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Focal - JM Lab Owner's Thread - Page 180

post #5371 of 5781
9/26/12 at 7:06am
To be honest with you. I'm not very familiar when it comes to tube amps but I can check out what tube amps that are available here. Are tube amps good for ht use as well?
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post #5372 of 5781
9/26/12 at 7:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarloBoy View Post

To be honest with you. I'm not very familiar when it comes to tube amps but I can check out what tube amps that are available here. Are tube amps good for ht use as well?
I have seen some systems where people have used tube amps in a HT system. I would say that if you are not too familiar with them then it is probably best not to go that route, They tend to require more care then a solid state amp. So forget I mentioned tube amps. Just see what your guy can get you other wise.
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post #5373 of 5781
9/26/12 at 8:33am
I have a problem maybe someone could help with.

I have an Anthem MRX 500 powering my Focal set up:

836V front
800CCv center
807V surrounds

I am kicking the amp into protection on certain scenes of movies where there is a large load out on the center channel. I know for a fact it is the center channel due to the elimination tests I ran. Focal suggested that the drivers may be bad, so I had them changed, took two weeks and it is still happening. I can play music and regular material for long periods of time at 0 with no issue, but if a large stress is put on the center at -20 or more, it kicks out. Example.....Avatar where he is trying to fly, the animal screaches at him and it kicks out the amp everytime at -20 or more. But no other scene in the movie causes an issue. I am not sure what to do, I know it isnt the amp because if I hook any other speaker to that channel on the amp, it doesnt do it. I have also disconnected each speaker and ran one at a time and it is only the center channel that kicks it out, even when it running alone with no other speakers. It also happened with a Marantz 6007 receiver.

Any ideas would be helpful?
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post #5374 of 5781
9/26/12 at 3:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

I have a problem maybe someone could help with.
I have an Anthem MRX 500 powering my Focal set up:
836V front
800CCv center
807V surrounds
I am kicking the amp into protection on certain scenes of movies where there is a large load out on the center channel. I know for a fact it is the center channel due to the elimination tests I ran. Focal suggested that the drivers may be bad, so I had them changed, took two weeks and it is still happening. I can play music and regular material for long periods of time at 0 with no issue, but if a large stress is put on the center at -20 or more, it kicks out. Example.....Avatar where he is trying to fly, the animal screaches at him and it kicks out the amp everytime at -20 or more. But no other scene in the movie causes an issue. I am not sure what to do, I know it isnt the amp because if I hook any other speaker to that channel on the amp, it doesnt do it. I have also disconnected each speaker and ran one at a time and it is only the center channel that kicks it out, even when it running alone with no other speakers. It also happened with a Marantz 6007 receiver.
Any ideas would be helpful?

I feel like this problem recently came up in the Focal thread. It was an issue with the speakers causing a very large load and not the equipment. Have you contacted Focal?
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post #5375 of 5781
9/26/12 at 7:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tank_PD View Post

I feel like this problem recently came up in the Focal thread. It was an issue with the speakers causing a very large load and not the equipment. Have you contacted Focal?

They want me to send it to them......they say they have no idea!
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post #5376 of 5781
9/26/12 at 11:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

They want me to send it to them......they say they have no idea!

I thought you had a short in the center and the dealer was taking care of it? Did that not work out?
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post #5377 of 5781
9/27/12 at 3:30am
I pulled the trigger earlier. Will be getting my new toys next week. I wanted to take them home with me earlier but they wouldn't fit in my car.

Thank you all that helped me out
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post #5378 of 5781
9/27/12 at 6:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tank_PD View Post

I thought you had a short in the center and the dealer was taking care of it? Did that not work out?


