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Amp for Focal Electra 1008Be

hi folks. I am in the market looking for an amp for my focal electra 1008be bookshelves. I have few in consideration:
1. hegel H160
2. YBA IA350 (new Shanling occupied YBA)
3. Marantz PM11S3

What do you guys suggest or recommend if any even if they are besides the above. thanks.
spoutjack
spoutjack OP
29 posts
 
btw I would want to put it out that I am a bit scared of tubes and would prefer SS amps though.
toneranger58
134 posts
 

The Hegel H160, is a superb sounding unit, with a superb DAC and has plenty of warmth (opinion by reviewers is it has Tube warmth while being SS).  I have used mine with Focal Sopra No.2's and the combination is really nice.

The H160 has superb soundstaging, imaging and depth. Never analytical and very musical to me.

I can't comment on the others, try and bring one home for a week to demo. Synergy is critical. Some feel the Hegel is a bit too warm, not with my experience matched with the Sopras. I would bet it will be a great match to your Focals.


Good luck.

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I have the same speakers and they sound great with Pass amplifiers. I personally drive mine with a pair of xa100.5's along with a Pass Xp-20 pre-amp. They are not bright when driven with the proper electronics but can be if not.

Chuck
spoutjack OP
29 posts
 
@toneranger58: Thanks for your reply Sir. I will demo it at home as per your advise. may I ask what speaker cables are you using? I think it would also depend on the kind of cables we use. thanks much for responding this is really helpful to me. Appreciate all your help sir :) 

@czbbcl : Thank you Sir. I have read alot about pass but just havent come to a state to demo it. I have read some negative reviews about after sales service (if any needed) and that sort of pulled me back from trying them. What cables do you use along with your pass pre if you dont mind me asking? Thanks much for responding this is really helpful to me :) Appreciate all your help Sir.
toneranger58
134 posts
 
For speaker cabling I have Silnote Poseidon, great bang for the buck.
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