Selecting Stereo Amplifier for Focal JM Labs

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Hi All,

I was looking for some help and advice on selecting a replacement Amplifier. I currently have Focal JM Labs Cobalt 826 floor standing speakers powered by a Marantz SR6200 amplifier which recently short circuited and has been damaged.

I have made a decision to move toward just running a two channel stereo environment as music is my main focus and I was looking at the following three amps in my price range;

Cambridge Audio 740A

Marantz PM7003

Rotel RA1520

I was wondering if anyone had experience with these combinations and if you could reccomend which of these amps would match up well with the Focals?

Thanks

Neil

 

[Anonymous]

The Rotel by a country mile!!!!!!!!!!! and one extra!

Tonally the CA would rip your ears off at high frequencies with those, and the damping factor on the Marantz is pathetic (it will not controll the backwards travel of the drive units very well - result big but muddy sound when things get complex).

The Rotel is open sounding and has good grip for the money and it, likewise amps like Naim Nait5i-2, Moon etc, although not soft sounding will actually keep the Titanium tweeters in check.

On that basis you should avoid Cyrus/Roksan too!

If you fancied a warmer sounding amp consider a Rega Mira3, or to a lesser degree a NAD (they all sound a bit soft)

 

[plastic penguin]

Abernathy:

Hi All,

I was looking for some help and advice on selecting a replacement Amplifier. I currently have Focal JM Labs Cobalt 826 floor standing speakers powered by a Marantz SR6200 amplifier which recently short circuited and has been damaged.

I have made a decision to move toward just running a two channel stereo environment as music is my main focus and I was looking at the following three amps in my price range;

Cambridge Audio 740A

Marantz PM7003

Rotel RA1520

I was wondering if anyone had experience with these combinations and if you could reccomend which of these amps would match up well with the Focals?

Thanks

Neil

The Rotel is a cracking amp, and should suit your Focals. I would look at Cambridge 840V2 (similar money to the Rotel) - recently heard it with Monitor Audio Silver range and it sounded fine. Likewise, the Roksan Caspian should give you the sound you're looking for.

 

[floyd droid]

Primare gear works exceptionaly well with Focals. So if possible get a home dem on an I30 integrated and start saving your pennys. Any bright sounding amps are going to make your fillings drop out if coupled with focals. Although you may like screech for all i know !!.

In all honesty you need to up the ante in your budget. Others will no doubt disagree but i speak from past experience not stabs in the dark.

And Amen to that

.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks all for the comments. Rotel does appear to be the way to go. Floyd wish I could up the budget but we just got into a new mortgage and the other half won't hear of it!

 

[floyd droid]

Hold fire for a moment !!.

How large is your listening room ?. Where are you based ? Are you feeling brave ?

Have you even for the slightest moment considered glowing in the dark !! ?.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, I spent some time with the Rotel RA-1520 yesterday with the B&W 684 and Dali Lektor 8 (neither are great matches, IMO), and have heard the 826s as well, but unfortunately not at the same time, so take my comments with a grain of semi-informed salt.

I think the Rotel is a really great amp for the money. Although not the last word in detail/etched transparency, it's definitely got compelling musicality. I'd call it rhythmic mojo. The 826s are also quality, with a similar drive/propulsion to them, yet they can be hyper-detailed, as you know.

So although they have different presentation styles, I feel they should work extremely well together, with the Rotel perhaps taming the Focals' top-end, but otherwise blending each one's strengths in timing and flow.

Do let us know how you get on. I'd be keen to find out.

 

[Anonymous]

I tried a 740A with my Focal 714v speakers and the treble was very dry and thin. Had to send it back.