Int. Amplifier with Focal 807W Speakers

"Sopra's driven by both tube and solid state electronics. In every case I found the tube equipment to sound "dull" and "restrained", to me not great qualities for these speakers."

This would effect the mid bass with amps that can't give good current at this frequency. (doesn't account for the dullness your heard with tube.)
I read in reviews that the Sopra's have a 3.1ohm impedance at 210hz this is not tube friendly. And that's not taking in to account what the - negative phase angle might be at that frequency added to the 3.1ohm, it could go even lower in EPDR impedance. (Equivalent Peak Dissipation Resistance)

Cheers George

Thank's for the advices.
I am trying to stay away from the tubes.

How about the NAD C165/C275 separates with good
Cardas interconnects. In this case I would be able to
reduce gain either on the Amp.or the Preamp.

EJR1953, On the Focal Sopra's, I just found graphs for you impedance and phase, the - phase angle is not too bad, but the real measured impedance is quite tough, from 80hz to 120hz it's 2-3ohms, so a good 4ohm solid state with good current ability is a good idea for these to get good controlled dynamic bass.

Last two graphs in this link.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1445:nrc-measurements-focal-sopra-no2-loudspeakers&catid=77:loudspeaker-measurements&Itemid=153

Cheers George

A 4 Ohm amp will blow sooner ot later with a 2-3 ohm load .
IMHO never buy an amp not stable to 2 ohm.

You haven't mentioned a budget but I would recommend a PASS INT-30A.

Chuck