Hi Bill,
I have the FS-688s and its biggest brother in the signature range, the FS-888 (in my LR rig that is yet to be posted). Having heard the 68SE, IMO, the Soundstage write up really says it all. If the SEs had been out at the time of purchasing the 688s, I might very well have snapped them up.
You're correct that one rarely sees any of the Focus Audio speakers for sale - especially the 688s. The exquisite build quality of these speakers is something that really has to be seen to be believed. Matched to the refined sound, super precise imaging, and size-defying bass, and it is easy to see why few are willing to part with them. Here in Hong Kong, they're considered as good as gold. They represent the rare combination of a product's "show" matching its "go".
As is indicated in the review and in my experience, these guys really prefer a bit of power to sound their best and I'd recommend 40-50 tube watts (high current) or 50-100 SS watts.
Cheers,
Garry
I have the FS-688s and its biggest brother in the signature range, the FS-888 (in my LR rig that is yet to be posted). Having heard the 68SE, IMO, the Soundstage write up really says it all. If the SEs had been out at the time of purchasing the 688s, I might very well have snapped them up.
You're correct that one rarely sees any of the Focus Audio speakers for sale - especially the 688s. The exquisite build quality of these speakers is something that really has to be seen to be believed. Matched to the refined sound, super precise imaging, and size-defying bass, and it is easy to see why few are willing to part with them. Here in Hong Kong, they're considered as good as gold. They represent the rare combination of a product's "show" matching its "go".
As is indicated in the review and in my experience, these guys really prefer a bit of power to sound their best and I'd recommend 40-50 tube watts (high current) or 50-100 SS watts.
Cheers,
Garry