I went into the room at least 4 times over the three days and heard both the FR20 and FR30 speakers. I was expecting to like them, and had even considered buying them, but the simple fact is I did not think they sounded great. Perhaps it was the electronics or the room but I had no emotional connection to the sound, but I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly what it was that I didn't like. |
I hate to hear of the disappointment over these speakers, of course the only thing I have heard about them up to now has been Paul and others at PS Audio. I seriously considered getting the FR30 to replace my Focal Sopra 2's but now I don't think so, I love those Sopra's. I guess it is a good thing I could not swing the price of the upgrade even though they give you 30 days for an audition, I bet it would be a PITA to ship them back if you didn't like them. |
@vandy357 might be worth your time to go to Bolder and hear them properly set up in a good room, then make a decision. |
@rumblestrip I wish I could, I would love to go listen but that is just about impossible right now and probably any time in the future for a while. What the heck, I can't afford the price of admission any time soon anyway. Oh well, maybe some day. |
I heard them both at AXPONA. Stopped by all three days. As should be no surprise they both sounded their best on Sunday. Since PS Audio had a fixed playlist for most of the time each day, I got to hear a number of the same tunes on both speakers. I thought they both sounded quite good by Sunday (with the usual ‘under show conditions’ caveat), although I preferred the FR-20. To me it sounded a bit more linear. Could have been that the ‘30 was just too much for the way the whole thing was set up. |
I purchased the FR-20s and upgraded my electronics. New PS Audio DAC, airLens, and for the first time, a preamp. This is my final destination system. Amazing, emotionally involving system. Tight bass, extraordinary midrange and top end, and great soundstage. Show conditions for manufactures are very difficult. It is a great start, but the improvement of a system you heard at AXPONA when properly set up in your home is very different. |
Listened to the PS Audio system at AXPONA pre covid as well as the 2023 show. The first thing that came to mind was "These sound like a big bold Wurlitzer juke box" heard many times in the days in my younger days. Big, bold bassy, forgiving midrange and muted highs. A fun pleasing sound but devoid of the detail many audiophiles prefer. |