Another thought, Afc, yes I had tried lower powered amps with the Focus HD, and you are right, it is not ideal; better to have an 8 Ohm speaker with that kind of sensitivity. However, the little amps did drive the speaker fine as long as the level was kept sensible. If I recall correctly I was using Melody tube amps for review, and the sound was ultra clean but thin.

douglas_schroeder April 02, 2010 17:50

The Focus HD is 4 Ohm but 95.4dB sensitivity. The Manley in triode is 100wpc into 5 Ohms and in Tetrode 250wpc into 5 Ohms. These speakers would present no problem to those amps. I'll bet the speakers sound powerful and robust with those amps.

douglas_schroeder April 02, 2010 17:45

Jay, yes, I have conducted more than one review of WireWorld cables, and I continue to use them to build excellent systems. I strongly recommend securing both Silver Electra and Electra power cords (the former is silver OFC and the latter is OFC). By moving them about the rig one can "tune" the sound with a high degree of precision.

Before reviewing I put about $4-5K into sets of used cables from different manufacturers, which I rotated in comparison to each other. This was before working with WireWorld. I learned a lot from experience about the critical nature of using cables to complement components. I formed some very clear principles regarding cables and which ones work best to my ear. I am writing an article about that which will be published eventually.

Hey, M., I do remember you! You seemed like a proud papa when I saw you boxing up the SEs at the show. I told you at the time you were getting a great speaker, and I'm glad you are enjoying them! The marquis is a formidable center channel; you did well to make the L,C,R of your HT so powerful and consistent. Good job!

douglas_schroeder February 27, 2010 19:31

Jay, I never say no offhand to a suggested component for review. Actually, I've got some great stuff lined up for the next 6-8 months, which is a good thing.

I spent some time last night in the room playing Peter White's newest CD. Track 7 is great, and has some funky deep bass effects. It's fun to catch all the LF power the Focus puts out. :)

douglas_schroeder February 20, 2010 17:16

Jay, good job, nice selection of components. I don't see aftermarket power cords. You'll notice the difference if you get some.

Which do you prefer the amp to run, Tetrode or Triode mode? If you haven't yet futzed with that switch it'll make a difference for your sound. Also, the HD's have two switches on the back which are -2 dB attenuation for either bass or treble. Have tried them yet?

Also, you may want to slide the rug under the system and speakers, and possibly put the other rug out front. The difference will be as dramatic as any changes from burn in, and possibly much more so. You may get away without room treatments if you try that. Definitely work with the rug prior to doing other room treatments.

If you have multiple branded/model Interconnects, try switching them between the components. You might be very surprised at the result and could find a new favorite sound. If you don't have different brands, buy a couple different sets and play with their placement in the rig. It'll be very rewarding.

You may also be able to tube roll (swap out tubes) in the amps. It's not necessary, but it can be fun and profitable.

You've got a lot of options and lots of opportunities to get that rig sounding precisely as you wish. :)

(Disclaimer, I wrote the reviews of the HD and later the SE for Dagogo.com. I own the Focus SE.)

douglas_schroeder February 16, 2010 02:12