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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
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kennyc
1,553 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
633 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.
dadork
633 posts
 
P.S. Their customer service could be better but overall a hit.
tk21
238 posts
 
Suggestion: find a local dealer you can trust, ideally one with good return and upgrade policies, then pick from the brands they carry in your price range. If that is not feasible in your area, stick with a few brands that get consistently good reviews in this forum (or another you trust) or in reviews by major publications. Then choose based on price, features, warranty, service and support. Possibilities (in addition to the ones mentioned above):  Benchmark, First Watt, Mytek, PS Audio (used), Schiit.

I have the Benchmark AHB2. 100W, should be plenty for your speakers. I don't know why it might "pair" better or worse with them than any of the above suggestions (unless maybe you prefer a  more veiled/colored/"enhanced" sound). Glowing reviews, excellent test measurements, made in USA, 5 year warranty (if you register it), good service/support. Good built-in fault/safety protection.  Characterized as "sonically neutral and transparent".  Only accepts balanced inputs.  $2999 direct from Benchmark.  


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