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Focal - JM Lab Owner's Thread - Page 71

post #2101 of 5780
3/18/08 at 2:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by unleash_me View Post

Hello all,

I'm planning to drive a pair of Electra 1027 BEs with Marantz PM15S1 + SA15S1.

Do you guys think this is a good combo? Frankly I liked the sound, but I'm worried if the Focals might be underpowered.

Any suggestions?!

You can use a medium powered amp like the Marantz as long as you don't want to reach very loud volumes and/or you don't sit a great distance from your speakers.

This calculator will show you the power you need to reach a given max volume at a given distance.

http://www.crownaudio.com/apps_htm/d...ct-pwr-req.htm

For instance, at 3 meters away, with 80 watts, you could go as high as 96 dB. Which is fairly loud.

The bottom line is this, you won't be able to push the 1027's to their limits with an 80 watt amp, but it should still be satisfyingly loud enough. If you push the volume up and hear the onset of distortion, turn it down and you will be fine.
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post #2102 of 5780
3/18/08 at 7:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post


For instance, at 3 meters away, with 80 watts, you could go as high as 96 dB. Which is fairly loud.

What is considered normal listening levels? And at what prolonged levels does hearing start to be affected?
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post #2103 of 5780
3/18/08 at 8:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scorpio1 View Post

What is considered normal listening levels? And at what prolonged levels does hearing start to be affected?

______________________________________________

Duration per day, hours | Sound level dBA slow response
___________________|___________________________

8.................................| 90
6.................................| 92
4.................................| 95
3.................................| 97
2.................................| 100
1 1/2 ..........................| 102
1.................................| 105
1/2 .............................| 110
1/4 or less...................| 115
___________________|___________________________

I would say that between 65 and 80 dB would be normal listening levels for most people.
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post #2104 of 5780
3/19/08 at 5:04am
unleash_me,

A while back I was considering Pathos. I heard the 1027's with their top of the line 150 watt amp. It was simply incredible and quite loud enough. I then contacted them and asked them if they thought that their 80 watt amp would be a good match for the 1027's. They replied back, it would be a great match. The amp I am getting is 150 watts. The Dynamics were stunning with this amp. If you give the 1027's "quality" power, you should be fine. That Marantz looks like a nice piece. The BAT I heard the 927's were at a HE show was a tube amp with 55 watts. It was a BAT VK-55 stereo amplifier. It had no problem driving them in a very large room. With 90 watts, you should be fine with the 1027's.
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post #2105 of 5780
3/20/08 at 12:25pm
With all of this talk about the 1027's and 1037's and high end gear to go along with our speakers, it's easy to forget that Focal has other products as well .
The 800v system is reviewed here.
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/208foc/
check out the ratings. 92+ across the board.
For people looking for a more reasonable speaker, this seems to fit the bill quite nicely.
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post #2106 of 5780
3/20/08 at 4:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIkeDuke View Post

With all of this talk about the 1027's and 1037's and high end gear to go along with our speakers, it's easy to forget that Focal has other products as well .
For people looking for a more reasonable speaker, this seems to fit the bill quite nicely.


I've listened a couple of times to the 826v and cc800 center.(no subwoofer).I was impressed with the 826v, smooth detailed and quite good bass.

Cheers cooksta
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post #2107 of 5780
3/20/08 at 4:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cooksta View Post

I've listened a couple of times to the 826v and cc800 center.(no subwoofer).I was impressed with the 826v, smooth detailed and quite good bass.

Cheers cooksta

Hey cooksta! Good to see you decided to sign up over here. There's a lot of good information and good guys in this forum. Hope to see you around.
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post #2108 of 5780
3/20/08 at 11:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

Hey cooksta! Good to see you decided to sign up over here. There's a lot of good information and good guys in this forum. Hope to see you around.

