What amp for Legacy Focus SE speakers?

diofan56 · « **on:** 1 Aug 2011, 01:54 am »

Hi All!

I'm in the process of getting a used pair of Legacy Focus SE speakers.

I've been doing some reading and people are saying that at least 250 watts is needed for these speakers since they are rated at 4 ohms. Why are they saying this? I know a power rating of 200 watts at 4 ohms would make almost no difference in volume.

What AVA amp and preamp would you recommend for these?

Thanks in advance!

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 02:34 am »

That's why. Although this is the Focus 20/20 measurement; ever since the mid 1990's when Focus came into inception, it has always had a nice impedance dip into the 3 ohm range (and tough phase angle) right in the presence range of most music, i.e. lower midrange to midrange, so using an amp that clearly has some current capability into 4 ohms is well advised.

Here is the full link to the measurements section that Stereophile has published online on the Focus 20/20.

Hope this helps

. As for which AVA amp, I'll let the usual AVA experts answer here.

Best,
Anand.

avahifi · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 01:55 pm »

Hi diofan56, Please let me know the efficiency and impedance of your Legacy speakers. That info will allow me to make the best possible recommendation for the choice of AVA power amplifier for you. There is no need to pay for extra power that you do not need.

Going to extremes, I have one client with Legacy Whispers that is tri-amping them with six Insight+ 500 amps, three per channel each bridged for over 900 watts each output. Thus his system has 5400 AVA watts

Others tell me it is VERY impressive.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

diofan56 · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 06:08 pm »

Wow! That is interesting information. The ohmage really dips down! Does that mean I need to have an amplifier that is stable to 1 ohm or two ohms?

diofan56 · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 06:12 pm »

Hi Frank!

The Legacy Focus SEs are rated at 4 ohms. Efficiency is rated at 95.4 db. The SEs have two 12-inch woofers in each cabinet if that makes any difference.

Thanks for your time!

Dave
diofan56

diofan56 · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 06:16 pm »

The guy with the Whispers has 6 amps? Wow! Yeah, I would say that is a bit of overkill but it sure would be impressive.

avahifi · « **Reply #6 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 08:10 pm »

94 dB is an efficient speaker, so you don't need a ton of power.

I would suggest our Insight+ 260 (130W/Ch solid state $1399) if cost is a significant consideration, or our new Fet Valve 400R (200W/Ch hybrid, $2549) if cost is not a major consideration and you want the best you have ever heard from these speakers.

Note that Stereophile said we had the best bass performance at the recent California Audio Show, and that was in a little 18 x 14 hotel room with absolutely no room acoustic treatment. Not only bass, but dynamics wide range, transients, micro-transients, everything is pretty amazing once you hear a great amp made even greater with full regulated output circuit power supplies. Not switching supplies, not variable on demand voltage or current supplies, but rock solid analog high speed high current always there waiting for the music and just punching it out perfectly power supplies.

Remember we have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee on all new AVA products. Call me for more help. 565-330-9871

Best regards,

Frank Van Alstine

richidoo · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 10:37 pm »

The SE dips to 2.3ohms at 30Hz and 2.5 at 75Hz, otherwise always above 4ohms. The 2020 went to 1.9 with 60 degree phase. The new speakers are easier load and more accurate freq response in the bass.

With speakers that can play loud like Legacys, amp headroom is important so that the midrange melody doesn't distort when you crank up the heavy bass. Don't short change yourself if you think you will play them loudly, or very loudly like they are designed to play.

Did you snag those new rosewoods from Greg E?

I had 2020s before and looking to get into SEs in the next year. Enjoy your new speakers.

avahifi · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Aug 2011, 10:40 pm »

Actually a better option value if you feel you need even more robust 2 ohm load drive capability with the Insight+ 260 amp would be the "double die" option (8 x $22 when built). This option uses Exicon double die mos-fets which have two full power mos-fet dies in one package. It is the same as doubling the number of output mos-fet without the extra space, wiring time, extra parts, and cost needed to install twice as many independent output mos-fets.

Note that the new Fet Valve 400R and 600R hybrid amplifiers come standard with all Exicon double-die output mos-fets.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

diofan56 · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 Aug 2011, 01:06 am »

Hi Richidoo!

Nope, I don't have the SEs yet. One of Legacy's customers is trading up from the SEs to the Whispers. I've got those SEs on hold when they come in. I'm hoping they will be available in about 2 weeks.

