Focal - JM Lab Owner's Thread - Page 168

I want scala utopias but i will not be able to fit it to my decor... Way too modern looking i think.

I have bought my Focal 816 recently and currently paired with Denon 3312 AVR. Now i would like to add a subwoofer to this setup, but confused between focal's own sub 800v and REL T1. If anyone could throw some light, it would be really helpful...

I would also like to know the AVR you paired with focal 8xx series.

I am running my 836V and 2xSW800V with NAD's M15HD/M25. Although sub doesn't go very low according to specs, it is still a good and musical sub and will be a good match to 8xx speakers.

I now see you posted that above in another reply.
The Studio2 looks like one great speaker. A top end product for sure. Did you say what amps you are using?

Mike, I am using a 70 watt Pathos Acoustics MK3 hybrid integrated for the Revels in a pretty large room. I thought about trying a more muscular integrated amp which at some point I probably will but I would have to find one with two balanced imputs, one for the PS Audio phono preamp and one for my next SACD player. I'm a believer in balanced imputs. I thought about the NAD M2 amp which has only one balanced imput but maybe I could use the optical for CD's (but I'm not sure how that would work with SACD and I'm also a big believer in SACD). The balanced imputs took the hum out of the Rega P-24 turntable and if you look at the specs on SACD players, they are greatly improved using their balanced outputs.
For the Focals, I just bought the Outlaw receiver to replace an old Yamaha that went bad. My initial reaction is favorable except for the FM which is better than the Yamaha but even with an FM antenna on the peak of my roof with a 10 ft. mast will not get a distant FM station nearly as good as my Bose Wave radio in the kitchen which uses an antenna in the AC cord. Go figure.
All the best,
gtrman

Can anyone with a beefy amp comment on if a dedicated amp will benefit my 836v's, instead of my avr that is rated at 135 x 2 channels. It sounds a bit hollow when I turn up the volume...

gtrman
Pathos is some great gear. I heard the big mono blocks powering a pair of 1027's at CES one year and it was a fantastic combo. I am sure that the integrated also sounds great with those Revels. As for more muscular integrated amps, Sim Audio might fit the bill.
The 600i has a pair of balanced inputs and puts out 125 watts.
http://www.simaudio.com/moon600i.htm
The 700 probably has a pair as well and has 175 watts.
Another option may be BAT. The 300x is an integrated that also looks like it has two balanced inputs. It has 150 watts of power.
http://www.balanced.com/
Click on products on the left menu and you will find it listed. I am sure there are more integrated amps that will fit your needs. Those were just two off the top of my head.

Yes. You can't really over-drive these things. Well, unless you are dumb.

I have a 5.1 system made up of 816W fronts and drive it from a Denon 4308 with a 5 channel Rotel 998 (I think) and the difference is clear. I have also used Audiolab 8000M and 8000P power amps in the same setup.

I then have a pair of 826Ws in the "music" room driven by a Rotel 1572 Class-D amp and they *love* being ridden hard and put away wet - as the old saying goes

You can get a decent stereo power amp for not much money and just drop it in fromt of your AV amp and hear the difference.

Hey Peter,

Thanks for the response....so the difference in sound is that apparent huh? So you would recommend a Rotel Amp?

I like the Rotel amps, but it can be personal taste. Even though a well designed and built power amp should not in anyway "colour" the signal it is amplifying there is always something to find that is different. If nothing else the driving abilities at low impedance - don't forget you're 836V can go down to about 3.4 Ohms at certain frequencies...

This is going to be fun.....thanks

I would like to know if the Focal 716v or 816v speakers would be a noticeable upgrade from Mirage os3 floor standing speakers?

thanks in advance!

Mike,
All the Sim Audio integrated have just one pair of balanced imputs. That BAT does have two pair of balanced and a phono section which would be the ideal combination for me but I don't know much about them and I have a feeling that it might not be any better than what I have now, though I see one on Audigon and have been tempted to try it. I may wait until I get a universal player that has a balanced output and then look for another integrated amp.

I haven't spent much time with the new Outlaw receiver and the Focals as the house has been empty enough for me to have the living room setup quite often which I have been taking advantage of (is there anything worse than getting into a great piece of music and the wife is in the kitchen clanging pots and dishes?). The other day, while listening to some modern classical with my eyes closed, twice I was startled thinking someone had come home and was in the room when it was really the percussion on the recording! That's realism.
Thanks,
gtrman

I've been enjoying a pair of Chorus 807v in a 2.1-channel system for a year and they are terrific. Now I am thinking of upgrading. Has anyone heard both the Chorus and the 1007 or 1008 Be? Comparison?