Focal told my dealer it was the drivers causing it, so they ordered two new drivers, installed it and it is still happening. Now I have to send it to Focal.
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post #5379 of 5781
9/27/12 at 7:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarloBoy View Post

I pulled the trigger earlier. Will be getting my new toys next week. I wanted to take them home with me earlier but they wouldn't fit in my car.
Thank you all that helped me out
So you got the 1027's? Did you get the CC1008 as well. If so, I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts when you get them setup.
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post #5380 of 5781
9/27/12 at 7:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vkowalski1970 View Post

Focal told my dealer it was the drivers causing it, so they ordered two new drivers, installed it and it is still happening. Now I have to send it to Focal.
They should be able to diagnose the issue for you. Good luck though and let us know when they figure out what the issue is.
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post #5381 of 5781
9/27/12 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIkeDuke View Post

So you got the 1027's? Did you get the CC1008 as well. If so, I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts when you get them setup.

No I got the 1037be and I'll buy the center when I have the tower here.

I definitely will. But I heard it earlier and you were right. They blended really well. I have to say that the cc1008 is an excellent sounding center.
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post #5382 of 5781
9/27/12 at 8:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarloBoy View Post

No I got the 1037be and I'll buy the center when I have the tower here.
I definitely will. But I heard it earlier and you were right. They blended really well. I have to say that the cc1008 is an excellent sounding center.
Damn, the big boys. Nice. I am glad that you were able to hear the combo and that they blended well together.
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post #5383 of 5781
9/27/12 at 9:25pm
  1. ya


Ya thanks to all your help
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post #5384 of 5781
10/4/12 at 2:05pm
I am still thinking which one is really good for music ( 100%). Is it 836w ----worth $3800 including tax or 1027S -worth $3295 including tax too?Both of them are brand new... I am going to use XPA-2 as my amps and denon 4208R as my reciever. I read in this forum that the people who have 1027S have issues with placement. My room is only 20 feet by 16 feet. Please help me....
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post #5385 of 5781
10/8/12 at 4:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by @@@@@ View Post

I am still thinking which one is really good for music ( 100%). Is it 836w ----worth $3800 including tax or 1027S -worth $3295 including tax too?Both of them are brand new... I am going to use XPA-2 as my amps and denon 4208R as my reciever. I read in this forum that the people who have 1027S have issues with placement. My room is only 20 feet by 16 feet. Please help me....
In that size room I don't see how you would have any placement issues unless you really have a crowded room. The only thing I will say about placement is this. The 1027S may require just a bit more work(read that as more time) to get them to sound their best. If they are anything like the 1027Be speakers, the smallest movement can make a big difference. You are using an external amp so that would be good for the 1027S. Your room is big enough for the 1027S. I have the 1027Be's in a room that is much smaller than that and I have had no real issues as far as I can tell. I just emailed my friend who works at Focal. I told him you had an external amp, your room size, and that you wanted %100 music. He emailed one thing. 1027S. Truthfully, that is what I was going to say also smile.gif.
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post #5386 of 5781
10/8/12 at 1:12pm
Thank you so much for taking time and I really do appreciate your effort to make me feel batter about what I chould buy this time.
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post #5387 of 5781
10/8/12 at 1:20pm
Hi guys. I'm beginning to look into getting a new setup and am beginning the research and auditioning phase. I was set on Paradigm Studio line, but have decided to see what else is in the area before committing to anything. I started a separate thread on construction build differences if anybody would care to view and contribute.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1432672/build-and-design-aspects-of-speakers-to-consider-when-shopping#post_22474714

A local dealer carries Focals, so I stopped in and listened to a few sets (816V and 826V), both of which sounded really good. They were clear and exceptional at the high end. I'd say the lows were lacking, but a few things I've read suggest it's a common theme.

The salesperson told me there were is a W series as well, unfortunately they didn't have any in the store to audition. Apparently the construction uses techniques from their higher end lines. Can anybody comment on how the Ws compare to the Vs? Are there any benefits from the cone construction (I asked about this as a more general technique in the thread I linked above)? I was quoted ~$1k MSRP difference in a W pair versus a V pair.

