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Preowned Focal 1027Be or New Focal Aria 936?

I'm considering purchasing a pair of Focal Aria 936 speakers that will be paired with an old McIntosh Mc2205 and C27 preamp. I've demoed the Arias at a dealer and really liked the way they sounded, but as is often the case, another contender has stuck it's head into the ring. Someone recently posted a pair of gently used Focal 1027Be speakers on Craigslist. I now find myself in a bit of a dilemma as to which ones to choose. Should I opt for the originally higher priced 1027's, or go with the newer technology of the 936's? The used 1027Be's are about the same, if not slightly less than the new Aria 936's. I have not yet heard the 1027Be's, but can anyone who has provide any guidance? 
radmobile
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kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Congratulations. Great speakers. I have not heard the 936 but had a friend’s 1027be in my house for over a month as he was moving and paired with my pair of MC2200s - which is basically the same as your MC2205, they sounded excellent. I even liked them a lot better than my own Martin Logans. Was sad to see them go.
radmobile OP
4 posts
 
Thanks, I'm really enjoying them. I'm surprised to hear that about your Martin Logans, kalali.

I was able to demo them at the seller's house, but it's always difficult to tell what something is going to sound like on your own setup. I think if there was any brightness to tone down, the Mac did the job, as it has a pretty warm sound. As far as the bass response is concerned, I have a sub that I could use to supplement it, but the jury is still out on that. I don't find their bass response poor, by any means, and I don't listen to a lot of bass heavy music, but we'll see. I have that to fall back on, if necessary. 
xrqp
2 posts
 
I got a pair of used Focal 1027 Be.  i look up inside the hole in the bottom to see the port, and it looks like there is no port.  Just a hole in the bottom.  What do you see?  Is the port higher up inside hidden from view?
audiocollectorcs
8 posts
 
I have a pair of Aria 936 and love them.  The Electra are about the only pair of Focal I haven’t heard, so I can’t be of much help here.  But IMO you can’t make a bad choice when going with Focal.  I will say, as a father of younger kids, I don’t dig the grill on the Electras.  I would always be worried about the tweeter if I had a pair at home.
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