Focal Maestro Utopia , need advice for AMP/PRE

Focal Maestro Utopia - wow, that's an incredible upgrade. I hope you can get the most out of those speakers in your room. I'm guessing you will have to move things around a bit. Stick with your current electronics.

Regards,

Bifwynne

"on paper" the 1038 are easy to drive
but in order to get full bass control and wide soundstage you need power.
the Electra 1038 it's amazing speakers , if you want to buy my 10 month old pair they are for sale now :)

I would listen to the speakers prior to any amp replacement and then if you feel it is necessary you may want to look at the Pass X600.5's or move to the XA series say the 160 or 200 .5's or if you really want to drop some coin try the XS series.

Chuck

Czbbcl

XS have crazy price.
XA 160 or 200 , those are sweet Class A
but they have the power to push that king of speakers ?

Pelo911,

I received your message via Audiogon system, thank you for asking my opinion on Focal.

I'm not sure my experience precisely applies to your system, I'm pretty much a tube guy all the way and our speaker are not identical although both are from Focal.

I do agree with other comments in this thread, having just read them. The Pass Labs amp should be more than enough power and I also agree with comments that it would be a better choice than the Aesthetix.

I used Aesthetix IO and Callisto for more than a decade and always speak highly of them, but I'm not a fan of their solid state sound, especially compared to Pass and Gryphon (two of my favorite).

I very much agree with Czbbcl, go for more powerful Pass if you must use solid state. If I were going to solid state that's exactly where I would be looking.

You're getting a lot of good advice here already. The most important thing beyond your equipment choice is BREAK IN.

My Focal Grande Utopia EM have almost 1400 hours on them and each week the sound improves. I've been communicating with Focal for months on the topic of break in and the general consensus is 1500 hours is required before one can truly judge what their design is capable of.

I think most speaker companies would not be this forthcoming for fear of losing customers looking for instant gratification.

Audiogon shows we are only a few hours apart by car. If you wish, you're welcome to come listen with us. Even better, a Tuesday night puts you with our whole group of music lovers.

Last comment on break in, I will warn you. My Focal Grande sounded absolutely terrible for the first 200 hours. I pretty much had to leave the room and let them play. Between 300 and 500 hours the sound got good enough to have hope but nothing like they are showing now.

I'm reminded of the story about the ugly duckling that grew to be a beautiful swan. My Focal have changed so much it's beyond belief. Be patient with your new speakers before you spend more money.