+1 on the Vandy 7s with his high pass amps. I heard this combination at Audio Connection and it sounded much better than what I have heard at shows.
Best I ever heard Focal was with KR Audio VA 350i on Grande Utopia Be EMs. It literally sounded like a new and much better speaker. I also heard Mezzo Utopia Bes sound very good with the same amp as well as quite nice with a Jadis Defy 7 mkiii. Never heard a Focal sound good with SS ever. I have never heard them with Boulder but can’t imagine owning this brand of speaker without a really good tube amp.Boulder - Focal Utopia.
Such a rich, satisfying sound.
perfect dynamics, incredible extension both ways, wonderful midrange.
I refuse to believe valve power amps would add anything in tonality, even for single instrument or vocal recordings.
I keep coming back to the phrase 'exquisite delicacy'
I believe Boulder's own listening room uses their 3050 monos with Focal Grande Utopia EMs.Boulder - Focal Utopia.
Such a rich, satisfying sound.
perfect dynamics, incredible extension both ways, wonderful midrange.
I refuse to believe valve power amps would add anything in tonality, even for single instrument or vocal recordings.
I keep coming back to the phrase 'exquisite delicacy'
Yes, a lot of SF owners use McIntosh. I remember doing a lot of reading when we had the SF Guarneris and then the SF Strads (McIntosh 2301 being the most popular from recollection for the Strads).a few years back at a hifi show I heard sonus faber speakers with mcintosh gear and it sounded like a excellent match I fort.