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Integrated amp recommendation for Focal 1038

Hello, I left the hobby for a bit and just got back into due to a local listing for some Focal 1038 BE II speakers I couldn't pass up. I purchased the speakers and am now looking for a recommendation for an integrated amplifier. I will be hooking them up to a rebuilt Technics SP 10 mkii TT mounted with a Ortofon quintet black cartridge and a pass labs xono phono. I listen to mainly classic rock vinyl and my room is pretty large, the speakers will be more towards the middle of the room and pretty far from the walls. I do not listen at really loud volume levels. Ideally I would like a Pass Labs XP 20 hooked to a Pass Labs amplifier like an xa30.5 but with just purchasing speakers cannot get that at the moment. Any suggestions in the $2500 - 3500 range? I am drawn to Pass Labs typically for the deep tight bass and good imaging. Currently considering a Pass Labs int-30A, Bryston B135 sst2, maybe a Cary integrated like the SLI 80 or 100? I've never really ventured into tubes before though.

Thanks
chief4425
travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
181 posts
 
I enjoy my Focal/Yamaha combo.

The current line of top end Yamaha integrated amplifiers appear to be very nice.

I have a fondness of Yamaha integrated amps going back more than 30 years.
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kennyc
1,472 posts
 
NuPrime IDA-16 Integrated Amplifier garnered many favorable reviews.  

Rotel gives value/$

Hegel - safest bet without knowing one’s sonic preferences- consistent positive reviews
pr
50 posts
 
The yamaha as-1000 wasn't good with my speakers focal 907be, smooth but no dynamic enough, i was very bored with the amp...
I changed by an sony ta-4650 amp (same Pass fist watt SIT, but double power), i went from 180 watts to 60 watts, yet listening is the opposite !
The dynamic is unleashed, stamps became embodied, the soundstage has become much more focused !
This amp plays like a yamaha B2 or sony ta-f7 power amp, really better than the AS ranges !
Find a sony ta-8650, or yamaha C2+B2 restored for your 1038, it's really another world !


dadork
632 posts
 
As @carlsbad said, the Parasound Hint 6 is a solid performer. I didn't realize how solid until I got everything fine tuned, ie., speaker placement, sub integration. It's a Swiss Army knife of integrated amps! 5 analog inputs, 2 digital inputs, optical in. Built in wonderful DAC, subwoofer control and tone controls. 160 wpc. Great piece.
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