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.