Help me decide – Revel or Focal


I have been narrowing down my list for new speakers after selling my Avalon and believe I have arrived at my final two. After months of going to all the local dealers, I believe I am close. The entire process, though frustrating since in store comparisons are difficult, has brought out my passion again for the hobby.
My question is, has anyone heard the Focal 1038 BE and the Revel Studio 2 or Salon 2 in the same room using the same electronics? I have heard both speakers separately but no one seems to have both to do a real comparison. I read the reviews and that really does not help. The Focal seems to be a very good all-around speaker but not perfect. They seem to have a minor integration issue between the tweeter and midrange that shows up in the female voice with a small lack of clarity and being a bit recessive. I am still hoping to hear the new Sopras but I do not think I want to spend the extra cash especially since the 1038s are available in a low luster finish and reduced MSRP. The Revels, even though they came out in 2007, still seem to be a very good speaker and can be purchased used ~50% of MSRP. I am reading that their replacement may be revealed at the CES in January. At first I had eliminated them thinking they were too lean and analytical sounding. The music was just not coming out. After hearing them again, I am wondering if that may just be that they are accurate but I have read this complaint all over the internet so it does make me wonder.
I have a 16 x 20 room with 10-foot ceilings and have Anthem Statement electronics. Help me decide (but please try to keep it to the Revel and Focal since I have eliminated almost everything else in this price range available in New England).
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That is great feedback. Soundstagehifi.com just posted a review which was very flattering and and has "real" measurements.
What a difference a day makes...went back to the Focal Sopra 2 room and they sounded like different speakers...thin, forward sounding. I didn't ask what was playing, but I know the source was analog. As a matter a fact a woman told the representative the sound was horrible and to change the record. I guess for those that are considering the Sopra 2s make sure you audition them with well known music.
I'm expecting my Sopra 2's to be delivered tomorrow. Can anyone tell me about how long break-in took?
Having owned all three brands but not know what Avalons you had..I think you should move up the Avalon line.Much better speakers than either of your two choices IMO
WOW lots of feedback, I auditioned the focals yesterday and really enjoyed listening to music thru them, a peachtree nova 150 was driving them and they made music, a better, more fleshed out midrange than my revel f52's. I could get the demos with that discontinued finish or for same $$$ revel ultima salons, the original. I'm buying the revels but that's not a nock on the focals that no longer sound bright compared to models a couple generations ago. WHO's getting revel speakers 50%??