@rshad0000 Yup, I still have my Octave preamp (HP700SE), I think they are decent in this price range. But I might choose solid state Power amp for better bass grip and more neutral tonal balance instead of full system of tube.
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):
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Pass Labs: X350.8
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Luxman: M-10x
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Simaudio Moon: 861
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McIntosh: MC462
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Audia Flight: Strumento No.4 MkII
My Current System Chain:
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Source: Hifi Rose RS130
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DAC: Gustard R30
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Preamp: Octave HP700SE (Tube)
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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.
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@darkknight8586 10K for two right? if so that is a no brainer
If not, the MC462 is still my recommend |
@kofibaffour Yes, That’s right $10K for two. The Mc462 would be around $6K for mint condition |
McIntosh may be 'right' in some systems, but I have always been disappointed in their sound when paired with high SQ speaker systems (ex. SF Cremonese). These excellent speakers quickly revealed the muddy, oddly balanced sound of the ALL-Mac front end. At the $20k price-point, you may consider a road trip to a major city to visit a few brick-stores... Perhaps a long weekend in NY, Chicago or LA :-) Personally, I am moving away from SS to Tubes, so I will not comment further... |
Rather than buying more power than you need, given the comment about vocals sounding metallic, perhaps you ought to consider having two systems, 1. tubes (both preamp and amp) 2. solid state I used twist/tightening WBT banana plugs with a junction I could easily reach, had 3 going, tube mono-blocks; tube receiver; solid state. Different colored tape on the 3 sets of speaker wires
Surprise, the tube mono blocks had enough bass, everyone always chose them. Source, I have several in CD; Vinyl; Reel to Reel tape. Surprise, everyone always chose the Tape, even though it has more noise if just comparing specs. btw, I expected to see Accuphase on your list. |
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