Should I change out any of my FOCAL speakers for a HT room im building in 2 months?

I would say stick with what you have, if anything you could think about upgrading subs.

IMHO, there is no point ditching your 714's for one pair of 816's. It would be a lateral move, no real improvement. To me it's only really worth upgrading if you're completely changing lines or brands. Going from one speaker to another in the same line is usually not cost-effective (there are exceptions though, like my going from 1028Be's to 1038Be's).

If you want to stay in the same line with Chorus series I would suggest the limited edition "W" versions which use the "W sandwich" technology found in the Electra and Utopia lines. I believe they also have a re-worked/superior crossover. Now we're getting into big bucks territory, though.

I'd think about ditching the 8/9th channels, and maybe even the 6/7th in a room that size. Might be a little more than the room/seating arrangements can handle. That is, unless, you really really love the wides/heights or extra rear surrounds.

If I was going to upgrade from that list - I would upgrade the subs.

Rythmik sub
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/FV12.html

HSU
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html

Outlaw
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1plus.html

Why not use the towers as fronts and front wides, and use the bookshelves for the surrounds?

Is the room going to be a dedicated theater room? If so, you might want to look at selling the lot and going with something like the JTR, Seaton, CHT or other high performance, high efficency and high output speakers. Your speakers will do just fine btw, but if you like to listen to movies at or near reference levels, you might want more.

To be honest, I would also replace the receiver as well. It's not bad, but not capable of the new crop of receivers available today.

+1 on definitely getting new subs.

I recommend selling one pair of the 714v towers, then sell the 705v bookshelves, and, then purchase a pair of dipolar or bipolar surrounds that can be mounted on the side walls and keep the 807v's in the rear. Take what money you have left over and purchase a better sub, such as something from HSU, Elemental Designs, SVS or even Seaton or JTR. (although I must point out that the Seaton sub and the JTR subs are hella expensive!) I believe what I outlined above will be better than what you currently have.

But, if it were me, I would sell the entire setup, and go with something a little more geared towards home theater. I happen to really like Definitive Technology speakers for home theater. You might also check out JTR and Klipsch. I like the Klipsch heritage line much better than the JTR. You could probably find a good deal on a pair of Klipsch La Scalla's that are used for around $700 to $1,000.00, then look for a used Hersey for the center channel and use a pair of the Reference line surrounds.

You could most likely pay for that exact Klipsch setup that I outlined above for what you get out of your current speakers. If you do end up going with e Klipsch heritage stuff, I can promise that it would blow your Focals out of the water! I have heard that same setup and honestly, it smoked the JTR triple 12 setup that I heard a few weeks ago. Good luck!

I don't get it... What's wrong with your current setup that requires changing? There's always something better out there if you look for it. The point is do you need to upgrade?

I'm abit confused here and I agree with Veda, There is nothing really wrong with your current system. I do believe some upgrades are needed, but getting rid of everything and starting over. It sounds like you hope to start over with what you get from the sale of your current set, and in hopes of getting something better with the same money. I doubt that happens.

If you plan to go 9channels, you're going to need a 9channel AVR and an amp/s. You already have the speakers. So far, this means, the Onkyo 806 has to go.

Those subs have to go, but if I were you, I would have to think higher priced subs. One sub in the $500 price range is not going to compliment your system in that size room. Of course you buy something boomy and your system will be lacking.

Without a doubt think double your $500 at minimum to get a sub/s that you will be truly happy with.

So basically my idea is to get rid of the Onkyo and both subs, look into a 9channel AVR and possible amp/s. Save hard for the subs.

This is a dumb question, but I want to make sure. Which wall do you plan to place this stuff? On the 13foot or 18foot wall?

i would keep what you have... you like it, and there's nothing wrong with it for your intended usage...

except for the subs... i would put whatever money you have towards that, and i would not skimp...

You have very good speakers. I heard both the Focal 700 line and 800 line and there really wasn't all the much difference for HT, IMO. For mostly music, I did like the 800 series better.

As has been mentioned here a few times, I would look at getting a good sub(s). You will be amazed at the difference it makes for HT.

Your biggest upgrade will be subs. Leave the rest of your system alone. Dump both subs and start with a @ 500 - 650 sub, add another later for bass heaven.

The subs Z mentioned are fantastic, I would choose the HSU or Outlaw for 100% HT. You may be netter suited posting in the Subwoofer forum.

+1. Chris will even be surprised that we agree.
I have not listened to your particular speakers. I have Chorus 816's and matching center. They are a great all around speaker.
Could you do better? Yes. You will likely be able to do better with whatever you buy. This an endless pursuit. I have an SVS PC20-39 + and I have heard nothing better for the money. I am not pushing my sub on you. Just giving an alternative.
Enjoy

For a dedicated theater of that size, I recommend a 5 speaker setup with dual subs generically speaking.

I'd use a pair of the towers, the center channel, and the 700 series for the sides/surround. I'd sell off a pair of towers and the 800 bookshelves. I'd also sell off both subwoofers.

I believe your current receiver to be capable and adequate at this time and not an issue... just use it. With whatever coin generated from the sale of the 4 speakers and 2 subwoofers... I'd put into a pair of the most badass ported subs you can afford. Hopefully you could swing up around $1500 for a pair of nice subwoofers. A dedicated home theater should be pressurized with bass when called upon. Much more important than a receiver upgrade or a decision to go 5 speakers or 7 speakers in my opinion.

lol! truly a red letter day...

his obvious weak link is his subwoofers (and it's a big weak link)... it makes no sense to sell off speakers that he likes and replace them with something else...

Actually he should replace the Onkyo with a UMC1 and good amps.

^^^

i would recommend saving the 500 and adding to it until you can spend more...

^^^

your avr is fine... worrying about what avr to "pair" with speakers (assuming it has enough oomph to drive them, which yours does) is pointless...

sorry, can't help you with the subs...

I would aim for the Outlaw.

Me to, but get two!! You will want another down the road and now is the time if you can!

^^^

i have an 11.2 avr and i run 5.2...

having experimented with back speakers in a 7.1 (but not wides, i cannot fit wides in my room ), it would vote "second sub" over back speakers... as noted, can't really compare to wides...

of course, my real vote would be to spend the whole $1k on one sub, but you already vetoed that idea...

How come you don't want a 1k sub?