For anyone else wondering about the older 800w series vs the Aria I can give some insight after a few weeks. The Arias I had liked to be set wide apart. They filled the room very well even being the 906 monitor. In comparison the Chorus 836w like to be closer together and the sound is very fast and punchy. Much more dynamic IMO (I know monitor vs floorstander). Detail retrieval is better in the Chorus w. It's a faster speaker. The Arias were more diffuse sounding in comparison. I could definitely see people prefer one over the other. The Arias are a more relaxing listen, I prefer the Chorus W. Very different voicing.
They remind me most of the Paradigm Signatures I've had in the past from a speed and impact standpoint. I like the open mid range of the Focals better and the mid band separation seems better when things get fast. They don't hold back that's for sure but not harsh with the Micromega. I could definitely see certain amps making them bright or harsh.
In comparison to my Pioneer (Tads): The S-1EX is objectively a better speaker. The bass goes much lower. Mid bass is probably a bit more articulate. Layering is probably better. Maybe sounds more "high end"? For my tastes I actually prefer the midrange and dynamics of the Focal on most music. Although anymore not a huge staple in my room these days Heavy Metal actually sounds great on these. They are punchier and more fun to listen to for my tastes. I do think my room is too small for the big Pioneers so in a larger room where they could breathe the Pioneers would probably rule the day.
So if looking for a used set of speakers for a mid size room and not wanting to break the bank I can highly recommend them.
They remind me most of the Paradigm Signatures I've had in the past from a speed and impact standpoint. I like the open mid range of the Focals better and the mid band separation seems better when things get fast. They don't hold back that's for sure but not harsh with the Micromega. I could definitely see certain amps making them bright or harsh.
In comparison to my Pioneer (Tads): The S-1EX is objectively a better speaker. The bass goes much lower. Mid bass is probably a bit more articulate. Layering is probably better. Maybe sounds more "high end"? For my tastes I actually prefer the midrange and dynamics of the Focal on most music. Although anymore not a huge staple in my room these days Heavy Metal actually sounds great on these. They are punchier and more fun to listen to for my tastes. I do think my room is too small for the big Pioneers so in a larger room where they could breathe the Pioneers would probably rule the day.
So if looking for a used set of speakers for a mid size room and not wanting to break the bank I can highly recommend them.