Thanks hifi, like alebonau I have been reading posts here for quite some time, thought i might as well join hey

I'm going through the upgrade process myself at the moment; as much as I would like to look at something like the focal 1027be and 1037be they are quite pricey over here, something like $10k and $15k rrp respectively from memory.I could probably stretch to the profile 918 and cc908 center if I end up getting focals.
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post #2109 of 5780
3/20/08 at 11:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cooksta View Post

Thanks hifi, like alebonau I have been reading posts here for quite some time, thought i might as well join hey

I'm going through the upgrade process myself at the moment; as much as I would like to look at something like the focal 1027be and 1037be they are quite pricey over here, something like $10k and $15k rrp respectively from memory.I could probably stretch to the profile 918 and cc908 center if I end up getting focals.

Yeah the Focal Electra 1027's are $8K and the 1037's are $12K here. But these are luxury goods in a stuggling US economy, so there are deals to be had.

Are you considering other speakers as well? How well regarded are the Krix speakers in AU? What other brands are popular?
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post #2110 of 5780
3/21/08 at 2:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

Yeah the Focal Electra 1027's are $8K and the 1037's are $12K here. But these are luxury goods in a stuggling US economy, so there are deals to be had.

Are you considering other speakers as well? How well regarded are the Krix speakers in AU? What other brands are popular?

Theres not that much of a difference between the US and Aus prices of the focals then

We have a saying over here..."when the US sneezes, Australia catches a cold"; the struggling US economy is affecting us as well.

Yes i am looking at other speakers, 1 of which is what you just upgraded from dont really want to go too far off topic in my 3rd post though
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post #2111 of 5780
3/21/08 at 6:38am
Finally some talk about the Profiles. Like you, I was feeling a little inadequate.

I recently upgraded to the 918s and cc908 centre from the Chorus S 714s and cc70.
I really didn't NEED to upgrade, but you know....
Anyway, I went into my local HiFi shop looking to upgrade to the 826v towers and matching centre. I guess it was lucky timing because the guy said that Focal is going with only the Diamond Black finish on the Profile line and dropping the other 3. So long story short, I got the 918s and cc908 in Signature finish for about 40% cheaper than regular price. They were the last pair in that finish that he could snatch up. Perhaps your local shop can get their hands on a set. That black looks awesome but for 40% off, i can live with that cherry finish!

As far as the sound goes....much better. I think that if I had gone with the 826v's I would have not noticed much improvement after awhile...maybe just a little more bass. With the Profiles, I think those "W" cones, and better tweeter housing makes a big difference. My only issue now is my reciever isn't a good match. I presently have a Denon 2807, and I don't think it is doing my new speakers any justice. I'm waiting to see a new Arcam with all those new audio decoders....hopefully there is one around the corner.
So....if you can swing the Profiles, I would recommend it. Maybe if we win some money we can join all this Electra chatter some day!

Enjoying all the posts....
Any thoughts on my situation would be cool....
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post #2112 of 5780
3/21/08 at 6:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by acopeman View Post

Finally some talk about the Profiles. Like you, I was feeling a little inadequate.

I recently upgraded to the 918s and cc908 centre from the Chorus S 714s and cc70.
I really didn't NEED to upgrade, but you know....
Anyway, I went into my local HiFi shop looking to upgrade to the 826v towers and matching centre. I guess it was lucky timing because the guy said that Focal is going with only the Diamond Black finish on the Profile line and dropping the other 3. So long story short, I got the 918s and cc908 in Signature finish for about 40% cheaper than regular price. They were the last pair in that finish that he could snatch up. Perhaps your local shop can get their hands on a set. That black looks awesome but for 40% off, i can live with that cherry finish!

As far as the sound goes....much better. I think that if I had gone with the 826v's I would have not noticed much improvement after awhile...maybe just a little more bass. With the Profiles, I think those "W" cones, and better tweeter housing makes a big difference. My only issue now is my reciever isn't a good match. I presently have a Denon 2807, and I don't think it is doing my new speakers any justice. I'm waiting to see a new Arcam with all those new audio decoders....hopefully there is one around the corner.
So....if you can swing the Profiles, I would recommend it. Maybe if we win some money we can join all this Electra chatter some day!

Enjoying all the posts....
Any thoughts on my situation would be cool....

