Best electronics for Focal Scala V2's?

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dfwmediagroup

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Hello Fellow Sharks: I purchased a pair of Focal Scala Version 2's from our friend David Baskin at Design Audio Video some months back and I am currently looking for a good match for an amp/preamp to drive them. Among the contenders are Pass Labs, Constellation, Accuphase and Soulution. Has anyone heard these speakers sound good with a particular brand of electronics driving them? The V2's are somewhat different from the original Scala Utopias in that the bass driver, midrange, cabinet and crossover have all been modified to get the sonics closer to the Maestro and Stella models. In general,they work well in our modest sized den which is approximately 16'x20', so they are pretty well balanced. Although they are rated for 92 db efficiency, they need some current to control the drivers. I tried an Accuphase A-65 and it sounded very detailed and sweet, but it lost some control at high volumes with busy music. The Accuphase P-6100 class A/B amp did better and sounded more powerful. I also tried a Devialet 170 and it wasn't my cup of tea. Haven't heard the Pass, Constellation or full set of Soulution yet. Any input is appreciated.
 
Pete - Congratulations on a great pair of speakers. I've heard these a couple of times (at a dealer in Toronto and also at the shows.). Based on what I heard, I would lean toward Constellation stereo or Pass XA100.8's. They are nicely efficient, so you don't have to go crazy with mega amps. Constellation stereo or Pass XA100.8's would be my vote.


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It's been a while but I recall liking Accuphase A200s and both Pass XA100.5s and 160.5s with the Focals. All three combos were, IMO, miles ahead of what I was listening to at the time.

I do recall Accuphase sounding less warm than Pass. These were dealer room auditions. Do let us know what you decide as I've always liked the Focals and was close to picking up a pair.

Good luck.
 
When you bought them from David, what did you demo them with at his shop? Does he have any recos that match well with speakers? Only SS or open to tube/tube hybrids?

I have heard great synergy between Aesthetix and Focal. You may want to consider an Aesthetix tube preamp with the Atlas Stereo or monos. The Atlas amp has a single tube in the input stage and a SS output stage. If you have a chance to audition Aesthetix with your speakers, I would definitely do so. By the way, the two brands are often paired together at audio shows as well.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/aesthetixclearaudiofocalnordostbliss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZcWm-xMq38

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/focal_scala_utopia_v2.htm (check out amplification in review of Scala V2)
 
Hopefully I'll be able to help out even more. I have a pair of red Scalas arriving Monday or Tuesday. We will immediately start burning them in.
 
I'm thinking the Pass may be the ticket with Focal. From memory I think the Scalas are closer to the Magico sound than not. Although I didn't get to try pass with my Magico speakers based off of memory I think it would be a perfect combination. I believe there are a few members that are very happy with the synergy between pass and Magico. That may be the case with pass and Focal.
 
Thanks for everyone's feedback. I never actually heard the Scala V2's prior to purchasing them, but I did hear the Maestro Utopias at David's place and was confident that the Scalas would be great in our room. They are great but need a proper pairing with electronics. Next weekend, we plan to compare several brands of electronics on David's new pair of Scala V2's that are coming in. So as they say, stay tuned. I will be posting our impressions. : )
 
By the way, I have an Aesthetix Rhea for phono and enjoy it, but it generates a bit of tube noise. I like Aesthetix as a brand, however, I auditioned a Calypso Signature preamp in my system a while back and found it to be a tad too rolled off in the treble for my tastes. I have heard that the RMAF display with the Aesthetix Atlas amps was sounding good. Note however, that the dealer used a very expensive ($20K) Callisto line stage on the front end and not the lesser Calypso.
 
Pete...I hear you on the Aesthetix front. Tube noise/rush can be solved by rolling quiet tubes but admittedly will take a bit of effort to get the right tubes in there. Good luck with your auditions and hope you find the right pairing for the Scala 2s. Enjoy.
 
As discussed before.

http://audioshark.org/amplifiers-8/focal-maestro-utopia-amp-recommendation-3861-page2.html#.U1Vhd152fgI

They seem to work very well with the AudioNET mono amplifiers AMP and MAX.

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2011-3.jpg
 
Might be a bit late to the conversation, but Boulder also pairs well. They in fact use the top end Focal's in their own showroom at the factory.
 
Focal and tubes seem to go together well. Meanwhile, that's some interesting B-52 art. Talk about a conversational piece! :D
 
I like Focal with Class A amps. I run my 1038's with a Luxman L-590ax and it sounds great. Admittedly 1038's are not Scala but same ballpark perhaps :)
 
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