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Focal - JM Lab Owner's Thread - Page 178

post #5311 of 5797
9/3/12 at 3:57pm
Hey Guys,

I'm looking to build a 5.1/7.1 system and the first thing I was told was to concentrate on my Front speakers and go from there. What's the difference between the V and the W series? I have my eye on the Focal 836w and the 836V. How do these perform in a HT setup?
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post #5312 of 5797
9/3/12 at 4:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vilas View Post

Hey Guys,
I'm looking to build a 5.1/7.1 system and the first thing I was told was to concentrate on my Front speakers and go from there. What's the difference between the V and the W series? I have my eye on the Focal 836w and the 836V. How do these perform in a HT setup?

I love my 836V's!! They need power, I have had issues driving them with a receiver.
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post #5313 of 5797
9/3/12 at 5:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vilas View Post

What's the difference between the V and the W series?

The W version is the W-cone drivers for the midrange and woofers, which are featured in all the higher end models. That's why they cost a lot more than the V version.
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post #5314 of 5797
9/4/12 at 5:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post

The W version is the W-cone drivers for the midrange and woofers, which are featured in all the higher end models. That's why they cost a lot more than the V version.

whats the trade off, sound wise?
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post #5315 of 5797
9/4/12 at 5:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

I love my 836V's!! They need power, I have had issues driving them with a receiver.

do you use them for music or HT?
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post #5316 of 5797
9/4/12 at 8:07am
I have the 836 v's a use them for music and ht.... love them! I use a fairly decent receiver, an Integra dtr 50.2, and they match well. They are rated at 8 ohms but dip below 3 ohms so I understand the need / want for an amp.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
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post #5317 of 5797
9/4/12 at 8:12am
What do you power them with?

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
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post #5318 of 5797
9/4/12 at 8:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vilas View Post

whats the trade off, sound wise?

Some think the W drivers sound better and are worth the extra cost.

Some don't think it's worth the money. It's all really subjective so only you can make that judgement call.

If you ask Focal, they will tell you the W drivers are worth every penny.

I'm getting a new pair of the 826v for music 2.1 stereo (well, actually 2.4 stereo biggrin.gif ).
Edited by AcuDefTechGuy - 9/5/12 at 9:19am
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post #5319 of 5797
9/4/12 at 10:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jclif77 View Post

What do you power them with?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

I had same issue with Marantz 6007 and Anthem MRX 500, I am going to add a 2 channel amp to my Anthem. They sound excellent with the Anthem gear!
I use them for HT, had it kill out on both receivers during some pretty great scenes in Avatar and Super 8, no problems when I play just two channel. Playing at -25 to -20

I have:
836V front
800ccv center
807V surrounds
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post #5320 of 5797
9/5/12 at 9:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

I had same issue with Marantz 6007 and Anthem MRX 500, I am going to add a 2 channel amp to my Anthem. They sound excellent with the Anthem gear!
I use them for HT, had it kill out on both receivers during some pretty great scenes in Avatar and Super 8, no problems when I play just two channel. Playing at -25 to -20
I have:
836V front
800ccv center
807V surrounds

Forget what i said, I found a short in my CC that is causing it. Anyone have a recommendation for a new center channel besides the 800CC to go with my set up?
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post #5321 of 5797
9/5/12 at 9:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

Forget what i said, I found a short in my CC that is causing it. Anyone have a recommendation for a new center channel besides the 800CC to go with my set up?

Why wouldn't you want to stick with the matching center? Focal should be able to repair the 800CC.
Edited by bfreedma - 9/5/12 at 9:30am
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post #5322 of 5797
9/5/12 at 11:41am
Im getting it fixed, i just always thought the center was the weakest part of my system...sometimes it doesnt seem powerful enough
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post #5323 of 5797
9/5/12 at 11:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

Im getting it fixed, i just always thought the center was the weakest part of my system...sometimes it doesnt seem powerful enough

Often times this is the mix itself and not the speaker. For example, the center channel dialog for The Dark Knight is terrible. It sounds like it was recorded in a bathtub. Other content has a much clearer presentation of the center channel dialog.
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post #5324 of 5797
9/5/12 at 12:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

Im getting it fixed, i just always thought the center was the weakest part of my system...sometimes it doesnt seem powerful enough

Have you turned up the center channel a few db's on your processor? Or tried angling it at the listening position if it isn't already? Personally, I wouldn't trade the timbre matching of the set for another speaker.

FWIW. I have the Profiles including the 908CC and found that angling it upward toward my listening position made a significant difference in SQ.
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post #5325 of 5797
9/5/12 at 12:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

Have you turned up the center channel a few db's on your processor? Or tried angling it at the listening position if it isn't already? Personally, I wouldn't trade the timbre matching of the set for another speaker.
FWIW. I have the Profiles including the 908CC and found that angling it upward toward my listening position made a significant difference in SQ.

