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

@darkknight8586 I had the Scala Evo's paired with Luxman M-900u's and the C-900u pre and was very happy with the combination.  Very revealing/detailed but not harsh.  Recently moved to the Maestro's and kept the Luxman.  Previously had Mc and Simaudio amps.  Although all good Luxman provides, IMO, a richer/fuller sound than the Mc and I did find the Simaudio to be somewhat fatiguing over time although was not the 861.  No experience with Pass or Audia Flight but certainly quality gear.  The M-10X is considered an upgrade over the M-900 but I would not think the character has changed?  Earlier this year I did trial an ARC 6SE pre and still preferred the C-900 with the Focals.  Was very good but I enjoy the detail and being able to hear differences in quality between recordings.  Everyone has their preferences.

For what it's worth, Luxman was recommended to me a few years ago in discussions with Focal at Axpona.  In discussions with Luxman they preferred the pairing of either Focal or Magico.  I did have the opportunity to audition before purchasing which certainly made the decision easier. 

Best of luck...

@wswright20 love to hear your comment about Luxman. For now, Luxman M10x and Pass X260.8 are my final consideration for the Scala, I just have one question, can you describe clearly the difference between the C900U and the Ref6SE in your system chain?

@darkknight8586 I prefer the most natural sound from my system with as little coloration as possible.  The major differences between the C-900 and 6SE in my system I would list as:

1) More realistic sound with the C-900, especially with piano and acoustic guitar tracks.  Quite noticeable on artists like Clapton, Eagles, Stevie Ray Vaughn.

2) Wider/deeper soundstage with the C-900, lower, "blacker" noise floor.

3) Better bass control with the C-900. Tighter, more precise/accurate.

4) 6SE has a "warmer" presentation but tends to mask differences between recordings.  I prefer more detail, higher resolution especially in the midrange.

You can see my complete system on the virtual site.  From your playlist I would say we have fairly similar musical tastes.  I'm not trying to diss on the 6SE in any way, it's really good just not my preference.  I also think that synergy between like components is real, if you like the sound.

My dealer, (who my wife hates btw!!!), who I have worked with for years suggested that if I want to move to a tube pre that I should consider the VAC Statement.  I tend to change equipment fairly often but I'm actually pretty happy with where I am currently. 

All the best...

@wswright20 I compared a standard REF6 to Pass XP-22 and my results were similar to yours. ARC sounds bigger with large images in the stage, which is very nice but to me it isn’t accurate. The bass with XP-22 was tighter and soundstage was more realistic. Another concern was gain - with ARC into Pass X260.8 mono blocks the volume steps are not as fine due to higher gain with ARC. Not a very big deal but worth noting. 
REF also produces a lot of heat. Overall I liked it a lot but stayed with my XP-22. 
I since sold the separates and replaced them with Boulder 866 integrated.