2. amps-preamps
  3. 1227391640

Should I get a new amp?

I just picked up a fresh pair of Focal/JMLab Electra 1027be's and I'm now looking toward a possible amp upgrade. Currently, I have an older Outlaw 750 (165w x 5 @ 8ohm) pushing them but I'm itching to upgrade. Question is, will I really hear a big difference? That's when all you guys come in with your opinions :-)

My amp budget is about $1,500 (used from A-Gon is fine) and I'm only interested in 2 channel amps. I would continue to push the rest of my HT speakers with the Outlaw, so this amp would be dedicated to the 1027s.

This would also be for about 95% music, 5% HT.

I can get an Anthem Statement A2 for about $1,000 or a P2 for about $2,000 (little over budget...but might be willing to stretch) but I don't know if there is something better in my price range.

And finally, my room is narrow. 11' wide, 20' long (with an open back), and 7.5" high (basement). My speakers are on the short wall firing down the room toward the open end. I tend to sit about 7' off the speakers for listening.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated, as always.

Thanks guys!

-Ben
fatgh0st
fatgh0st OP
43 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for all their advice. I managed to free up some additional funds and went with the hybrid integrated Musical Fidelity KW500. With it's Tube pre-stage and solid state amp, I'm hoping to get the best of both worlds while having more than ample power/current to control and push the Focals.

The reviews seem favorable so time will tell. Thanks to everyone who steered me toward introducing Tubes into my system (even if it's only in the pre-stage).
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
If that unit has preamp outputs you are ahead of the game still as you can add a tube amp (s) later on perhaps.

Google for Joe's tube lore. That article will shed some light onto what tubes do what, soundwise, and give ya some ideas.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think the hybrid will serve you well with your speakers. Congratulations.
vett93
205 posts
 
Congrats! Hybrids are the ways to go for JM Focal speakers! I would take up Blindjim's suggestion and find some tubes with more harmonics. These speakers are on the dry and polite side....
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