I just dropped it off at my dealer to get it fixed, I usually turn the center up about 4db, I will try angling it up when I get it back. Thanks
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post #5326 of 5797
9/5/12 at 12:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

I just dropped it off at my dealer to get it fixed, I usually turn the center up about 4db, I will try angling it up when I get it back. Thanks

Hopefully a quick turn around on the repair. Angling the center so that the tweeter is in line with your ears at the listening position would be the best starting point. Post back once you've had a chance to make the adjustment, and don't forget to rerun whatever room EQ you utilize after the change.
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post #5327 of 5797
9/5/12 at 1:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

Hopefully a quick turn around on the repair. Angling the center so that the tweeter is in line with your ears at the listening position would be the best starting point. Post back once you've had a chance to make the adjustment, and don't forget to rerun whatever room EQ you utilize after the change.

I will try that as soon as i get it back...thanks
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post #5328 of 5797
9/5/12 at 1:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

Hopefully a quick turn around on the repair. Angling the center so that the tweeter is in line with your ears at the listening position would be the best starting point. Post back once you've had a chance to make the adjustment, and don't forget to rerun whatever room EQ you utilize after the change.
Second that. I noticed a big change in my CC1000be when I did that.
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post #5329 of 5797
9/5/12 at 1:22pm
How much toe-in do you guys apply to your Focals? I recently adjusted my Chorus 716s to about 10 degrees (I can clearly see the inside panel) from maybe 25 or 30 degrees (I could just barely see the inside panel). Soundstage depth and width increased rather dramatically. The center image has remained strong but not quite what I'm used to. I might add another degree or two of toe or move the speakers slightly closer together.

Just curious to hear about the experience of others.
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post #5330 of 5797
9/7/12 at 3:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by callas01 View Post

the feature you are asking about is a HT by-pass, my naim nait 5i has one also. basically you will use the pre-out for the front right and left speakers to connect to the creek 5350 HT Direct input(or whatever they call it), then you will run your autocalibration (audyssey) and level match everything. for music, you will just select the cd, phono or aux input that is required for whatever source component you will be using. for movies or tv, you will select the HT input and the creek will act as a power amp for your speakers.

thanks Calas...nice feature indeed.
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post #5331 of 5797
9/7/12 at 4:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by phife View Post

thanks Calas...nice feature indeed.

yep I love it. If you can find a Naim dealer near you, check into them. Dont be worried about their stated watts either, the Nait 5i has a very powerful 50 watts that never falls behind what the integra I have can produce.
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post #5332 of 5797
9/19/12 at 8:20am
Hi all, my current set up is :
Reciever - Onkyo tx-nr808
Fronts - 807v
Centre - cc 800v
Rears - Mission 773e
Rear Backs - Mission 77ds
Sub - BK Monolith

The 773e's are on their last legs and the plan is to move the 807v's to the rear and buy some floorstanders for the fronts. Originally I intended to get a pair of 836 v's or w's but I can pick up a pair of Electra 1027s for slightly less than the 836v. Which would give the best sound? My room is 4.5m*5.5m and my listening tastes are 50%TV / 30% Music 20% Films. Any advice would be appreciated.
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post #5333 of 5797
9/19/12 at 8:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ooryl View Post

Hi all, my current set up is :
Reciever - Onkyo tx-nr808
Fronts - 807v
Centre - cc 800v
Rears - Mission 773e
Rear Backs - Mission 77ds
Sub - BK Monolith
The 773e's are on their last legs and the plan is to move the 807v's to the rear and buy some floorstanders for the fronts. Originally I intended to get a pair of 836 v's or w's but I can pick up a pair of Electra 1027s for slightly less than the 836v. Which would give the best sound? My room is 4.5m*5.5m and my listening tastes are 50%TV / 30% Music 20% Films. Any advice would be appreciated.

I have:
836v front
800 CC V center
807 surrounds

they sound great.....
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post #5334 of 5797
9/19/12 at 8:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ooryl View Post

Hi all, my current set up is :
Reciever - Onkyo tx-nr808
Fronts - 807v
Centre - cc 800v
Rears - Mission 773e
Rear Backs - Mission 77ds
Sub - BK Monolith
The 773e's are on their last legs and the plan is to move the 807v's to the rear and buy some floorstanders for the fronts. Originally I intended to get a pair of 836 v's or w's but I can pick up a pair of Electra 1027s for slightly less than the 836v. Which would give the best sound? My room is 4.5m*5.5m and my listening tastes are 50%TV / 30% Music 20% Films. Any advice would be appreciated.
I have the 1027's and they sound fantastic. But, I also have the CC1000be which match up with the 1027's perfectly. I am also using chorus 705v's for surrounds. If you get the 1027's they will sound really great for music, but even if you use some sort of room EQ, the center you have would not be a match for the 1027's. I do think you would hear the difference easily. Now you list music above movies. I can tell you that I had an older CC901 center for a long time with my 1027's. When I matched up the center with the fronts, it really made a difference. Honestly, even though I love the 1027's, I might think about the the 836v since that matches your center and if you move the 807's to the rear, you will have a perfectly timber matched system. The only other thing to do would be to get the 1027's. Live with the miss matched center, and hopefully find a CC1000be at some point to match it up with, But honestly, and this is partly because you are using a receiver, I would go for the 836v. I have heard nothing but great things about them.
Edited by MIkeDuke - 9/19/12 at 9:34am
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post #5335 of 5797
9/19/12 at 9:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIkeDuke View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ooryl View Post