Thanks for the reply!

diofan56 · « **Reply #10 on:** 2 Aug 2011, 01:09 am »

Hi Frank!

Thanks for the replies! I'll go to your web site and will check those options out.

diofan56 · « **Reply #11 on:** 6 Sep 2011, 03:16 am »

Well, I received the Focus SE speakers a couple weeks ago. Amazing! I have heard music I didn't know was in the recordings. And this with my old Adcom gear! Now to upgrade the amp and preamp...

djmckaytx · « **Reply #12 on:** 6 Sep 2011, 09:19 pm »

I have a pair of non-SE Focus circa 1999 or so. I have run them with 250wpc both with single channel amplification and bi-amped. Bi-amped for me made a BIG difference across the board but much more so in the treble and mids. I did have the Steradian which was made especially for the Focus (as opposed to the Whisper). The Focus needed a bit more work with placement to dial things in as they tended to provide more "room boom."

I also have a pair of Whispers circa 2001 (this is what I am using now). I am running them with Legacy hi-power monoblocs in bi-amp mode - absolutely awesome. To my ear, these needed the bi-amp for the bass as opposed to the mid and treble...but I would consider the difference to be more subtle than bi-amping the Focus. These are not as directional as the Focus and definitely provide a more involving listening experience.

BOTH are superb offerings - if you tend to listen to more straight ahead rock I would recommend the Focus first, but you really can't lose either way. Enjoy!

I have a dedicated basement listening room that is about 18x30 with 9 foot ceilings. I do listen to surround and play movies through it, but I do primarily listen to 2.1 right now.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 Sep 2011, 09:58 pm »

I've got a pair of Signature IIIs I got from Legacy Audio. Impressive speakers if I ever herd one.

I have tried a number of amps, and for me, Threshold S series work wonderful. I have mine bi-amped with a S300 on the bottom, and can choose between a second S300, SA-3, or a 400A, depending on the mood.

The Thresholds work incredible with the Legacy's, and easily handle the wide variation in impedance the speakers have.

dflee · « **Reply #14 on:** 6 Sep 2011, 10:34 pm »

Frank
If you get rid of the jumper and bi-amp, is the speaker still rated at 4 OHM? I was told that the rating went up when the jumper was removed.

Thanks
Don

Wayner · « **Reply #15 on:** 6 Sep 2011, 10:37 pm »

First off, these are some pretty world class speakers (as most of Legacy stuff is) and I personally would not match it up with an under powered amp.

I'm thinking something of the 300 watt RMS per channel type amp. The 600R would be my choice. With this amp, you will have incredible dynamics, shear untouchable head room (to handle the dynamics) and the ability to handle any low impedance load, ('cause I'm suspicious about the impedance curve with so many drivers), but, on the other hand, I'm sure Legacy has done a good job.

Legacy is the one brand that I have heard that reminds me of the old day Altec Lansings, capable of tremendous bass and shear dynamic attack. Besides, if your going to pony up this kind of cash on a pair of (not whimpy) speakers, get the big boy to drive them.

Just my 2 cents.

Wayner

diofan56 · « **Reply #16 on:** 20 Sep 2011, 01:24 am »

After a lot of internal debating with myself I decided to go with the new Modwright integrated. It is rated at 200 watts / channel at 8 ohms and 400 watts / channel at 4 ohms. It will simplify my system.

dflee · « **Reply #17 on:** 21 Sep 2011, 01:24 am »

What model? I don't see it on their web site yet. Is it a high current amp. My Classics improved with high current. If you are sticking with jumpers (not bi-wiring) get a decent jumper cable or make your own. Heard the Focus a couple of times and was quite impressed.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #18 on:** 21 Sep 2011, 01:33 am »

I have a pair of Legacy Signature III's. I tried a number of different power amps. In the end, I went with a bi-amp setup using Threshold S-300 for the bottom and top in a vertical bi-amp setup. The Thresholds provide LOTS of current, and easily drive the Legacy's to live concert levels with stunning clarity.

diofan56 · « **Reply #19 on:** 21 Sep 2011, 01:50 am »

Hmmm...something happened to my last post so here it is again.

The new Modwright integrated is named KWI 200 if I remember correctly. There is a thread in the Modwright circle in which people are talking about it. There is/was a picture of it in that thread.

This new model is being demoed at RMAF next month. I'll receive it after the show ends.