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Driving Dynaudio Focus 220 IIs


Hello,

I will probably buy Dynaudio Focus 220 IIs.

I'm also looking at buying an amp. I like the two below because I can use them in either US or Europe (voltage switchable easily) and I can level-match sources.

Linn Majik-I (100 watts into 4 ohms, damping factor > 170)
Arcam A38 (140 watts into 4 ohms, damping factor 30)

I really wish I understood the science better -- I don't know what to look for to match speaker + amp choice.

Any thoughts on this choice? I can't AB compare the amps. Thank you!
mshimao
mshimao OP
3 posts
 
Hello, a quick follow up with more info:

I hope the Arcam info is a typo. I got the damping factor of 30 from here (bottom right corner of second page):
http://www.arcam-hifi.cz/files/HiFi_World_Aug_08.pdf

The official specs of the Arcam (no mention of damping factor or impedence) are on page 16 here.
http://www.arcam.co.uk/_docs/a38e_p38e_manual.pdf

The Linn info is here -- much more detailed specs:
http://www.linn.co.uk/files/1d7a0e6a/Majik-I_S_11-07.pdf

The Linn is has a switch mode power supply (instead of toroidal).

I'm hoping to get advice from some people that understand the science behind speaker/amp matching. Thank you!

Maybe both are bad choices?
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Personally my first word of advice is to stop looking at specs (I know that in some cases that's all that available when no dealers are around). That being said I am not familiar with either amp you are looking at. All Dyns love good clean current not watts. I had a Byrston B100 for my C1's which was rated 180watts into 4 ohms. I now have an Octave tube integrated rated at 70watts into 4 ohms. The Octave has world more control than the Bryston. As far as solid state I had Naim on my short list for it sounded as if there was a lot more power than what it is rated at. I am a firm believer that you want to buy your speakers first them get an amp.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,375 posts
 
I would be picking as high powered amp as possible for use with Dynaudio speakers. I had a set of Audience 42 monitors and they were easily shutting down my 100 watt Creek Destiny after about 1/2 hour of loud playing and this is in a bedroom and I'm not talking crazy loud just your basic loud level. I love Dynaudio speakers and think they are some of the best sound I've heard but they do like some beefy power that is a sure thing.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I have a pair of these on display and use a Class D amp with an output of 75WPC into 8 ohms doubling down to 150WPC into 4 ohms.

It does an excellent job in a mid to large size room.

However, I would not use a smaller amp unless most of your listening is at low to average SPL.

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