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What do you think? Boston VS260, Kef Q300 or Focal 706V

post #1 of 12
1/30/12 at 7:55am
Thread Starter 
Hey gang, I think I have narrowed down my 3.0 upgrade to the choices mentioned in the title with their matching centers. I was originally interested in picking up RC-10's but have heard many great things about these 3 (not trying to knock the RC-10's) and these speakers I mentioned sound like the next step up.

I have been doing a lot of research and I think I am ready to pull the trigger. I think I am leaning towards the VS 260's but am looking for some input from the group. I have heard really great things about all three from these boards as well as other sources.

I already have an Outlaw EX sub, and a Pioneer Elite SC-35. Room is about 10X20X8 with seating 10ft from the speaker positions. Primary uses are Gaming and HT (Blu-Ray)/DTV. Very little music if any.

All opinions are welcome.
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post #2 of 12
1/30/12 at 9:07am
+1 for the Q300s and 600c here, stunning sounding little speakers.
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post #3 of 12
1/30/12 at 9:42am
I auditioned the Q300 and the Focals (actually went with PSB Imagine Bs, but that's not my point here). I liked the Focals a lot for their detail, especially with well-recorded materials (though they were not forgiving of less than ideal recordings, to my ears). I found the Qs more "polite"--more forgiving than the Focals--with a nice overall sound.

Your ears have to decide, of course, but be aware the Qs and Focals are significantly different in sound, so a proper audition between the two is essential.

I'm not familiar with the sound of the Bostons in your list, though my HT has VR-M60s and VR-M50s which, after 8 years, I still love. Part of that has to do with the tweeter, though, and, if I'm not mistaken, the VSs have fabric tweeters which would lead to a different sound than my VR-Ms.

I think each on your list can give great sound, but they are fairly different from each other, so, again, auditioning is key.

Good luck.
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post #4 of 12
1/30/12 at 10:56am
The Focal 706 has good detail and definition, with good imaging and a
nice soundstage. For me, the Boston has higher resolution - with more
detail, definition and better depth. The Boston throws a bigger sound-
stage and a good central image. The Focal seems to focus more on the
center than the width. The Boston VS tweeter is a little smoother to me
than the VR tweeter - however, the VS tweeter has better definition.
The Boston VS fabric tweeter, will not forgive poor quality and the nasty
recordings - poor sources and poor recordings will be revealed. And, the
Focal will not hide anything. I can not speak much for the Q300 speaker.
Your choice - good luck.
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post #5 of 12
1/30/12 at 11:03am
One vote for the Focals!
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post #6 of 12
1/30/12 at 12:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ovation View Post

I auditioned the Q300 and the Focals (actually went with PSB Imagine Bs, but that's not my point here). I liked the Focals a lot for their detail, especially with well-recorded materials (though they were not forgiving of less than ideal recordings, to my ears). I found the Qs more "polite"--more forgiving than the Focals--with a nice overall sound.

Your ears have to decide, of course, but be aware the Qs and Focals are significantly different in sound, so a proper audition between the two is essential.

I'm not familiar with the sound of the Bostons in your list, though my HT has VR-M60s and VR-M50s which, after 8 years, I still love. Part of that has to do with the tweeter, though, and, if I'm not mistaken, the VSs have fabric tweeters which would lead to a different sound than my VR-Ms.

I think each on your list can give great sound, but they are fairly different from each other, so, again, auditioning is key.

Good luck.

Thanks, very good info. I have not even considered the PSB's. The Imagine's are a bit over my price range right now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

The Focal 706 has good detail and definition, with good imaging and a
nice soundstage. For me, the Boston has higher resolution - with more
detail, definition and better depth. The Boston throws a bigger sound-
stage and a good central image. The Focal seems to focus more on the
center than the width. The Boston VS tweeter is a little smoother to me
than the VR tweeter - however, the VS tweeter has better definition.
The Boston VS fabric tweeter, will not forgive poor quality and the nasty
recordings - poor sources and poor recordings will be revealed. And, the
Focal will not hide anything. I can not speak much for the Q300 speaker.
Your choice - good luck.

I have read several of your posts about the Boston VS's. You are very passionate about them. Really great info, much appreciated.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cream puff View Post

+1 for the Q300s and 600c here, stunning sounding little speakers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by karlsaudio View Post

One vote for the Focals!

I am thinking any of these choices would be a significant upgrade to my old speakers. Thanks very much for the input.
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post #7 of 12
1/30/12 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Havok305 View Post

I have read several of your posts about the Boston VS's. You are very passionate about them. Really great info, much appreciated.

You can not lose with any option on your list - Boston is my favorite
for now - however, the journey still continues.
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post #8 of 12
1/30/12 at 2:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

You can not lose with any option on your list - Boston is my favorite
for now - however, the journey still continues.

How many speakers have you owned or listened to on your journey?
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post #9 of 12
1/30/12 at 2:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Havok305 View Post

How many speakers have you owned or listened to on your journey?

I have owned more speaker sets, than what you can count on 12 hands.
I do not keep up, with the number of auditions. The enviorment, the room
and the cost of living - plays a big part in what I own.
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post #10 of 12
2/21/12 at 2:49pm
Hi Havok305

What speakers did you end up getting? I have a pair of KEF Q300 speakers in a 2 channel music only set-up and I couldn't be happier. I sit about 6ft away from them but when I put on certain genres of music I can hear lots of good details from the speakers. They should do really well for gaming and HT. Just my $0.02.

Best of luck with the search.
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post #11 of 12
2/21/12 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jedinite24 View Post

Hi Havok305

What speakers did you end up getting? I have a pair of KEF Q300 speakers in a 2 channel music only set-up and I couldn't be happier. I sit about 6ft away from them but when I put on certain genres of music I can hear lots of good details from the speakers. They should do really well for gaming and HT. Just my $0.02.

Best of luck with the search.

I just bought a new mattress and have a fridge next on my list and curtains to install. I put off the fronts for the time being. I started looking at smaller speakers in another thread.

I think after all the things I have done to the house, including a new roof I am gonna get some floor standers and a second Outlaw EX, lol.
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post #12 of 12
3/19/12 at 8:34am
Thread Starter 
So, just an update. Booked a trip to Aruba and guilted the wife into buying me the Kef IQ90's. I see that the center is no longer in stock at Vanns, so I will be looking for it elsewhere.
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