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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
darkknight8586's avatar
darkknight8586 OP
33 posts
 

@kofibaffour Yes, That’s right $10K for two. The Mc462 would be around $6K for mint condition

inagroove
263 posts
 

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...

elliottbnewcombjr
7,792 posts
 

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

tightening banana plugs

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.

bigkidz
3,506 posts
 

In my opinion, call the manufacturer and see what they use to demo their speakers and also their dealers.  The demands of an individual speaker needs to match up with the amplifier.  Hopefully they will provide you with various amplifiers they have tried and how they sounded.

Happy Listening.

ronboco
1,117 posts
 

@darkknight8586 

The Boulder 1162 would be worth an audition. Good luck ! 

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