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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
11 responses Add your response
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
take the 1027Be without hesitation.
Without a doubt.
But these these need a solid state amp with "current" balls. It said they measure much like the 1037Be
https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/707FOCFIG1.jpg

(fig.1) indicates that it is a demanding load for the partnering amplifier in the lower midrange and bass. Not only is there a minimum value of 3 ohms at 33Hz, but there is a combination of 4.25 ohms and –47.5° capacitive phase angle at 27.3Hz. Fortunately, music with significant energy below 40Hz is relatively rare, but an amplifier that has no trouble driving 4 ohm loads at high levels will still be required. The fact that the impedance remains above 10 ohms for much of the treble means that the 1037 Be will tend to sound shelved-up in the highs with tube amplification.

Cheers George
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.
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?
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. 
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.
Post removed 
radmobile OP
4 posts
 
I ended up picking up the 1027Be's for $3000, so for less than the price of the Arias, and they sound fantastic. They are clear and detailed, but not really bright. It may have to do with being paired with my old Mac gear, since it has a pretty warm sound. I think I made the right choice, and ended up saving a grand or so. 
contuzzi
413 posts
 
Hard to choose, because the 1027be was back when Focal was known to make kinda “bright” speakers. The 936’s are unreal... but if you have some super smooth/warm tube amp/preamp, is go with the Electra’s. Keep in mind resale on Electra’s will be worse for obvious reasons.
radmobile OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the responses, that's what I was leaning towards too. 
james_w514's avatar
james_w514
286 posts
 
I used to sell Focal and I'd  take the 1027Be without hesitation.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Unfortunately, I've heard neither, but have been researching Focal quite a bit. The Electra series is higher tech and a higher line than Aria.  And you do not get the beryllium tweeter with the 936.  At the same price, I'd have to go with the 1027Be, unless a direct comparison indicated otherwise. 
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