of luck. 

darkknight8586's avatar
darkknight8586 OP
33 posts
 

@soix Yeah, the XA60.8 produces a lot of heat. It is in the same price range as the X260.8 and X350.8. To be honest, the Scala is not a very hard-to-drive speaker; the minimum impedance only reaches 3.2 ohms. So, I'm torn between the XA60.8 and X260.8 (since both are monoblocks for better channel separation). Would the X260.8 be the better choice to combine sweetness (high bias in Class A for the first 34W) with speed (Class AB for better bass grip)?

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