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Amplifier Recommendations for Focal 905

108.9.27.18
Posted on January 11, 2017 at 18:04:24
wjoehughes@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Joined: December 24, 2016
 Just purchased a pair of Focal Aria 905 as I am putting together a new system for family room. Looking at options for purchasing an integrated amplifier which would match well with the Focal 905. I am considering the following amps.
Yamaha A-S501 85 W
Cambridge CXA 60 60 W
Marantz PM 6005 45 W

Any big differences in sound with any of these amps matched with the Focal 905. I have read that the Marantz provide a more warm sound and the Yamaha more neutral with the Cambridge being a bit more bright. Will the Marantz eventhough rated at only 45 W be a good match for the Focal 905. Have heard great thing s regarding this amp. Cambridge from what i have read would be a great option as well but would have to purchase a phono preamp as well. Any input would be appreciated. System will include a restored Technics 1700mk2 TT.

 

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RE: Amplifier Recommendations for Focal 905, posted on January 11, 2017 at 18:14:54
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Are you against tubes?

 

RE: Amplifier Recommendations for Focal 905, posted on January 11, 2017 at 18:17:37
wjoehughes@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Joined: December 24, 2016
 Not familiar with tubes

 

RE: Amplifier Recommendations for Focal 905, posted on January 12, 2017 at 06:10:04
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Although I'm not directly familiar with the 905's I do have a pair of Micro Utopia's, which are a bit more efficient. I run them on a pair of Rogue M120 and they sound great.

Yours being less sensitive probably need at least 45 watts of tube power, depending on the size of your room. Rogue, Primiluna and Jolida, to name a few, make great affordable integrated amps and should be considered.

If tubes make you nervous, and they shouldn't, Peachtree makes a great tube buffered, Class D amp, which is kind of like a Swiss army knife, as it comes with USB and coax, opt and aux inputs and may suit your needs until you desire or want to move up to separates. I believe it is 65 watts and should be more than enough to drive your speakers to concert like volume.

Good luck.

 

RE: Amplifier Recommendations for Focal 905, posted on January 12, 2017 at 08:56:54
rrsands
Audiophile

Posts: 2568
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Joined: July 11, 2001
 Music Direct carries the Focal line as well as Marantz, Cambridge and Yam. You might try them to see if they could give you an informed opinion. Some of those may be on sale as well.

Good luck.

 

RE: Amplifier Recommendations for Focal 905, posted on January 14, 2017 at 04:50:54
Alnicoman
Audiophile

Posts: 330
Location: Minnesota
Joined: August 1, 2003
 My experience with Focal Chorus floor-standers (I believe they were 826's) about 4 years ago leads me to recommend that you do not pair your speakers with a bright sounding amp.

I was using an Exposure 2010s2 integrated, a great amp by the way, and there was way too much top end energy for my tastes. Quite harsh with certain material. Couldn't blame the amp or my CD player because once the Focals were replaced with my current Tannoy's, everything got a whole lot better. My system was literally transformed.

The Focals are thankfully long gone and I have no desire to replaced the Tannoy Precision 6.4's. They are far better speakers in every respect.

I guess this turned from am amp recommendation post into a "are you sure about the Focals?" post. Oh well, take it as you see fit.

 

RE: Amplifier Recommendations for Focal 905, posted on March 16, 2018 at 16:20:33
navman
Audiophile

Posts: 1264
Location: U.S.A.
Joined: January 26, 2009
 I am using a McIntosh MA252. Sounds great with these speakers.

I have on order a Yaquin MC-13S which I plan to give to my daughter for her system. I can let you know how that sounds with the 905s.
navman

 

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