Way to go. You are right. The Profiles seem to get forgotten around here. Thanks for the post. The Arcam will most definitely help you get the most out of those speakers. If you get it, or another amp, please let us know how it went. Congrats on your new speakers. http://www.focal.tm.fr/ On the focal website, in the profile 918 section under press, you will see a number of reviews. They all seem to be very positive.
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post #2113 of 5780
3/21/08 at 6:57am
For a while there, I thought I was the only one with Profiles. As I said before, I love mine and they sound even better once the amp was added.....and I can't forget my new sub (Signature Servo).
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post #2114 of 5780
3/21/08 at 7:03am
Great, the Profile users are out and about. To be honest, I thought that JM may cancel the line because of lack of interest. I am glad to see that they did not. What amp did you add bool?
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post #2115 of 5780
3/21/08 at 10:02am
The day has finally come. My 907Be Special Editions just arrived. First repsonse is STUNNINNING !!!. Now I've always taken a favor to black speakers, but the Signature Finish on these is gorgeous.

I know, I know MikeDuke, Hifisponge & Denophile, you guys want pics. As soon as I get them home and time to break out the camera I'll will post some.

Thanks again for all of the great advice.
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post #2116 of 5780
3/21/08 at 10:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by scorpio1 View Post

The day has finally come. My 907Be Special Editions just arrived. First repsonse is STUNNINNING !!!. Now I've always taken a favor to black speakers, but the Signature Finish on these is gorgeous.

I know, I know MikeDuke, Hifisponge & Denophile, you guys want pics. As soon as I get them home and time to break out the camera I'll will post some.

Thanks again for all of the great advice.

Fantastic. I am sure that they look great. Focal really knows how to make very nice cabinets. Glad I could help. Can't wait until you get them home. We do need pics and we need feedback.
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post #2117 of 5780
3/21/08 at 11:14am
Hi guys, I looking for book shelf speakers, most of the time for music, wich of the follow do you recommend to me?

Chorus 706v
Chorus 807v
or Profile 908 vs Sierra-1

Thanks
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post #2118 of 5780
3/21/08 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by acopeman View Post

Finally some talk about the Profiles. Like you, I was feeling a little inadequate.

I recently upgraded to the 918s and cc908 centre from the Chorus S 714s and cc70.
I really didn't NEED to upgrade, but you know....
Anyway, I went into my local HiFi shop looking to upgrade to the 826v towers and matching centre. I guess it was lucky timing because the guy said that Focal is going with only the Diamond Black finish on the Profile line and dropping the other 3. So long story short, I got the 918s and cc908 in Signature finish for about 40% cheaper than regular price. They were the last pair in that finish that he could snatch up. Perhaps your local shop can get their hands on a set. That black looks awesome but for 40% off, i can live with that cherry finish!

As far as the sound goes....much better. I think that if I had gone with the 826v's I would have not noticed much improvement after awhile...maybe just a little more bass. With the Profiles, I think those "W" cones, and better tweeter housing makes a big difference. My only issue now is my reciever isn't a good match. I presently have a Denon 2807, and I don't think it is doing my new speakers any justice. I'm waiting to see a new Arcam with all those new audio decoders....hopefully there is one around the corner.
So....if you can swing the Profiles, I would recommend it. Maybe if we win some money we can join all this Electra chatter some day!

Enjoying all the posts....
Any thoughts on my situation would be cool....

40% off you did extremely well there
What are your impressions of the cc908 center.
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post #2119 of 5780
3/21/08 at 1:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIkeDuke View Post

Great, the Profile users are out and about. To be honest, I thought that JM may cancel the line because of lack of interest. I am glad to see that they did not. What amp did you add bool?

I am using an Emotiva MPS-1. I've had it over a year now. Things seemed pretty bright with the old Pioneer Elite 35TX (I think that's what it was). I added the amp and an AVM50, things opened up some more. After a lot of listening time, the speakers mellowed out. It was really weird. One day I was listening to some Dire Straits on SACD and was like something is different. It was like everything just opened up. Almost like the sound wasn't coming from the speakers anymore. It was awesome. Now I am just sitting on the couch in my favorite spot, listening to some Alice in Chains, soon to be followed up by the Allman Brothers Band SACD, drinking some Newcastle after a long week at the office.......until the kids wake up.

