My search for speakers has ended, my tale. ::By me

[gixxerific]

OK than I went shopping last Sat. This is how it went.

First place i went was The Sound Room they mainly carry B&W. We listened to one of the 600 series I wanna say it was the 684 as well as the 704's. Both were very nice and detailed. The 600 series was pretty good but lacked a lot in the lower frequencies. They just didn't click for me. The finish was pretty darn nice. Solid as well.

The 704's really smoked the 600's in depth and clarity. They field was much wider. These are some really nice speakers He was going to let them go for a steal as they were floor models. But they were dinged up in a few places, the grill had a small rip in it and the face of both speakers were badly sun faded by the frame of the grill. I would have given no more than grand for them that's how bad they were. So leaving not so impressed for the first stop I went on.

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My second stop was Music For Pleasure. They carry Dynaudio, Martin Logan and Focal. I didn't look at the Dyn's at first they are 4 ohm my receiver is not.
Martin Logan is not really my style though they sound pretty frickin' amazing.

I was really there for the Focal's. They had the Chorus 716 V's and the Chorus 826 V's. We started off with the 716's. These are very nice speakers very detailed and crisp. You could hear fingers sliding on guitar necks the gentle decay of the cymbals and all those details you yearn for. Very wide sound stage, off axis was pretty good too, I had to go pretty far left or right to hear it start to fall apart. Very tight all around good mid bass, more than the 600 B&W. I really liked these so far.

Bring on the 826 V, what I said above take that and double it. Well probably not double, but you get the idea. Same as with the B&W the switch brought a a whole dimension, more depth, wider sound stage, just more life. These are so nice great mid bass, detail, tweeters that reproduce the notes without stress on them or you. Oh did I mention the attention to detail of everything. Fit and finish is top notch. Very nice, the salesman probably thought I was nuts looking up and down the lines at only a couple inches away. I couldn't find a flaw, I'm a bricklayer with a great eye for detail and a very anal retentive personality, so that's a compliment. Good looking speaker even the wife would approve.

Oh yeah they go loud too. I believe they were getting about 110 watts.
While listening to the 716's I was given the nod to do some crankin' (the volume that is). I gave them quite a bit than a little more and than some more. No spl #'s but let's say it was pretty loud. Still they were holding together like a champ. I was pretty amazed at how clear they still were. Never did crank the 826's like that but I know they would take more. The 716's still had some life in them. I just didn't want to start a fire in a building with that much high end audio gear.

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On to stop # 3 I went to Hi Fie Fo Fum. There I would see Paradigm and Monitor Audio.

I was really wanting tho see the Paradigm Studio 60 or 100. They had a 60 V4, so I plopped in my cd a gave 'em a listen. They had a hollow sound, like I was in a cave. Also at higher volumes they were beginning to break up, though this wasn't as loud as I had the Focal's. The speakers themselves look good with a nice finish on them. I was kinda disappointed in these. mid bass was lacking and midrange clarity was OK but not great. The soundfeild was muddy like everything was running together. It's quite possible that it was the not so perfect room I was in.

The Monitor RS6 was right next to the Paradigms. