RaidHo C1.1 vs Focal Diablo Utopia

What are you trying to change/improve over the Raidho's?  What is the rest of your system?  

Just checking to see if there are other speakers out there with better detail and soundstage. I currently have a Jeff Rowland continuum s2 with marantz cd player, AVN turntable with ortofon credenza blue MC. I’ve had the Raidhos for a number of years and just seeing what else out there.

Kevin

I am in the process of upgrading from my KEF Reference 1 stand mount speakers, and I am have a set of Raidho D-2.1's in my room. I bought these used of course, they are not the latest, and admittedly an upgrade over the C1.1's, however the soundstage, imaging and detail are quite exceptional, something that Raidho known for. Not to say that Focal is not a worthy competitor, but I think a lot of others will tell you to make sure you listen to a pair before you buy them. They are quite forward, and I would agree, but my Focal experience only comes from AXPONA, so not ideal.

I also intend to try the QLN 3 speaker, if you are interested in stand mounts, you might look into the QLN Prestige (not $ignature) 1. QLN is known for great imaging and a warmer sound. Sonus Faber and Joseph Audio are good choices as well. And KEF Reference for that matter. There are a ton of options out there, certainly look beyond Focal. 

Great! Thanks for the info and advice. I’m thinking that it’s probably not the best idea to trade the Raidhos since they should be more than adequate. You know how it is, keep thinking that there might be something better but, may not worth extra expense of trading what I gave. Had one audio company offer me $2850 for my speakers including stands. Seems they should be worth a lot more money.

How about a Raidho td1.2? If you like yours, why not move up to the next gen? They are quite exceptional.

@kfuller3 

As  it happens a few years back when I was doing a big speaker search I auditioned both the Focal Diablo Utopia speakers and the Raidho C 1.2

They were in the same store.

I wrote about my impressions of the Raidho here:  

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/contemplating-devore-speakers-and-others-long-audition-report-of

I give my impressions of a bunch of speakers. I listen to in the first post and Raidho C1.2 is listed there.

In the end, I found the Raidho a bit too coloured for my taste, a bit too laid-back in the lower treble/upper mids, and a little bit pushed in the upper bass.

As for the Focal Diablo stand mounts, that’s a way different sound from Raidho.  If you’re looking for a more forward, exciting and transparent sound you’ll get it with the Diablo.  

In the end, I found the  Focal Diablo a bit too much in the “ultra vivid” category and lacking the warmth needed to balance that, which the larger Focal speakers can bring.

Not to pour cold water on your enthusiasm, but since I’ve heard both, I figured I would chime in.

I only listened to the Focal speakers once, so take that into consideration. 

missing snap attack speaker vs relatively more tonally correct speaker.

choice seems obvious @kfuller3 

Instead of changing speakers, try a different amp other than your Jeff Rowland. Maybe it’s the amp that’s holding back your speakers? Or perhaps, the synergy is not there. Just a thought. 

Upgrading is part of the fun, but take your time. I assume you are using the built in DAC and phono stages in the Rowland, you could experiment with some separates there. I would also encourage you to attend a show, I found it very helpful in identifying gear that seemed to suit me, and eliminating a lot of brands that do not. And it is a good time.

If you want analytical highs, then get the focal’s. The lower focal models have no low end and a light midrange. Keep the raidho’s or get the upgraded raidho models. If you like the raidho’s, check out the Borreson speakers.

Have you thought about one of the lesser expensive Raidho floorstanders?  They really won't take up much room, something to consider.