The Sapphires are night and day different from the Focals. They present beautifully with a YUGE soundstage and well toned bass. They definitely respond to proper placement and toe in and will reveal your rooms deficiencies. But a solid investment that'll provide you with musical bliss.
Spatial M3 Sapphire
I think I've read just about everything there is to read about these, but now I'm looking for some owner impressions, whether you currently own them, or parted with them. If you parted with them, I'd love to know why.
I currently have a pair of Focal 826V Chorus speakers to "tide me over," until I can find something that I like. The Focal's are actually pretty darned good, but they don't have the energy that my Altec 19's had. I've been highly considering going back to horns, when I saw a pair of M3's come up for sale, and I'm thinking about giving them a try.
Will they have a more lively and dynamic presentation than my Focal's? I loved the bass from my Altec 19's, and although it wouldn't plumb the depths, it was tight and fast. From my reading, it sounds like the M3's might be similar in their presentation. I'm not a big fan of the full, bloomy bass that comes from most box speakers, including my Focal's.
Input would be most appreciated!