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Tyler Acoustics Highland H3.5 or Focal Aria 936

I am trying to decide if I want to move away from my Aria 936s to the H3.5s. The H3.5s use top notch scanspeak mid range and woofer drivers and they have the scanspeak beryllium tweeter. Problem is, I can’t listen to them first. Will they be better than the 936s? I have read that the Tyler Acoustics products punch way above their price and compete with much more expensive speakers. They are definitely a risk though, if I don’t like them there will be a huge hit taken because of the relatively unknown brand. What do you do when faced with a conundrum like this?
128x128baclagg

Showing 4 responses by baclagg

baclagg's avatar
baclagg OP
150 posts
 
@alexopth1512

I love my 936s, but I feel sometimes that I want a little sharper imaging and depth to the sound stage and just a smidge more bass. 
baclagg's avatar
baclagg OP
150 posts
 
@alexopth1512 My 936s do a really great job of duplicating the sound of acoustic guitars but there seems to be something missing when it comes to vocals. There is some detail missing there that causes me to not believe the singer is in the room. Sometimes acoustic guitars are startling because of the sense of presence. I think the 948s would have similar issues.
baclagg's avatar
baclagg OP
150 posts
 
@ blkwrxwgn

I have been working with Ty for a few weeks now. I feel like you do, I am having problems deciding to pull the trigger. I have asked for a customer or two to call and see what their impressions of the sound is and then maybe if possible go there to listen to a pair. I have read reviews that go both ways, like every other speaker out there, but most of the reviews and impressions are very positive. They are very nice looking speakers and it would be great if they sound as good as they look!

baclagg's avatar
baclagg OP
150 posts
 

I did decide to pull the trigger on the Highland H3.5's and, after about 8 months of listening, I can say I am very happy with them. They are much better than the Focal 936's. Far more bass and sound stage is wide and deep. Highs are controlled and precise. The beryllium tweeter isn't harsh and adds realism to cymbals. The decay of the cymbals is much more realistic.  I would buy them again.

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