Speaker Upgrade Time...Great Experience.


I had decided a while back that the factors were right to make a speaker upgrade.

Mainly due to the fact that we decided to remain in our home (and not go the townhouse route) for a long-term duration.

I had "downsized" my system about ten years ago because I had gone all-in on the guitar hobby, and I directed all my disposable income in that direction. Over the past 18 months or so, I gradually rebuilt it.

I had a Bat VK3000-SE integrated amp, Lector CDP7T, and Vandersteen 1Ci speakers. The Vandersteens really are a fantastic value but...I wanted the system to be better-balanced.

I did as much R&D as possible and had narrowed my choices to three:

Dynaudio Contour 30
Legacy Signature SE
Focal 1028BE

Why these? I wanted to go new/ they were all available "locally"/ reviewed favorably/priced at $5K or so due to various factors (discontinued colors/models or brands).

I listen to various forms of rock only. No jazz or classical. Beatles/Stones/Fleetwood Mac/Sabbath....

I ended up choosing the Focal 1028BEs in gloss red. Music Direct made the transaction an extremely positive experience. These speakers were once $8K, now priced at $5K and MD took my Vandersteens in-trade.

Impressions? 

Immediately I got the impression of much more "liveliness" and bass activity. Two things I was specifically looking for because I have an L-shaped room that is 19 feet long. I had plenty of room for a larger speaker.
Next, if these speakers "need" 300 hours of break-in, wow...because they are nearly perfect for my purposes already. I found myself purposely trying to find selections that I may not like because everything sounded so good. OK, I found one. AC/DC's "If You Want Blood" CD was one that may require further burn-in to enjoy. A little "edgy". Everything else has met or surpassed expectations and the "favorites" are amazingly good.

Finally, the 1028BEs in gloss red look amazing. WAF was 100% positive.I actually considered the walnut because of this, but I knew the red would be stellar in-room. These will be here long term. Very pleased.

Cables: AQ Columbia IC/CV-8 speaker cables/Audience Powerchord into Richard Gray's conditioner.


cbucki
@cbucki ...congrats on your evolving system.  I’m on the fence regarding my BAT vk3000se.  I noticed you’ve been a BAT integrated owner for awhile now, having used them with different speakers. What made you finally change and does the MA252 have as good of synergy with the Focals as the BAT did?  Enjoy.  Best...

Another change made...

The BAT VK3000se was traded to Saturday Music Exchange for a new McIntosh MA252 integrated amp.

I discovered the Mac late Friday afternoon and had to have it based on looks alone. Luckily, it sounds fantastic as well.

It's uniquely good with vocals and a few instruments. Less detailed than the BAT, but for what I listen to it's nearly perfect.

To think that both the speakers and amp need some time to sound their best is unbelievable, because I'm very satisfied with the sound.

Saturday was WONDERFUL to deal with, and very fair on the BAT trade value.

cbucki,
Congrats on the new system!  I spent about a year auditioning all sorts of speakers, when changing from my excellent Totem Fire monitors (just wanted a change).  I was absolutely smitten with the Focal's...so much so, I ordered "sight unseen" the then new Sopra No2 speakers...which I've owned since they first came available.  Long-story-short, after around six months, the Focals seemed to really "settle down".  I find that these are just great with all sorts of music!
Congratulations on your new Focals cbucki!! That sounds like a good deal, and you got top notch customer service which is great to see. With your speakers' excellent Utopia drivers & beryllium tweeter, I can fully appreciate the good sound you must be getting already. I run Focal Utopia front splits in my car & Focal 690cv 6x9 rears, and the Utopia drivers in particular are punchy, dynamic, natural/neutral sounding & resolving. I’ve been mega happy with them. Enjoy your speakers in good health! 🙂