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Legacy Focus 20/20 Speakers AMP/Pre Amp

Hi, I am new to the forum and have been trying to find some information on the Legacy Focus 20/20 speakers.  I realize these are older speakers, but there is a pair locally where I live that are in very good condition and at a really decent price.  I have a large room that they will be going in, which is why I was drawn to these larger speakers.  I have also been looking at Legacy's newer speakers too, such as the Focus XD's or the Aeris on the forums, but they are typically only offering local pick up.  Any thoughts for or against the Focus 20/20's? 

I'm also looking for suggestions on amps and a preamp for these.  I am considering a McIntosh MC 452 or a pair of McIntosh 501 mono's for power.  Any thoughts on either of those for powering the 20/20's?

Last, any suggestions on a tube vs. solid state pre amp?  I wasn't sure if a solid state would be needed, or if I could go with a tube preamp (which I would prefer).  I also understand that Legacy has their Wavelet preamp with room correction that seems to be a requirement with their newer speakers, but wasn't sure if that would be beneficial with the Focus 20/20's.  As I mentioned, the room where these speakers will be going is a large, square room, but it also has a high "A Frame" type ceiling.  So that will likely play into the acoustics.     

Starting out, I will be running a MM turntable and a media/CD player.    

I am a novice when it comes to getting into specs of speakers and amps/preamp requirements, which is why I am reaching out on the forum.  

Thanks,

Dave

dsrobert
soix
8,729 posts
 

Really depends on what sound characteristics you’re looking for and are most important to you because the sound of electronics vary greatly.  Any info you could provide about your tastes/preferences would be most helpful in making good recommendations. 

dsrobert OP
13 posts
 

Thank you Soix.  I suppose if I were to describe the sound characteristics that I'm looking for it would be more on the "warm" side with some detail in the highs but they don't need to be overly sharp.  Also looking for quality in the mid range.  I listen to all types of music, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Reggae, Metal, Electronic, Choir, etc. 

Not that these are comparable, but I have a set of lower end speakers in another room bi-amped to Marantz separates.  They are very clear however I've noticed that they lack in the mid range, and I tend to get fatigue after listening to them for an extended period because they seem so so sharp.  Might also be the room acoustics, or perhaps the way they are configured, so not totally sure.  

That said, I have heard other McIntosh amps/preamps at the stereo shops and I do like the way they sound, but they were also powering different speakers so might not be an apples to apples comparison.

Thank you for responding!

Dave  

soix
8,729 posts
 

Thanks for the helpful info.  Forgot to ask, what’s your budget?

ghdprentice
6,415 posts
 

Here is a Stereophile review.

With speakers that old you should verify the surrounds on the woofers are in good shape or have been replaced.

 

Yes, your budget would be good. 
 

Do you have a system of some sort in place now. 
 

i definitely recommend a tubed preamp. The best you can afford. 
 

Mac equipment has a very distinct sound. Make sure you compare to alternatives before jumping in. It is not every one’s cup of tea.

 

 

dsrobert OP
13 posts
 

Hi, thanks guys,  if I go with the Focus 20//20’s from the guy locally I want to try to stay under $10k all in for speakers amp and pre amp.  The speakers are $2200, and there are MC501’d available for $5k, which would leave around $3k for a pre amp.  But I’m open to other ideas too.

the 20/20’s are in good shape and surrounds are intact.  Thank you for that suggestion.  

 If I get over $10k, there is a guy selling newer 2022, active Legacy Aeris speakers and he is including the Legacy wavelet/preamp for just under $12k all in.  So if I get in that $ range, I will try to talk him into shipping the Aeris to CA. Unfortunately, he’s only offering local pick up.  But those speakers would be a much better option. 

I do have another system currently, but it’s in a different room and set up mainly for surround sound with Marantz Separates approximately 12-15 years old.  It’s fine, but would not be a good option for the other room that I’m trying to build out. 
 

thanks again,

dave

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