Focal - JM Lab Owner's Thread - Page 187

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

I did find this listing for a CC in Black: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649032177-focal_electra_cc1008be_center_channel_reduced_again_including_stand_no_reasonable_offer_refused/

If you look at the pictures with the flash, there's definitely a grey-hint to it with some metallic flake. Looks like the Focal rep was right. That's a relief for me and my wallet!

hello guys,
so i just had my first listen to a pair of focal 826v's and was blown away. the problem is that im upgrading quite a few things right now and they are a bit out of my price range so i was wondering if anyone knows how the 726 compare to the 826? any info would be much appreciated.
thanks

If you meant the front of the speaker, yes, mine has a touch of grey as well, same as the pic you posted (body is piano black). It also says slate grey on my boxes, but while I was communicating with my dealer, he referred to them as black lacquer.

Great, sounds like I'm getting a matching center...thanks for confirming!

I have a JMLab Focal Chorus 716s midrange from 2005 with a torn surround, including an actual hole in one spot 2x3mm. The surround is rubber. Anyone know of a way to:

1. Repair the surround?

2. Replace the surround?

I've been quoted $120 + shipping by Speakerlab here in Seattle to replace the midrange, but am wondering if there is a less expensive solution, as the speaker is undamaged otherwise. Or if there is another authorized source that might sell the speaker for less.

The goal is to have the speaker as close to "like new" condition as possible, so I'm leaning toward replacing the surround or the entire speaker.

mahijiru,
Watch for the speaker on ebay. I have seen the mid range speakers from the Chorus S series go for around $20+ shipping.
(Take yours out and check the part number just to make sure it is the same speaker before you bid.)

I just checked ebay and didn't see any listings right now...

If you can afford an uprgrade, this is the best time to upgrade ;o)

Need advice on focal 836w, how wold they compare to the Kef201/2.
Thanks

Sorry if this has been asked before. I quickly searched and didn't find the topic.

Narrowing down speaker choices and I'm considering the Focal 726V and 826V. Any thoughts on what the extra money for the 826V gets me? Unfortunately I can't listen to them side-by-side.

From the specs there is a bit better lower freq response and larger cabinet with the 826V, but everything else looks the same including the types of drivers. Am I missing something, or will these sound similar except for a bit of bass?

Originally, I read that the the cabinets were different and that the 800 had better bracing, but I don't think that's the case, as the bookshelves from each series have identical weights as do the floorstanders when one accounts for the 5 lb. metal plinth of the 800 series. My understanding is that the finish (gloss trim and higher grade vinyl on the 800) and the crossovers are different (higher quality with the 800 series) and that the 800s have a bottom port with the metal plinth. Other than that they seem to be the same speaker. Personally, unless you really like the looks of the 800s, I think the 700s are a much better value and will probably sound nearly as good for a lot less money. A Focal dealer told me that it really wasn't worth upgrading to the 800 unless you were going for the W. Unfortunately, I haven't heard the 700 and the 800V side by side, but I did hear the 706 and the 807W side by side and the 807W was a noticeably better speaker.

Jobio,

Even though you can't audition side by side, are you able to audition at separate locations?
I would suggest considering one size down... In the 700 series, I personally think the 716 sounds better and less muddy than the 726. (I haven't compared the 800 series.)

Anyway, if you would consider the 816, here is a good deal on them:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/FOCAL814V/FOCAL-Chorus-814V-716v-Dual-6-Floorstanding-Speakers-Gloss-Black-Pair/1.html

I also agree with justindo, if you can afford it, check out the W series. The W woofers are much better than the polyglass woofers imo.

Edit - that link is for the 814, not 816

I purchased the accessories4less Focals and like them a lot, especially for the price. They're basically 716Vs with the W's gloss black finish. I disagree with SuperPoser, however, as I find the 3-way 726 or 826 to be a clearer and better sounding speaker than the 2.5-way 716/814 or 816.

SuperPoser...Unfortunately I won't be able to hear the 826V. That's why I'm curious what I'll find if I audition the 726V but decide to pay the extra for the 826V.

Justindo...have you listened to the 726V and 826V? Any comments on the difference?

Hi everyone -

I am assembling a 7.1 system for my basement multipurpose room (14' x 24'). I have a frontstage of Chorus 836v & CC800v. My first plan with to get a set of SR800v for the side surrounds and a pair of Dome speakers mounted on the ceiling for the rear channel. However, I am now being forced (the CFO of the family! ) to find an in-wall / in-ceiling solution for the 4 surround channels. I realize I could turn to the Focal Custom line but I'm disappointed to see they don't have any options for a rear-enclosed, bipole, and/or directional offering.

So my question is what other brands have people had success with in blending with the Chorus line. I have been looking at Definitive Technology UIW RCS II and UIW RSS II as one option but not sure how far off their sound signature is from the Focals.




Any thoughts or opinions of those or other viable brands would be much appreciated...thanks!

Tom

Jobio,

There is a slight difference between the 700 and 800 series speakers concerning the overall sound. I had the 726v and thought of upgrading to the 826v and it wasn't worth the upgrade. Eventually I purchased the 1027be (same as Mike Duke) on audiogon and this is where the big jump in sound quality is. I haven't heard the 826w but from what I read it is better than the 800 series. I've been an audiophile since 1974 and it was always a rule of thumb that you jump 2 steps ahead on an upgrade instead of one. So if budget is limited look at the 726v. There are some bargains on audiogon so check these items.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings?utf8=%E2%9C%93&global_search_text=focal

Good luck, Ron

If anyone is interested, I have a set of 705V bookshelves, 706V bookshelves and 700V CC + 4 Focal 700V S stands all with boxes (except one set of stands). I've listed them on my local craiglist, but I'd let them go for a very very good price.

