1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 133765-108259

Power for Focal Aria 936

Hi all,
Just ordered a pair of Focal Aria 936s. Focal reports a sensitivity of 92dB, but a minimum impedance of 2.8 ohms is reported:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/focal-aria-936-loudspeaker-measurements

So how much power do I really need to optimize these speakers (large room)?
Current budget for power is only $1K, either integrated or pre + power. I'm certainly open to something 2-4 years old used.

Thanks for any suggestions/thoughts.
islet
islet OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for the comments so far: Parasound A23, as well as older HCA-2200 are in the price range. Obviously a bit concerned about helomech's comments about heat (though the HCA-2200 pushes 750 WPC at 4 Ohms...
Not familiar with Schmitt's. Good reviews, very intriguing. Anyone with experience out there with these? Sound quality?
I'm always nervous about "audiophile quality at mid-fi prices. Emotiva is in that category as well. Locally I found a Parasound HCA1000a and Emotiva USP-1 for $300 apiece.
Thoughts on those and the above??
islet OP
6 posts
 
I also see an Adcom GFA-555se for $650 (purchased in 2015), and a pair of Emotiva XPA-1L mono blocks for $700 on Audiogon right now.
Any experience with those?
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
If I were you I'd be sniffing out some Schitt and I wouldn't be put off by the price. A LOT of what you're buying with more expensive amps is a very expensive case. My F5 is in a very plain-jane chassis and it was over a third of the cost of the things. The 5U chassis would have been half. The Vidar is a decently built amp optimized to drive very reactive loads. Plus, you'll get a warranty with it. Had I not decided to build something I probably would have bought a few. 
islet OP
6 posts
 
So I've done some homework on the Schiit Vidar. One review mentions that low impedance at higher volume (which I do enjoy, especially as the ears age...) may trip the protection circuit.  http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/schiit-vidar-power-amplifier
That makes me nervous, even though sure seems like you get a lot for your money. Anyone out there using the Vidar to drive the 936s?
Any thoughts on the Adcom or Emotive options above, or other suggestions?
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 

Is your budget $1K for just the amp or you need an amp and preamp, or an integrated amplifier for that budget? If the latter, I'd suggest looking into Vincent and they have a couple of models that should fit your budget. Or maybe a Parasound Halo integrated. If the former, I think you'll have to be patient and see if something comes up for sale in the used market, probably a vintage amplifier, that can handle a 2 ohm load on a sustained high volume scenario. I picked up a McIntosh MC2200 - later bought a second one, for around $1K and really like how it sounds with my Martin Logan speakers. Many newer moderately priced high powered amplifiers tend to get a bit grainy when they see higher loads (lower impedance) at high listening levels. Your speakers are really good and they can shine when fed properly. Good luck.

More to discover