Also, how/where are Focal on their line refreshes? One reason I've been hesitant on the Paradigm Studios is because there are rumors of a line refresh, along with recent price increases.
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post #5388 of 5781
10/9/12 at 4:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by @@@@@ View Post

Thank you so much for taking time and I really do appreciate your effort to make me feel batter about what I chould buy this time.
No problem. It would be cool to some feed back on the 1027S. I can't remember reading too much about them in this thread.
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post #5389 of 5781
10/9/12 at 4:30am
Superman,
The "W" cone has always been considered to be a higher end cone. They probably started with using them just in the Utopia series years ago, then they went down to the Electra series. Now they have a Chorus variant, I am sure both sound great but the W version is based on the higher end process so that will probably aid in its performance.

As far as the product run, The Utopia is very new so that will be around for awhile. The Electra is still fairly new so I would not expect any changes there as well. As far as the Chorus line I don't know when they were "refreshed". I think Focal normally keeps a line for at least 5-6 years before they change something. I emailed my guy at Focal about this. If he gives me an answer I will pass it along,
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post #5390 of 5781
10/9/12 at 4:45am
Superman,
OK here is an answer to your question about the cone material. As I said, the W cone is a better material.

V - "Polyglass" - Paper with hollow glass spheres glued to the outer-facing the listener sees.
W - composite "Sandwich W" — Rohacell and resin impregnated glass tissue fused together - specific combinations of materials for specific models allowing acoustic engineer to dynamically control physical elements of mass/rigidity and resonance characteristics rather than relying on cross-over to force physical behavior.

As far as the product cycle, it may be 50/50 that they are working on something new. But if they are, I don't know when they would be out, If anything is planned it would probably be talked about at Cedia, or CES this year,
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post #5391 of 5781
10/10/12 at 7:26am
Mike, thanks for the feedback and follow up. I still plan to look into some other brands as well. Although at this point I'm at least going to wait until CES to see if any new products are launched by companies.
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post #5392 of 5781
10/10/12 at 8:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Superman07 View Post

Mike, thanks for the feedback and follow up. I still plan to look into some other brands as well. Although at this point I'm at least going to wait until CES to see if any new products are launched by companies.
No problem. You should look at all that you can. I got such a good deal(can't disclose) that it would be almost impossible for me to duplicate the sound I have without spending much more then I did. Good luck on your search and keep us updated if you can.
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post #5393 of 5781
10/21/12 at 6:40pm
Anyone have the opportunity to compare the Ascend Towers with the Focal 816V? (Their prices are similar.) I'm looking for HT speakers for a 14ft x 16ft media room.
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post #5394 of 5781
10/26/12 at 9:10pm
Hi guys,
I'm a long time Focal fan with a review and a question.

Old system: 4x Chorus 716S (L, R, SL, SR), 1x Chorus CC700S, and 2x Chorus 706S (RL, RR). I have loved these speakers since 2004. But due to a late night collision, I trashed a 716S grill... (Whoops!)
I was able to leverage the unsightly grill-less 716S and convinced my wife we needed new speakers (at least for the fronts).

I picked up a set of Electra 1027S to replace the two fronts and wow!!! The upgrade is incredible for 2channel! Better highs, mids, and lows! I can easily hear each individual instrument where before with the Chorus 716S's the background instruments seemed to be covered up by the louder instrument.
I was told these required about 100 hours of burn in, but I noticed a nice improvement in about half that time.
I did audition the 1007Be which was very nice, but for about the same price and the purpose of also playing movies, I like the 1027S better.


In movies, I haven't noticed as much of an improvement which leads to my question:
The Electra CC1000S is next to nowhere for sale... I am sure the Be version would be awesome, but that is very pricy.
How does the Profile line compare to the Electra S line? I am fairly sure the 6.5" and 3" W-Cone speakers are the same, but are they the same tweeters?
Another possibility is the Chorus 800W which I again think uses the same 6.5" W-Cone, but I am not sure about the tweeter, nor the quality of the crossover or enclosure.
If anyone has experience with the various center channels, please let me know. I'm trying to determine what would be worth the upgrade from the Chorus CC700S.


Here are my electronics:
Denon DVD-3910 from the Upgrade Company (I use the 2ch and 6ch outs) (I purchased this used, it was already upgraded)
Samsung Bluray Disk Player (I use HDMI into the Anthem for audio)
Anthem AVM-50
Anthem PVA-7
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post #5395 of 5781
10/27/12 at 5:36am
Obviously using a matched center would be best for you.

