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Legacy speakers and what amps?

Hi all!

I want to upgrade to Legacy speakers. Possibly the Classic HD or maybe even the Focus SE. I've heard them both and I like what I hear. I'll most likely also need to upgrade my preamp and amp.

I'm not an audiophile but I do like a decent sound. I listen to rock and blues, from the Beatles to Blackfoot to Van Halen to Iron Maiden. I know that music doesn't tend to have the best recordings but it is what I like. Once in a while I like to listen to the music with some volume because I like to feel the music. The girlfriend doesn't like that so I normally do that when she's not home.

At this point I'm trying to figure out what pre-amp and amp would be a great match for the Focus speakers. What will make those speakers kick some butt?

That being said, the gear I want to end up with must not be too big and heavy. I want to be able to move it around once in a great while.

Also, I'm going to have to purchase used gear because I can't afford new.

Recommendations please and thanks for your time!
diofan56
drseid
201 posts
 
You may want to try finding some used Legacy Audio amp gear. Most of it was actually made by Coda (their Continuum line) and biased for Legacy speakers. I use the amps with my Tyler Acoustics speakers, and I have been quite impressed. Usually the Legacy 2 channel HC Amp sells around $750 used, give or take.

---Dave
6550c
393 posts
 
I had the Coda idea too. From what I understand, Coda used or uses legacy speakers at the factory. (no first hand exp. though). I would have first hand exp. if Coda had some dealers around. I live in the same town as Coda (sacramento) and have never seen one product.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,680 posts
 
A high current amp with 200 watts or more should work nicely. I would also think a class D amp such as wyred 4 sound with large watts should do the trick and also sound good. Just trying to open your eyes to other possibilities. At one time I owned the Signature III's and the Studio's for several years.
rockadanny
1,226 posts
 
I heard the Whisper XD at AXPONA a few weekends ago. They were driven by Coda. They sounded awesome: balanced top-to-bottom, well extended, clean, clear, real, not harsh, plenty of power. Had I the means I would have snatched up the speakers and amp and taken them home with me.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
I’d say look into Class D as well…. Wyred, or Bel Canto maybe. With the right SS preamp, maybe the NuForce amps.

I’ve heard a few Legacy units. Focus, IIIs, Studio. Each one had diff amps. The better the amp in terms of quality, as much as power, were the better sounding units. Rotel, Yamaha, and Harmon Kardon.

They are eff speakers but have a low imp range… newer ones, with their own sub/bass amps, are easier loads.

I’d want 200 – 300 wpc minimum… myself.

Maybe a Rowland Capri preamp, and some D amps, Audience, Voodoo, SR, Kimber, Harmonic Tech or Audio Art wires and you should be hot to go.

For a tube pre, the VTL 2.0 sells here often enough, so does Horizon and Monarchy… for pre solutions in the not too pricey but pretty good camp.

Class D power is probably going to be your best value in the cost per watt arena these days… and the non Hybrid Legacy’s like power.
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