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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
 

@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?

wswright20
85 posts
 

@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...

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,967 posts
 

@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. 

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