Short of doing that The profile 900 series center would be a closer match than the 800 or 700 series.

The Profile CC908 is an awsome speaker - But I don't know if any new stock is now available?

http://www.focal.com/en/home-audio-loudspeakers/home-theatre-speakers/central-speakers/profile-cc908.php
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post #5396 of 5781
10/29/12 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperPoser View Post

Hi guys,
I'm a long time Focal fan with a review and a question.
Old system: 4x Chorus 716S (L, R, SL, SR), 1x Chorus CC700S, and 2x Chorus 706S (RL, RR). I have loved these speakers since 2004. But due to a late night collision, I trashed a 716S grill... (Whoops!)
I was able to leverage the unsightly grill-less 716S and convinced my wife we needed new speakers (at least for the fronts).
I picked up a set of Electra 1027S to replace the two fronts and wow!!! The upgrade is incredible for 2channel! Better highs, mids, and lows! I can easily hear each individual instrument where before with the Chorus 716S's the background instruments seemed to be covered up by the louder instrument.
I was told these required about 100 hours of burn in, but I noticed a nice improvement in about half that time.
I did audition the 1007Be which was very nice, but for about the same price and the purpose of also playing movies, I like the 1027S better.
In movies, I haven't noticed as much of an improvement which leads to my question:
The Electra CC1000S is next to nowhere for sale... I am sure the Be version would be awesome, but that is very pricy.
How does the Profile line compare to the Electra S line? I am fairly sure the 6.5" and 3" W-Cone speakers are the same, but are they the same tweeters?
Another possibility is the Chorus 800W which I again think uses the same 6.5" W-Cone, but I am not sure about the tweeter, nor the quality of the crossover or enclosure.
If anyone has experience with the various center channels, please let me know. I'm trying to determine what would be worth the upgrade from the Chorus CC700S.
Here are my electronics:
Denon DVD-3910 from the Upgrade Company (I use the 2ch and 6ch outs) (I purchased this used, it was already upgraded)
Samsung Bluray Disk Player (I use HDMI into the Anthem for audio)
Anthem AVM-50
Anthem
PVA-7


I tried to buy these speakers electra 1027S from the authorized dealer, but I cancelled my order because I found out that very few people had these speakers for some reasons. Instead, I bought CM9 for 2500 as opposed to 3200 ( 1027S ). Another thing that I considered was the placement and it's already phased out. It's really hard to find its center speaker too. I said to myself why buy expensive speakers if I am the only one listening to them. CM9 is not far from electra 1027S. You wont even hear the difference unless you have them both in your room. Well that's only my opinion.
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post #5397 of 5781
10/30/12 at 6:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by @@@@@ View Post

I tried to buy these speakers electra 1027S from the authorized dealer, but I cancelled my order because I found out that very few people had these speakers for some reasons. Instead, I bought CM9 for 2500 as opposed to 3200 ( 1027S ). Another thing that I considered was the placement and it's already phased out. It's really hard to find its center speaker too. I said to myself why buy expensive speakers if I am the only one listening to them. CM9 is not far from electra 1027S. You wont even hear the difference unless you have them both in your room. Well that's only my opinion.

I am very happy with my Electra 1027S and feel they not missing much when compared to the 1007Be but have a lot more low end than the 1007Be which is why I went with the 1027S since I would be using them both for 2ch and ht...

Did you audition the CM9 and the 1027S or 1027Be version to compare? I did not audition the CM9 at the time as I figured it was best to stay with Focal for the best match, but if they are similar it would be interesting to know how well CM Centre 2 blends with the Focals.
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speakers/Home_Audio/CM_Series/CM-Centre-2.html
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post #5398 of 5781
10/30/12 at 10:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperPoser View Post

