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Best tube amp choice for Focal Electra 1038 Be

Hi,
I spent quite some time reading recommendation on what is the best amplifier for the Focal Electra 1038 Be speakers. Looks like that the first choice of most, who own these speakers or listened to them is Pass Lab. What about tube amplifiers, separates or integrated? I understand that to buy used/mint power and pre Pass amp I have to spent here on Audiogon about 7K (XA 30.5 + XP-10). I have to spent about the same amount for highly recommended INT-30A. So if this is my budget for tubes, what would you recommend?
My listening room is 15 by 12. My current amp is integrated LFD and the reason why I want to switch to something else is slightly fuzzy highs. I want them to be a little bit more forward and detailed. I listen mostly to acoustic jazz, blues and chamber music.
Recommendations on speaker cables will be appreciated also.
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.
vad58
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
The Ayre is a zero feedback SS amp and pre that will sound natural like tubes. Also Aesthetix is a GREAT choice for tube amp/pre
vad58 OP
41 posts
 
Thanks a lot. Aestheyix cost way above my budget, especially power amp, but I put them in my wish list and try to listen to at NY hi-fi show in Brooklyn this September. Talking about Ayre. Stereophile's Art Duddley was flabbergasted by integrated AX-5. What Ayre model - separates or integrated you could recommend?
bmwmcab
63 posts
 
Give Accuphase or Luxman a listen.
vad58 OP
41 posts
 
Thanx for your advice, I'm just confused a little bit, because whatever company people recommend, every one have so many models. And we all know that their performance can be so different! Could you be more specific?
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I have the AX7e and LOVE it with my Vandersteen Treo's...That said, if I could afford the AX5e, I'd go that route in a heartbeat. I've never heard another integrated sound so complete. Do you live near NJ? If so, go to Audio Connection in Verona and ask John to let you listen to them. He also has Belles and Rotel (their new stuff is unreal for the cost). He sells Quicksilvers too. He even had my own Silver Mono's that he's selling for me for a great price. Listen to the AX7e vs the AR, Quicksilver and Rogue tubes gear and see which one you like best. He has it all right there and you can AB to your hearts delight.
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