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but the Martin Logan Depth i blends very well with the Profiles. The Paradigm Signature Servo does too but with much more authority. In a lighter finish (Bird's Eye Maple) the sub goes well with the style finish (not sure if that is the name).

One quick question.....I lost the speaker spikes while remodelling the basement. Does anyone know the size of the spikes and the thread used in Focal floorstanders?
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post #2120 of 5780
3/21/08 at 1:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bool View Post

I am using an Emotiva MPS-1. I've had it over a year now. Things seemed pretty bright with the old Pioneer Elite 35TX (I think that's what it was). I added the amp and an AVM50, things opened up some more. After a lot of listening time, the speakers mellowed out. It was really weird. One day I was listening to some Dire Straits on SACD and was like something is different. It was like everything just opened up. Almost like the sound wasn't coming from the speakers anymore. It was awesome. Now I am just sitting on the couch in my favorite spot, listening to some Alice in Chains, soon to be followed up by the Allman Brothers Band SACD, drinking some Newcastle after a long week at the office.......until the kids wake up.

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but the Martin Logan Depth i blends very well with the Profiles. The Paradigm Signature Servo does too but with much more authority. In a lighter finish (Bird's Eye Maple) the sub goes well with the style finish (not sure if that is the name).

One quick question.....I lost the speaker spikes while remodelling the basement. Does anyone know the size of the spikes and the thread used in Focal floorstanders?


Sounds like the perfect way to end the week!

The thread size on the Focal spikes is metric. Called either M8 or 8MM.

The spikes in the link below are the only compatible spikes I have been able to find, and I've looked all over.

http://www.oregondv.com/15spike.htm
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post #2121 of 5780
3/21/08 at 3:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cooksta View Post

40% off you did extremely well there
What are your impressions of the cc908 center.

So far I find it better than the cc70 from the Chorus line. Apart from the upgraded materials, having that small mid-range driver makes a big difference. It seems to makes perfect sense....having a dedicated mid-range in a speaker whos main purpose is reproducing speech.....which is smack dab in the mid-range!!

There is definetly an improvement in the vocal clarity while watching a movie.

What speakers do you have now??
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post #2122 of 5780
3/21/08 at 6:55pm
Hi all,

Yet another drop-in from the DTV forums, along with cooksta and alebonau.

I've also got 918's and cc908. Started out with Sib/Cub. Renovation plans for a new room include either four 908's or the in-wall 908's as surrounds.

Enjoy the Profiles, and haven't looked back.



Cheers,

Chui
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post #2123 of 5780
3/21/08 at 10:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scorpio1 View Post

The day has finally come. My 907Be Special Editions just arrived. First repsonse is STUNNINNING !!!. Now I've always taken a favor to black speakers, but the Signature Finish on these is gorgeous.

I know, I know MikeDuke, Hifisponge & Denophile, you guys want pics. As soon as I get them home and time to break out the camera I'll will post some.

Thanks again for all of the great advice.

Congrats! And enjoy those speakers, but not so much that you forget to take pics.
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post #2124 of 5780
3/21/08 at 10:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chui View Post

Hi all,

Yet another drop-in from the DTV forums, along with cooksta and alebonau.

I've also got 918's and cc908. Started out with Sib/Cub. Renovation plans for a new room include either four 908's or the in-wall 908's as surrounds.

Enjoy the Profiles, and haven't looked back.

Cheers,

Chui

Welcome Chui! Good to have you guys contributing over on this side of the pond.
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post #2125 of 5780
3/22/08 at 2:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by acopeman View Post

So far I find it better than the cc70 from the Chorus line. Apart from the upgraded materials, having that small mid-range driver makes a big difference. It seems to makes perfect sense....having a dedicated mid-range in a speaker whos main purpose is reproducing speech.....which is smack dab in the mid-range!!