This was my 5 channel setup before I dove into the Electra line. They're a strong 9/10 condition wise, probably better.

I may post them on the classifieds here later, but wanted to give you guys a heads up. If you're interested, PM me

Unfortunately, I haven't heard the 826Vs to compare them with the 726V.

Pricing help.

How much should I ask on Craigslist (or here, audiogon...) for the following set: (1) Chorus CC700S, (2) Chorus 716S, (2) Chorus 706S. All in good shape minus 1 broken grill on a 716S.
I bought all speakers brand new around 2004.
I have seen some prices on Ebay and Audiogon, and was thinking the asking prices should be $150 for the CC700S, $350 for the 706S, and $500 for the 716S.
Am I in the right ballpark, high, low?

Thanks for your opinions.

Mike

I have recently purchased a subwoofer to integrate into my two channel hifi consisting of a pair of 716v's and cambridge audio 650a amp. I am running the sub off the "preamp outs", via y splitter, of the cambridge but I am concerned about the crossover of the sub, as it only allows xover adjustment down to 60 hz. I think the Focals are rated down to 48, and I haven't any bass management in the CA 650a integrated.

Would my best option be to run the speakers from the "speaker in/speaker out" of the subwoofer which acts as a high pass/ low pass active crossover (according to the manual), or leave it alone as my listening area is at one end of a largish two storey (58 x 54) open concept home? The reason for saying this is that giving the mains size even if they do go down to 48 hz, it may not be that powerful at the low end of what they are capable of due to the size of the home, so the sub may compensate for that crossed over at 60 hz.

I was experiencing a real lack of bottom end with my 716v's, and wanted a fuller, natural sound. With the sub, the bottom end is much more present. At least closer to what I experience at a live show.

I need some advice guys. I have an opportunity at a local dealer to pick up a pair of 704v and 700v for $900 I'm also considering ML Motion12 for $460 and add a center later. The Motion8 sells for $400 I need to act quick. I just heard the 704v's and i'm blown away by them. I love the ML sound too. I would still have to get stands for the 704's. any suggestions? I'd hate to miss out on either of these deals.

Go with the set that you feel wouldn't make you regret not taking the other. It can be confusing taking everything (price, aesthetics, etc) into account, but IME long term satisfaction is what counts and spending more now may save you more down the road.

I'm considering some Focal. How do the 1007S sound compared to the 908 profile? I would be replacing Dynaudio Gemini monitors (back when they used to sell kits through Madisound, though mine are modded). Can I be pretty sure they would be a step up? I have a sub and feeding them would be McIntosh MVP861>C41>MC2105 (recapped by Terry DeWick, puts out 140 per).

I like rock/metal/blues mostly and would use them for movies and TV as well.

Thoughts?

Perhaps I should have asked how does focal sound compared to dynaudio? I really like the Dyn sound.

Here's my room.

I did a little DIY project for my rear 806 V speakers.

Because I need a higher stand than the factory's 60 cm, I decided to build myself a pair that will suit my needs Solid aluminum plates (30 and 12 mm thick) for base and top, and welded support beam made out of steel. I also included a cable management system, so the speaker cables run within the stand. Total height of stand is 88 cm

I'm quite happy with the end result

You can see the 806+stand and 836 compared

looks great!

Hi Focal Owners,

I recently posted a thread requesting speaker advice and was directed here. I'm considering picking up four 814v tower speakers and a CC814v center from Accessories4Less. This would be my first real home theater setup. I have a Marantz SR6005 receiver (rated at 110Wx7). I do not have a subwoofer at this time (any recommendations if I go with these Focals?).

Questions/Disclaimers: I have not listened to Focal speakers before but have seen them recommended in other threads/audio forums. How good are these speakers? Any reason why I should not get them or are there other brands/models I should be looking at?

I haven’t heard much high-end audio but did audition Paradigm Studio 100’s, Studio 60’s, and Monitor Audio silver series speakers. I thought they were all great but the Focals really has me interested (good price and it sounds like they would be easy to drive with my receiver). I’d be purchasing these without hearing them so any input from current owners would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm a newbie when it comes to proper audio world, but I was at a similar position as you are at the moment. I didn't knew much about the Focal brand. But I gathered my courage and went and bought them. I must say I'm happy that I made that decision.

I think if you go with Focal you won't be sorry.

Anyone listen to 826W vs the 836W, I have listen to the 826w but my dealer doesn't have the 836w to audition. I also listen to the 1028 Be, extremely nice but A bit more than I want to spend at this time. They will do 2 channel and HT duty, I have Chorus 706 S for the surround and will go with CC800W for center. I have a older Marantz 8000 but the main fronts the 8000 serves as a pre amp and are run with a Music Reference RM-10 tube amp. Small room 12x15". Your thoughts.
PS this is replacing Klipsch Forte ll fronts.

Dr. Tube
Edited by Dr Tube - 3/4/13 at 6:22pm

I prefer Focal's sound and build quality to Paradigm and Monitor Audio. The 814s and CC814 are really great speakers for the money and you'd be hard-pressed to do better for the mony. Focals are highly respected and reviewed speakers and I don't think you'd regret the decision one bit.

I'm also considering a similar HT and music system, along with Dynaudio and Vienna Acoustics. I haven't heard the two large Focals side by side, but from what I've read and heard, it seems that the 826 is the better value while the 836 is the better speaker. The 836 goes lower and plays more effortlessly, especially in large rooms, but the 826 is close for less money. Will you be using a sub with 2-channel music? If not, the 836 may be worth it. If so, the 826 is probably the way to go.