speakers/ amps liking one another


Good morning all. Looking for some guidance. I appreciate all that have helped in the past.

I listened yesterday to a secondary 2 channel music only.  Seemed very disappointing.       My primary system has spoiled me. Primary system, following: ATI 6000 2 channel amp, Benchmark LA-4 Line amp, Meitner MA-1 DAC, Project RS2T transport and LTA Linear power supply, SVS SB 4000 Sub, Tekton upgraded Double Impacts. Also streaming Qobuz.  In a very large area, listen to only R&R loudly. System is to Die for.

Second system is composed of Peachtree Amp 500, and Peachtree PreDac (preamp) audiolab 6000 transport, Benchmark Dac 3B,  Focal Aria 948's. 2 channel system only, music. Much smaller room 13x13'  Did the speaker placement job a while ago. Note: Focal says speaker can dip to 2.5 ohm's?

I believe my weak link is the Amp and preamp combo (Class D) Looking for used recommendations for SS amp class A/B or A that has some real CLASS power to it. I'll deal with a preamp to add to the amp a little later. Use the present preamp until I can afford a better one. 2 or 3K, give or take some. Any help would be great. Robert TN

robshaw

I do not see the smaller room being your biggest issue.  

You are coming from a Linear Tube Audio amp which are awesome (i think, not clear in your post) driving the highly sensitive dynamic Tektons going to the Bland sounding Focal towers.  

In my experience it is much more difficult and expensive to make speakers sound dynamic with more amp muscle than to use more sensitive speakers.  

If you want to try, a used Benchmark AHB2 might help but I think more sensitive speakers are needed to compete with your main system.  

Thanks so much for the posts. When I first started putting together this rooms system I debated on stand a mounts  rather than the bigger towers. However, It is what it is  now.   The Peachtree units were originally in my bigger room and didn't sound bad. Other room is a 20x30 portion of my shop which houses construction equipment, M/C's etc. Great acoustics, just lucky I guess. However, when the Peachtree units were replaced with the ATI Amp and Benchmark Line Amp a metamorphosis had taken place. Just trying to wrap my head around that. In the smaller room, there is a large couch, a floor rug,  pictures  etc. Also an open door leading to a bathroom on one end, and on the other side and open door leading to a hallway. I don't think there is much I can do with the room??? Just not sure whether it's too much loudspeaker,  or to little of a room, or needing a stronger Amp? Or none of the above, or all of the above??? Thanks again for everyone's time and expertise. Robert

After reading a response from Avanti1960, I am wondering how accurate he is on his assessment of the Focal speakers? I set my purchase decision on the Focals based solely on reviews, never heard them prior to ownership. He may be right. How easily I was influenced at the time,  and receiving a good deal on them too. I know my ATI AMP 6002 was a huge upgrade over the Peachtree. Now I'm wondering if the speakers are the bigger issue?  I have little hair left now. Thanks again.......Ps   I listen solely to R&R loudly.    I LOVE MY TEKTONS TOO!

If you keep the Focals +1 for the Hegel products. I would also consider Bryston amps and the higher end Parasound products. All of these brands include models with very high power output, both integrated amps and power amps, that will drive your speakers to high volume levels with ample bass. All are class AB solid state amps that represent a good value.

Have you asked your Focal dealer what amps he pairs with your speakers?

Have you tried setting up your second system in a different room? How about  trying it in the same room as your primary system, a room you seem to think has good acoustics? The room does make a difference, just as speaker placement does. Such an experiment should help determine if you need new amps, if the room contributes to your perceived problem or if it really is the Focal speakers, which as others have suggested you could hook up to your primary system.
 

Good luck! 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Tekton are amazing and do not break the bank. How about you toss the Focals into your main room and have a listen. I think that will help you determine if the Focals you aren't liking. If that's the case, we'll that's easy. Sell them and pick up a pair of Tekton Impact or Pendragon monitors for your smaller room. You would probably break even. You should get $2k or better for the Focals.