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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
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

soix
9,745 posts
 

Given what you’re looking for in sound with good power and something smaller I immediately thought hybrid integrated.  This Unison Research Unico 150 offers lots of power with a tubed preamp section so you’re done in one box and would seem to offer the sound characteristics you’re looking for.  Sound Approach offers free shipping and a 30-day return policy in case it doesn’t work out for some reason.
https://soundapproach.com/unison-research-unico-150-class-a-hybrid-integrated-amplifier.html

Here’s a review that gives you an idea of its sound characteristics…

https://www.stereotimes.com/post/unison-research-unico-150-integrated-by-david-abramson/

Just an idea given what you’ve been saying, and best of luck in your search. 

dsrobert OP
13 posts
 

Thanks, Soix,

I will look into it.  Appreciate the info.  

 

 

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
477 posts
 

I can attest to the Legacy's loving tubed amplification. Those 20/20 are 96 Db sensitive and can mate with tubed amps @ 20wpc  easy.  I have the new Focus XD's with the Wavelet. A nice  tubed integrated with them would be fantastic. An option would be a top of the line Prima Luna Integrated. All in you would be under $10K. And have some money for tube rolling and good speaker wires. Prima Luna EVO 400 is $5595 + $2200 = $7795! 

mesch
3,524 posts
 

Well 1st you must decide on the speakers. If you choose to go the the 20/20s and are interested in tube amplification a suggest you contact Aric of Aric Audio. He has a great website and is very responsive via that or a phone call. 

I own one of Aric's  tube preamps and a tube amplifier. I switch the amp out with a Pass Labs XA25 SS amp. The tube pre serves both very well. 

With sensitive speakers be careful about the gain structure between the preamp and amp. 

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