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Focal, B&W or Martin Logan

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers.  Current system is Lumin U1 Mini server > Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP DAC> Pass Labs XA160.8 Amp > Martin Logan Classic 9 speakers.  Room is pretty good acoustically (25' x 15'), but I have to place the speakers along the long wall making a 12x12x12 triangle for listening with my sitting position very close to the rear wall.  Speakers are currently 8" from front wall and can't be moved more than 5 or 6 inches further into the room (WAF issues), thus limiting the size (depth) of the new speakers. I listen to most all music, but mostly R&B, Country and classic rock.   

The biggest knock against the current MLs is that they don't have a lot of resolution - especially when it comes to complex music. They're great for acoustic guitar, piano or vocals.  They also lack a bit in bass, but that isn't too big of an issue as my wife would prefer I keep bass to a minimum.

Based on budget and speaker size, I'm seriously looking at the following:  Focal Sopra No. 2 (or No. 3). B&W 802D3, Martin Login 13A (or 15A).  I'm looking at buying used, so won't be able to try before purchasing.  I'm interested in hearing from those of you that have experience with these speakers.  Anyone heard them all and have a preference?

I'm currently leaning to the Focals, but only because I like they way they look. 


dfairc777a
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
I've listened to the B&Ws on McIntosh electronics and wasn't overly impressed, but that was a few years ago.  Since then I've come to the realization that other than the MC-2301 mono blocks, I'm not a big fan of McIntosh gear (could be why I wasn't impressed).  They're back on my list as something I want to hear, but hopefully on different electronics.

I don't have a local Focal dealer nearby so never had the chance to listen.  I'll probably have to drive to Chicago to demo both Focals and the bigger MLs.  If I do, I'm hopeful I can listen to used speakers on Pass Labs electronics (Probably wishful thinking).


ghdprentice
6,465 posts
 
That is way too big a triangle. I would drop it to 6’-7’, especially since they are such small speakers. See how this effects the sound.
All of the speakers you listed will be significant upgrades to what you have. But of different caliber.

I am faniliar with the Martin Logen in general and I would never characterize them as in lacking detail. This must be because of your triangle. Granted they are very inexpensive… so upgrading makes sense. 
Each of the speakers you have listed have very different sound. The B&W are going to provide a real bass kick, with some strong treble. The ML should provide great transparency and detail with a good punch if properly sized and placed, the Focal will be something in between, a bit more coherent. 

I would work with your current system to get it working right… in a much smaller triangle, and optimize it. You have good equipment. Then look at scaling up… ML if you like them with, but want greater scale… or on of the others based on sound. 
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
@ghdprentice

You're correct... I was mistaken.  They're not 12 feet apart, they're only 6 feet apart, while my chair is about 12 feet back from them.  The worst part of the set up is the TV in the middle, but that will likely have to stay. 


ghdprentice
6,465 posts
 
Then you seating position should be 6 - 7 feet. If your system sounds great at that distance… an you like the ML, then bigger ML would help. But even then you are probably going to have to move your chair forward for critical listening.

You can see my system by clicking on my ID. My chair is only 7 or 8 feet from my speakers forming an equilateral triangle. If I would want to move my seating position back I would probably have to double the cost of my speakers… but that would create another problem… over powering the space.
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
Yeah, the chair can't be moved forward (again... WAF).  If I recall correctly, the Logan manual shows this setup as one of the options (although my memory is fuzzy on it).  Whatever the case, I'm pretty much stuck with 6 foot apart and 11-12 feet away.
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