2. speakers
  3. 170306-133618

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
travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
160 posts
 
I am a recent convert to Focal speakers (though I never cared for the look of the bent front towers).  I have the low cost Chorus 706 in the bedroom and greatly enjoy them.  I am considering the Kanta and Sopra as a future speaker.  The fit and finish is very nice.
I am also a Revel fan and highly recommend them.
james633
917 posts
 
Travelinjack,

I have owned Focal speakers out of the Chorus line for an old home theater. Nice for the money. The higher end Focals keep the same sound but are on another level for clarity and soundstage while maybe a little leaner.

Revels (that I own now) have a very similar house sound as focal. The Sopra to the Revel performa-be line are similar in sound. The Sopra has more air in the highs and upper mids. The Revels are a hair more rolled off in the highs and a touch tighter in the bass. Cost no object I like the Sopra 3 the best but at $24,000 in the US now seems silly next to the 228be for $11,000. Across the pond prices are about the same I would take the Focal every time for the looks alone and I like the added air but I feel the revels are more accurate.

A short A/B video of the Focals and Revels.
https://youtu.be/Y7xJjesFGKk



To the original poster I doubt he will like the Revel as they are not really lookers but they play nice being close to the front wall too with the early rolling down of the bass like the sopra’s. You might be surprised how close the 226be gets to the Sopra in performance. Once you add subs all these speakers are splitting hairs.
Another model to add is the Sonus Faber Olympica III. Really great speaker and used for $7500 -ish. Looks amazing. Every time I go speaker shopping the wife ask if I like the Sonus Fabers lol.
randym860's avatar
randym860
131 posts
 
As a true audiophile i only choose speakers on sound not looks!
j-wall's avatar
j-wall
352 posts
 
I'm the the opposite position of not having enough room in my room. I run the Sopra 2's in my 9x13 music room. Highly recommend the Sopra's. You won't need to be moving chairs and couches around to enjoy them. Every speaker has it's limitations and every room has it's limitations. In sure with some discrete absorption panels you'll be more than happy. Give them plenty of break in time, it takes a while. 
grislybutter
2,363 posts
 
btw, nothing wrong with caring about the looks. I want to love the way they look. I would have never upgraded unless I tried SF speakers and when I heard their not so special sound I could move on. I am convinced that most audiophile speakers' looks represent the sound, the music the designer likes, the culture, the country, etc. just like wine represents the climate. These are nerds pouring their souls and vision into the design.
More to discover