Hi guys,
I'm a long time Focal fan with a review and a question.
Old system: 4x Chorus 716S (L, R, SL, SR), 1x Chorus CC700S, and 2x Chorus 706S (RL, RR). I have loved these speakers since 2004. But due to a late night collision, I trashed a 716S grill... (Whoops!)
I was able to leverage the unsightly grill-less 716S and convinced my wife we needed new speakers (at least for the fronts).
I picked up a set of Electra 1027S to replace the two fronts and wow!!! The upgrade is incredible for 2channel! Better highs, mids, and lows! I can easily hear each individual instrument where before with the Chorus 716S's the background instruments seemed to be covered up by the louder instrument.
I was told these required about 100 hours of burn in, but I noticed a nice improvement in about half that time.
I did audition the 1007Be which was very nice, but for about the same price and the purpose of also playing movies, I like the 1027S better.
In movies, I haven't noticed as much of an improvement which leads to my question:
The Electra CC1000S is next to nowhere for sale... I am sure the Be version would be awesome, but that is very pricy.
How does the Profile line compare to the Electra S line? I am fairly sure the 6.5" and 3" W-Cone speakers are the same, but are they the same tweeters?
Another possibility is the Chorus 800W which I again think uses the same 6.5" W-Cone, but I am not sure about the tweeter, nor the quality of the crossover or enclosure.
If anyone has experience with the various center channels, please let me know. I'm trying to determine what would be worth the upgrade from the Chorus CC700S.
Here are my electronics:
Denon DVD-3910 from the Upgrade Company (I use the 2ch and 6ch outs) (I purchased this used, it was already upgraded)
Samsung Bluray Disk Player (I use HDMI into the Anthem for audio)
Anthem AVM-50
Anthem PVA-7

You cannot find a center because the Electra S is two full revisions back in the Electra speaker line and have not been made for years.
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post #5399 of 5781
10/31/12 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tank_PD View Post

You cannot find a center because the Electra S is two full revisions back in the Electra speaker line and have not been made for years.

I know the Electra S series has been discontinued... I may have stated my question incorrectly
I have a Chorus CC700S center channel I am looking to upgrade.
The Electra Be center channel is out of my price range so my only new option to really consider is the Chorus CC800W. ($900 at local shop)
At the present time I have several options for used center channels including a used Profile for about the same price as the CC800W. (Used options seem to change daily on various websites though...)
I am wondering how the Profile and the Chorus CC800W would match my 2channel speakers which are Electra 1027S.
My other option is to not spend any money on it now and forget about it all together or watch for a better used option.
For what it is worth, the guy at the local dealer said staying with Focal in any series would be ok with matching but he didn't comment as to which would be a better match (between the Chorus W and Profile centers).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dougofthenorth View Post

Obviously using a matched center would be best for you.
Short of doing that The profile 900 series center would be a closer match than the 800 or 700 series.
The Profile CC908 is an awsome speaker - But I don't know if any new stock is now available?
http://www.focal.com/en/home-audio-loudspeakers/home-theatre-speakers/central-speakers/profile-cc908.php

Thanks Dougofthenorth
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post #5400 of 5781
11/3/12 at 8:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperPoser View Post

I know the Electra S series has been discontinued... I may have stated my question incorrectly
I have a Chorus CC700S center channel I am looking to upgrade.
The Electra Be center channel is out of my price range so my only new option to really consider is the Chorus CC800W. ($900 at local shop)
At the present time I have several options for used center channels including a used Profile for about the same price as the CC800W. (Used options seem to change daily on various websites though...)
I am wondering how the Profile and the Chorus CC800W would match my 2channel speakers which are Electra 1027S.
My other option is to not spend any money on it now and forget about it all together or watch for a better used option.
For what it is worth, the guy at the local dealer said staying with Focal in any series would be ok with matching but he didn't comment as to which would be a better match (between the Chorus W and Profile centers).
Thanks Dougofthenorth

FWIW, I have the cc800V with a pair of 826W's in a pretty big room and I feel like the cc800v struggles to keep up. Not sure if the 800W would be much better. I have it turned up several db's and it is still overwhelmed by the mains and we are constantly struggling to understand dialogue. I doubt you would be happy with the 800w paired with those Electra's. Not sure about the profile, but that's probably where I'll start.
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