If your wife likes them (...that's huge), and you’re not opposed to whatever signature they may have, there’s enough potential there to turn it into a pretty amazing system. There are always things that can be done, and should be done to make them suit your needs.
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.
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.
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- 37 posts total
Ok… I completely understand, I am an old fart. How about “sliders” under your back chair? Also, all the places I sit have these sacro supports behind them. Made for cars, but work great in chairs and couches. https://relaxtheback.com/products/mccartys-sacro-ease-wedge-seat-cushion ridiculously expensive, and worth every penny. I have three at all three places I sit in the house. |
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). |
An $8 pack of furniture movers from Home Depot makes any chair a moveable chair. All good speakers. If you are not real sure what you want I would always lean toward neutral speakers as you can always add subs for bass or highs with EQ (yeah I know people hate eq around here…). With a colored speaker you are more stuck if you don’t like it. |
I am a recent convert to Focal speakers (though I never cared for the look of the bent front towers). I have the low cost Chorus 706 in the bedroom and greatly enjoy them. I am considering the Kanta and Sopra as a future speaker. The fit and finish is very nice. I am also a Revel fan and highly recommend them. |
- 37 posts total