Thread: Amplifier for Focal Kanta Nº2 (Luxman L-595A SE vs 507Z or tube preamp)

Hello guys, if anyone can help me, i would really appreciated it. Here is the situation: i currently have the Focal Kanta Nº2 and recently bought the Burson timekeeper 3X GT monoblocks. They are really impressive monoblocks for the money and have quite a powerful and impactful sound and are able to easily drive the Kanta's even in the low gain pure class A mode, however, as they have quite a forward punchy sound, sometimes, the treble can be quite harsh and ear piercing.
I am now using them with the TEAC UD-701N which is a dac/streamer and also functions as a preamp, but it mostly excels as a dac/streamer.

Given this, i am torn between a couple of options (Keep in mind i am located in Europe, so purchase is going to have to be from a EU country).

- Keep the timekeeper 3X GT, which i generally really like, but get a preamp (for example a tube preamp to sweeten the treble), if that's the case, if someone can point some suggestions that would be great.

- Sell them and buy a luxman integrated amp. I have recently tried the Luxman L-507Z and really really liked it, they pair really well with the Kanta's and the treble is great, however as it's relatively new model and Luxman prices have exponentially increased in Europe, it is really hard for me to justify spending that much money on a 507 series.
However, i have a good possibility of buying a slightly used L595A-SE for cheaper than the 507Z, but i have never tried this model and i'm not able to test it first if i was to buy it. Was anyone able to test both models that are able to tell me the differences between them? When i tried the 507Z i also tried the 509X and found the 507Z to be quite more dynamic, possibily because of the new LIFES implementation, so i'm afraid that i might not like the 595A as much, since it does not have LIFES. However i have heard really good things about this model.

I also accept other suggestions. I'm looking for a really dynamic and detailed amplifier, but that at the same time can provide the "warmth" that these Kanta's require to really be enjoyable.

Thank you in advance

My options at the moment and the best price i can get them (in euros)

If i keep the burson's: Lab12 Pre 1 - 1.4K or Holo Serene - 3K

If i sell the burson's:

Luxman L-507Z - 8K (at this price for this model it's out of the question)
Luxman L-595A SE - 6.75K
Norma Revo IPA 140 - 4K
Circle Labs A200 - 5K
As for the Audio Flight, unfortunately i cannot really find any proper deal on the FLS 10.

From the amplifiers listed, besides the 507Z which i have tried, i can only listen to the Norma Revo IPA 140, but unfortunately not with Focal speakers, or with speakers with similar sound signature.

So i was able to arrange an audition for the Norma Revo on my home, let's see how it goes. As for the Circle labs, since i have never heard any amplifier of the brand, it is a real shot in the dark, i believe that being the case i would probably risk the luxman L-595A, which i haven't specifically heard, but i have heard several other Luxman models and i always liked them. I will do a more in-depth research, to see if i am able to listen to the circle labs though.

I will also try to test the burson's with a dedicated preamp, unfortunately in that case it can't either be with the lab12 pre1 nor the holo serene, as they aren't available in my area.

So, after hearing the norma, unfortunately, the exact same thing happens with the treble, even though the sound is not as forward and it has a better separation of instruments. The Norma is also a really neutral transparent amplifier, as is the timekeeper 3x gt, however, the burson's provides a much fuller and impactful sound, that feels wider and deeper, so i actually prefer the burson's to the Norma. (and i tried to do A/B testing with my wife changing the systems)
Having said that, it's now clear to me that my room is also likely accentuating the treble problem, however, acoustic treatment isn't really an option for the room, so i just need to get a system that can attenuate this as much as possible, so clearly a amplifier on the "warmish" side but also while being really detailed.

Considering this experience, i have even greater respect for the value for money that the burson's provide. So, the top priority now is to try and listen to a different preamp that can help with this. If that's not the case then i think i will have to surrender to the Luxman (if i can't find a way to listen to the circle labs). I will also add the Luxman M900U into consideration, if i can get my hands on decently priced used one.

I heard a pathos kratos a while ago and i really liked it. Although i didn't listen to it with Focals. This would also be a possibility, but, unfortunately, i don't have any store close that has them for demo.

I am also very curious to try another dac, as for what i need in my system a decent R2R dac is probably better suited than a delta sigma one, like the UD-701N that i use.

Next week i will be able to test a holo spring 3 kte (unfortunately the may isn't available) in my system with a holo red for streamer. Let's see if that makes positive changes.

I'm looking to hear as many devices as i can in these next few weeks. Hopefully 30 days from now i can have my "endgame" system

Originally Posted by jadedavid

FadiNg,
I give you an "A" for effort.
However, have you ever considered that your speakers are the problem?
There is a "camp" of audiophiles that find the Focal tweeter to be excessively "hot".
Could you be chasing your tail?

Focals, and specifically Focals with a beryllium tweeter, are really picky and need to be carefully matched to sound their best, when they do, it can be majestic, at least for me, however, when they don't, then it can be a really harsh and fatiguing experience.

Part of the problem in this case definitely lies on the space where i have them now. So that part is harder to resolve, the other part is because of system matching, and that's what i'm trying to solve. I really like the Kanta's, so i prefer to build a system around them. I know that at least with the Luxman L-507Z they work really really well on my space, and it's about 80% of what i'm looking for, so i know that can be done.
My guess is that with the Luxman L-595A SE they will also work well, if not better, since that amp is supposed to be "warmer" sounding, however, as they do not have the LIFES implementation which i really enjoyed on the new Z series , and, since i am unable to listen to it prior to buying, it is still a very risky decision, that i'm not willing to take now.
So with this, i will try to listen to the options i have mentioned in my previous posts. If i find one that really pleases me, perfect, if not, then i will probably have to increase my budget and go for the luxman L509Z when it releases or even the M-10X, if they are worthy, and give me exactly what i'm searching for soundwise.

Of course that in this search i might end up listening to a speaker that really impresses me, turns this completely around and gets me to sell the Kanta's, but for now, that possibility is unlikely