Amp for focal 1038be?


Hello,

First time poster and I have really enjoyed all the great advice on this forum. I recently purchased two new Focal 1038B main speakers. I know I need to look at the entire signal chain but I want to focus on getting a better amp that is more 3-D holographic, detailed, warmth, airy..


Signal Chain:
Node 2i streamer
Schmitt Vahalla 2 with gold loin drivers
Onkyo avr with xt32 Audyssey room correction (stereo mode 2.1)
Emotiva A300 to Focal speakers
Room is well treated

I don’t want to break the bank but here are a few of my top considerations: used or new

primaluna evo 400 amp in stereo (later add another for monoblock)
primaluna dialogue 6 or 7 monoblock (70wpc)
Mcintosh MC275 (70wpc or 150wpc monoblock). Only by one for now.
Pass Labs x250.5 - team a pass labs recommended this for focal 1038be to add warmth to the top end.

The speakers are highly sensitive 93db at 8 ohms. I do plan to audition as many of these as I can but welcome any recommendations. Appreciate anyone’s advice or opinion on which amps to focus on.

thanks
david





dlr944
@georgehifi is right. My experience is that no Focal speaker is as sensitive as they claim. Also they are typically more of a 4ohm load than 8ohm. They need heavy current to bring out their best.

I’d go tubed preamp with beeeeefy solid state amp. 
I thought I would update the thread and let you all know I selected the Luxman 590axii integrated amp.  It’s class A 30w per channel:

https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2018/11/25/hi-fi-review-luxman-590-axii-integrated-amplifier-review-b...

Wasn’t a cheap purchase but pairs very well with 1038be focal speakers.  Still going throw the break in stage but happy to report back if anyone is interested.

thanks