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Audio Forums >> Frequently Asked Questions >> Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
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Message started by James on 10/19/20 at 18:57:35

Title: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by James on 10/19/20 at 18:57:35

I've been looking into tube amps the last few months and Decware came up in a list of suggestions along with PrimaLuna and some others. The speakers I have, Focal 826v towers, are fairly sensitive at 91.5db. I've been pretty happy with them with my current solid state amp, but I'm wondering if they'd be a good match for Decware amplifiers. And if so, which one?

I did send an email to Decware last week, but haven't heard back. Any help is appreciated.

Some additional specs are here:
Type: 3-way bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker
Drivers: 2x61/2" (165mm) Polyglass woofers61/2" (165mm) Polyglass midrange 1" (25mm) TNV Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter
Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 45Hz - 28kHz
Low frequency point (- 6dB): 37Hz
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 91.5dB
Nom. impedance: 8 ohms
Minimum impedance (@25°C): 2.9 ohms @ 118Hz
Max. power handling: 220W
Power RMS: 150W
Crossover frequency: 300Hz / 3kHz

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by James on 10/19/20 at 20:31:44

Some room info: The room is 13' wide and 21' deep, with 8' ceilings. My listening chair is about 10.5' away from the speakers.

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by Lin on 10/19/20 at 23:52:27

What amplifier are you currently using?

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by James on 10/20/20 at 01:40:46

I've been using a Marantz 2265B and listen to 99% vinyl in this particular setup.

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by Lin on 10/20/20 at 03:31:20

Focal towers usually have a low impedance and electrical phase angle that requires a good amount of current for bass.
If you are happy with the Marantz any of the push pull amplifiers should work.

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by Lin on 10/27/20 at 01:50:19

From above "Focal towers usually have a low impedance and electrical phase angle that requires a good amount of current for bass."

This is possibly the answer to your question in the Torii Jr for sale thread.
His speakers have an extra woofer (3) and is even more difficult to drive than yours.

From Stereophile's test measurements of the 936:
"The Aria 936 is specified as having a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a minimum impedance of 2.8 ohms; my measurement (fig.1) confirmed the minimum value at 108Hz, but as the impedance stays below 4 ohms from the upper bass though the lower midrange, where music has high levels of energy, I would recommended using a amplifier rated into 4 ohms with this speaker."

High power/ high current solid state amplifiers tend to work better with speakers like this.

Based on your use of and being "pretty happy" with a Marantz 2265B which is neither high power or high current is the reason I feel that any of the push pull amps should work with your speakers.

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by James on 10/27/20 at 14:35:04

Thanks Lin. That's really helpful.

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by Rivieraranch on 10/28/20 at 16:53:43

Is that 2265B updated?

I had my 2226B completely gone over the Tom the Catrafter over on Audiokarma. Everything was replaced inside.

Title: Re: Decware amp to match with Focal 826v's?
Post by James on 10/28/20 at 18:08:37

No, it's all original except for the lights. Making updates is on my todo list, I just haven't done it yet.