There is definetly an improvement in the vocal clarity while watching a movie.

What speakers do you have now??

currently polk monitor series; very entry level
Its been an education listening to new speakers; I now know what muddy speakers sound like....what I've got now
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post #2126 of 5780
3/22/08 at 8:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cooksta View Post

currently polk monitor series; very entry level
Its been an education listening to new speakers; I now know what muddy speakers sound like....what I've got now

Ya, you gotta get some new ones. It's time.

The good thing about Focals is that no matter what line you end up going with, you are going to get good value.
When I first bought my Chorus 714s a couple years ago, one of the main reasons I did so was because they blew every other speaker away at their price point. I auditioned Klipsch, B&W, Totem Acoustic and Focal....and at $1000, the 714s were the best. In order to match, I would have had to start pushing $1500-$2000 with the other brands.
Now that I stretched myself VERY thin be going with the Profiles, I'm pretty confident that it will be a long time before i need to upgrade....if ever.
I just need to get my hands on a better receiver!!
(I wish I could afford separates!)

I recommend going as high as you can comfortably afford. The last thing you want to do is settle for something cheaper than you want. A month later you will just end up starring at your speakers, driving yourself crazy, wishing you had shelled out just a few more bucks that next one up.
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post #2127 of 5780
3/22/08 at 8:21am
Since hooking up the 907 Be's, I have only had about an hour of listening at modest levels. The first impressions show that the bass seems more controlled and not as boomy as the 807. Tight and controlled. Now the speakers are just two years old and I don't believe they are fully run in. I also need to dial them in properly and this may take several days.

Vocals and highs do seem a bit more detailed and airy. Haven't got that singer in the room feeling yet. I need to get my favorite CD's out and listen and listen and listen.

Once they are setup, I can comment on soundstage, imaging and presentation.

More to follow......
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post #2128 of 5780
3/22/08 at 5:08pm
Ok fellas. What a difference a day makes plus a little volume. After work I have been listening to the following and making small adjustments in placement. Almost inches as MikeDuke suggested. Still not perfect, but much better than last night.l

Coltrane - The Best of Coltrane
Sarah Vaughn - I Love Brazil
Mary J. Blige - Growing Pains
Herbie Hancock - The River
Wynton Marsalis - Standards & Ballards

I would never have thought I would catch myself saying that I'm hearing things in these CDs that I had not heard before on many occasions. Sarah Vaughn's vocal are starting to exhibit the soundstage and imaging I experienced when I fist demoed my Naim gear at my dealer. Imaging is improving. Timing of the instruments seem to be deadly accurate. The Be tweeters are simply SWEET & DETAILED. Just as everyone said they should be.

With my jazz stuff so far, this is the closest I've come to feeling as though the piano player is at arms reach so to speak. Now I may lack "audiophile" terms to describe the sounds, but I have that foot tapping feeling and can listen to music for hours on end.

Further tweaking (maybe new speaker stands) and placement may yield some more improvment over the next few weeks. But I can say that if any doubt or reget existed about this purchase, it has since evaporated into shear joy. The 907 Be's are an unequivocal upgrade over an already very good 807V.

Ed
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post #2129 of 5780
3/22/08 at 7:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

Sorry, the link you posted is broken (probably edited by AVS). But you have the title right. It's a pretty good disc, though not my favorite. Check out "Sasha: Involver" or "Sasha: AirDrawnDagger". Two of my favs. The new Goldfrapp, "Supernature" disc is good too. Or "Digweed: Stark Raving Mad" and "Digweed: GU19 Los Angeles".

What are some of your favs?

I picked up Global Underground: Taipei (GU31), it was pretty good, I will have to look into some of the others you have listed
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post #2130 of 5780
3/22/08 at 8:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by asnatlas View Post

I picked up Global Underground: Taipei (GU31), it was pretty good, I will have to look into some of the others you have listed

Too funny. I haven't listened to that disc set since we last spoke and yet I'm listening to it right now. Just put it in about 15 minutes ago.

So I know it's nothing like Crystal Method but you still got into it?
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