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Focal, B&W or Martin Logan

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers.  Current system is Lumin U1 Mini server > Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP DAC> Pass Labs XA160.8 Amp > Martin Logan Classic 9 speakers.  Room is pretty good acoustically (25' x 15'), but I have to place the speakers along the long wall making a 12x12x12 triangle for listening with my sitting position very close to the rear wall.  Speakers are currently 8" from front wall and can't be moved more than 5 or 6 inches further into the room (WAF issues), thus limiting the size (depth) of the new speakers. I listen to most all music, but mostly R&B, Country and classic rock.   

The biggest knock against the current MLs is that they don't have a lot of resolution - especially when it comes to complex music. They're great for acoustic guitar, piano or vocals.  They also lack a bit in bass, but that isn't too big of an issue as my wife would prefer I keep bass to a minimum.

Based on budget and speaker size, I'm seriously looking at the following:  Focal Sopra No. 2 (or No. 3). B&W 802D3, Martin Login 13A (or 15A).  I'm looking at buying used, so won't be able to try before purchasing.  I'm interested in hearing from those of you that have experience with these speakers.  Anyone heard them all and have a preference?

I'm currently leaning to the Focals, but only because I like they way they look. 


dfairc777a

Showing 9 responses by dfairc777a

dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
@ghdprentice

You're correct... I was mistaken.  They're not 12 feet apart, they're only 6 feet apart, while my chair is about 12 feet back from them.  The worst part of the set up is the TV in the middle, but that will likely have to stay. 


dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
Moveable chair is a good idea.  I'll have to give it a listen to see how it sounds.  The only downside is I have a bad back and can't sit in just any old chair.  But for a test, any old chair will work.
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
Never underestimate the WAF.... she likes the looks of the focals too!
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
I've listened to the B&Ws on McIntosh electronics and wasn't overly impressed, but that was a few years ago.  Since then I've come to the realization that other than the MC-2301 mono blocks, I'm not a big fan of McIntosh gear (could be why I wasn't impressed).  They're back on my list as something I want to hear, but hopefully on different electronics.

I don't have a local Focal dealer nearby so never had the chance to listen.  I'll probably have to drive to Chicago to demo both Focals and the bigger MLs.  If I do, I'm hopeful I can listen to used speakers on Pass Labs electronics (Probably wishful thinking).


dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
@james633 
I was thinking Wilson at one point (Because of the large used market), but I'm not a big fan of the looks and I'm sure my wife will hate them (Not that she loves the MLs).
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
Yeah, the chair can't be moved forward (again... WAF).  If I recall correctly, the Logan manual shows this setup as one of the options (although my memory is fuzzy on it).  Whatever the case, I'm pretty much stuck with 6 foot apart and 11-12 feet away.
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
Sliders aren't really an option as the chair is a couch with recliners in it.  Too much work (even with sliders) to move back & forth each listening session.  Regardless... I'm going to give it a try to hear the differences.

If I go with the Focals, the set up will have the same issue.  Any idea if the Focals are more or less sensitive to the standard equilateral triangle?  I checked the ML manual and it does recommend 2X as a viable option to the standard (at least they recognize WAF can cause a lot of problems). 
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the input.  I'm going to put the purchase on hold until next year (tax issues), but will continue to research and look into the various brands mentioned.  I'm still leaning toward the Focals, but I won't make a decision until January.  

Thanks again for all the great input.
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
So I'm cruising along trying to find the best deal on a used Focal Sopra no.2 or no.3 when I run across a dealer here on Audiogon who tells me the Pass Labs XA-160.8 and Focal are a terrible pairing.  

I've found plenty of folks that don't really like the Focals, but never have I heard someone specifically knock the Focals paired with this Pass Labs amp.  Can anyone refute or validate this claim?  

Thanks
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