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Best tube amp choice for Focal Electra 1038 Be

Hi,
I spent quite some time reading recommendation on what is the best amplifier for the Focal Electra 1038 Be speakers. Looks like that the first choice of most, who own these speakers or listened to them is Pass Lab. What about tube amplifiers, separates or integrated? I understand that to buy used/mint power and pre Pass amp I have to spent here on Audiogon about 7K (XA 30.5 + XP-10). I have to spent about the same amount for highly recommended INT-30A. So if this is my budget for tubes, what would you recommend?
My listening room is 15 by 12. My current amp is integrated LFD and the reason why I want to switch to something else is slightly fuzzy highs. I want them to be a little bit more forward and detailed. I listen mostly to acoustic jazz, blues and chamber music.
Recommendations on speaker cables will be appreciated also.
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.
vad58
ejr1953
917 posts
 
I know lots of audiophiles will roll their eyes when they read this, but when I was out there auditioning speakers to purchase, eventually ordering a pair of Focal Sopra No2's, I found the McIntosh C50/MC452 to be an excellent match for those speakers.
I was fortunate enough to snag that combination on Audiogon a few weeks ago...when the Focals arrive, I'll be found in my family room with a wide grin on my face!
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,798 posts
 
Vad-

another vote for Aesthetix gear. What other gear is in your system, including, cabling?

Keep me posted and Happy Listening!
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Heard more Aesthetix gear and feel in love all over again, lol.
therealist
22 posts
 
I almost bought the Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP. I got the separates instead. But before I did I researched for six months and the HP appeared to be the best I found. I also checked the Audio Research Vsi75 and it was real nice sounding but seemed like at was 40% less than the HP and cost 50% more.

I also tried a Cary SLI 80 and loved the mids but the bass was lacking. The bass from the Primaluna was like solid state and the mids even better.
therealist
22 posts
 
Make sure the amp allows you to tube roll with different preamp tubes. That's the best way to guarantee you will get what you want

I failed to mention the VTL it85. That may work as it's more forward like you were seeking and had lots of high end response.
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