Hi all, my current set up is :
Reciever - Onkyo tx-nr808
Fronts - 807v
Centre - cc 800v
Rears - Mission 773e
Rear Backs - Mission 77ds
Sub - BK Monolith
The 773e's are on their last legs and the plan is to move the 807v's to the rear and buy some floorstanders for the fronts. Originally I intended to get a pair of 836 v's or w's but I can pick up a pair of Electra 1027s for slightly less than the 836v. Which would give the best sound? My room is 4.5m*5.5m and my listening tastes are 50%TV / 30% Music 20% Films. Any advice would be appreciated.
I have the 1027's and they sound fantastic. But, I also have the CC1000be which match up with the 1027's perfectly. I am also using chorus 705v's for surrounds. If you get the 1027's they will sound really great for music, but even if you use some sort of room EQ, the center you have would not be a match for the 1027's. I do think you would hear the difference easily. Now you list music above movies. I can tell you that I had an older CC901 center for a long time with my 1027's. When I matched up the center with the fronts, it really made a difference. Honestly, even though I love the 1027's, I might think about the the 836v since that matches your center and if you move the 807's to the rear, you will have a perfectly timber matched system. The only other thing to do would be to get the 1027's. Live with the miss matched center, and hopefully find a CC1000be at some point to match it up with, But honestly, and this is partly because you are using a receiver, I would go for the 836v. I have heard nothing but great things about them.

I agree 100%. If you go with the 1027's you'll have to change the center channel eventually. Although they will sound great with music (2 channel), I don't think you'll be fully satisfied with them when running all the channels. Unless your deal on the 1027's can include a center. Your easiest and best bet is to go with the 836's.


Sent from my iPhone
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post #5336 of 5797
9/19/12 at 10:34am
Cheers for the quick replies. I was wasn't sure if the improvement in sound with the 1027's would outweigh the benefits of getting a matched system. I think I'll go with the 836v as it could be awhile till i get enough money for a new center or get lucky and find an used one in the UK..
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post #5337 of 5797
9/19/12 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ooryl View Post

Cheers for the quick replies. I was wasn't sure if the improvement in sound with the 1027's would outweigh the benefits of getting a matched system. I think I'll go with the 836v as it could be awhile till i get enough money for a new center or get lucky and find an used one in the UK..
Sounds like the right choice to me. Let us know when you get them and have everything setup. I think there are many people who would be interested in your thoughts.
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post #5338 of 5797
9/23/12 at 7:17am
I am new to this thread. I just want to know which pair of speakers for 2.1 or 2 channels for music ONLY.
1. 836w
2. 836v
3. 826w
4. 826v
5. paradigm studio 100 v5
6. or b&w cm9

Please reply when you get the chance.
Edited by @@@@@ - 9/23/12 at 2:16pm
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post #5339 of 5797
9/23/12 at 7:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by @@@@@ View Post

I am new to this thread. I just want to know which pair of speakers for 2.1 or 2 channels for music ONLY.
1. 836w
2. 836v
3. 826w
4. 826v
5. paradigm studio 100 v5
6. or b7w cm9
Please reply when you get the chance.

I recently auditioned a set of 836W, but they were brand new out of the box. So, to the extent you believe speakers have to break in, they may not have been sounding their best. Also, they had them just sitting on carpet, no spikes.

So, although they were handicapped from the start, I will say after about 30 minutes of playing time I thought they were sounding very good, and this was after we listened to a pair of 1038BE. Actually, I think the 836W may have had a "prettier" sound to them on music, which doesn't necessarily mean more acurate. If you are going to use a sub, perhaps the 826W would be the best bet, as it would allow more of your budget to go to a better sub.

I have heard the B&W CM9 at Best Buy and they sounded decent, but you just can't go by how they sound as set up by BB.
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post #5340 of 5797
9/23/12 at 8:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by @@@@@ View Post

I am new to this thread. I just want to know which pair of speakers for 2.1 or 2 channels for music ONLY.
1. 836w
2. 836v
3. 826w
4. 826v
5. paradigm studio 100 v5
6. or b7w cm9
Please reply when you get the chance.


a friend of mine has 826w's...he has a difficult room to treat, and the focals STILL sound great. they are smooth, with excellent bass and an open, detailed treble.

i have 836w's and they sound very similar...go a little deeper in bass and a little more dynamic maybe...different rooms and such

i auditioned b&w and parasound ( and golden ear, sonus faber) all sounded very good

listen to all if you possibly can...speakers are very subjective
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