Anyone compare a B&W CM8 or 9 to either the Focal 816 or 826v?

I thought I was set on the Focal but heard the CM9 and it is an excellent speaker! The only trouble is that I can't listen to both of them back to back so I am going by memory to compare what the Focal 816 sounded like that I heard a few months ago.

I know this is a Focal thread but if you had to chose a speaker mostly for HT with some music thrown in, would you pick the B&W or Focal?

Focal without doubt. The CM's are deficient in bass.

I have heard that as well regarding the bass but I do have a couple pretty good subs. So basically the bass response below 80 or 60hz will be handled by the subs.

What I really liked about the CM9 was the midrange and transparent top end.

I am starting to think that for mostly HT setup it's pretty much a coin toss at this point...

I was not simply referring to low bass. Play the CM's and 816 or 826 without a sub. IMO the Focals are much better. I own the 816V and have listened to the CM8 and 9 numerous times before buying. The 816 is just as transparent and bass is more prominent w/o the sub. The bass above 80 hz can add much improved definition to movies.
The Focals do require some play time before the bas opens up.

Thanks for your feedback!

I did an A/B comparison using a switch, between the cm9's and a pair of 836v's. The Focals, hands down took the checkered flag. Better bass, more balance between frequencies/nothing over emphasized. The cm9's were so laid back, it's as if they were falling asleep. I believe you get more speaker for your money when buying Focal. CM9's are way over priced considering what you AREN'T getting.

Why don't i hear any of this "laid back" "slow" "lacking details" with the CM9's as other people say?

In fact quite the opposite. When i demoed them they almost had too much information. Clean and very detailed highs, and a smooth midrange. With a touch of warmth to top it off. The focals were too bright to me. Considering what i heard, i don't think the CM's are overpriced at all.

We all have different taste i guess. Not to mention completely different rooms and equipment. I just think its amazing how people hear different things from the same speaker.

If you have the Pathos integrated, I don't think the BAT would be a huge step up. Just a step in a different direction. I have heard Focal with both and the Focal's sounded great with both. Personally, I could probably live with either. BAT is not a bad company buy any stretch. Like I said I heard the 927's with BAT gear, not top of the line and I could not believe I had the same speakers. They sounded so much better with the BAT amp. Then I heard the 1027's with the Top end Pathos($25,000 mono blocks) and I was floored by what I heard. It was at that point that I realized that they had much more to give just as I knew the 927's had much more to give when I heard them with a Dart amp. I am probably going to have my Bryston amps for a while since I am limited by space. So I am trying my best to get what I have arround them to be better. If you like the Pathos you have now you could try the Ethos. I think that's what it is. It has 100 watts and probably has the connections you need but it is most likely more money as well.

In no way does my opinion trump another's....go and listen for yourself because Saprano couldn't be more correct. We all have different hearing, equipment and rooms....

Just got a pair of 814v and a 800cc. They are running off of a marantz 5006 that I ust got as well! Good combo. Did not think it was bright at first, but after long listening (5 hours) it got to be so tremble down by 1.

I love Focal products I have focal krx2 and a fp2.150 in my car.


Comparing b&w to focal.... It is hard to choose. They both have their pro's and con's. Luckly the focal where at a huge enough price difference to break the debat.lol

After a few months of enjoying just the towers. I am now loving my new acquisition, Focal cc1008. What a monster!!!

ejusted, what towers are you using, the 1028's or 1038's. Maybe you can post some more pics of your setup.

it really all depends on what they are being played through at the time. you can't pare warm speakers with a warm receiver, or amp. same goes for bright speakers, and a bright amp. i think that's why everyone hears something different.

When you get a chance, please give us your impressions on the center channel please. I have a pair of 836's and want to pick up the cc800. Thanks....

I am using the 1038's. Sorry for the huge pic. I didnt realize it was that big till after I posted. As for my set up. I posted pics of it a while back here when I just purchased the towers. I am very happy with the results so far.

Almost embarrassed to post my Focal purchase after seeing some of your guys systems.

-Denon 3312
-Focal Chorus 726 V -Fronts
-Focal Chorus 714 V -Rears
-Focal CC 700 V -Center
-Klipsch RW 10D Sub (For now)

Really digging the sound and should only get better after break in. Hopefully one day I can upgrade to the 1038Be's.

Look forward to spending time in this thread.