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Amp / Preamp for Focal 1007 BE Speakers?

Hello all - I would like some amp/preamp or integrated amp suggestions from fellow Focal 1007BE owners.

Here's my current setup -

Transporter (wireless) with all files Apple Lossless format
Jolida 502B integrated
Acoustic Zen Hologram II speaker cables
Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Interconnects

I like the sound from my setup but the bass is too thin for my liking. I am a bass player, so naturally like a little more oomph than most. I mostly listen to acoustic and acoustic rock music - Dave Mattews, Howie Day, Damien Rice but also like some more upbeat rock every once in awhile.

I figured that the Jolida at 60 watts wasn't supplying enough power, so demo'd a DK VS-1 MkII integrated (160 watts) over the weekend. I was not impressed at all - the sound was very sterile and the bass levels actually dropped from the Joilda. I guess that I'm a tube guy!

Here's what I have been thinking - whatever direction I go, I think it's critical that the pre or integrated have some sort of tone controls so that I can get the bass level where I'm happy. With that said, does anyone have any good ideas on pre / amp or integrated? I would be buying used and can spend up to about 4K.

The McIntosh MA6900 seems like it might be a sweet match as it has a 5-band equalizer. I have not heard the Macs but hear they lean towards warm sounding, so a solid state Mac might not be problematic.

Any thoughts / advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Ken
keoliphant
keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
Well, I spent a little more than my 4K budget but ended up with a great system - I just picked up a used McIntosh MA7000. It really compliments the Focals and I have been smiling since its arrival.

The sound is rich and my favorite - adjustable with the 5-band EQ. I will end up adding a Rel subwoofer down the road as I really like the deep bass (I'm a bass player) but need to accumulate some capital first!

Thanks to all that responded!

Ken
mordante
511 posts
 
I am no subwoofer expert by any means, but if I had the need and money for a sub I would not buy a REL. Some time ago I heard what a Velodyne sub from the DD series can do. I don't think there is any REL that can do the same. Maybe 2 DD10's would be nice.
rbstehno
1,495 posts
 
i disagree about the velodyne. the rel has a much more sophisticated crossover network to finely tune the sub to the main speakers. also, you can hook up an audio connection as well as a lfe connection to the rel with different setting for each. also, the rels go down hz for the smaller size speakers than the velodyne. imo, rels are more favorable in audio environments.
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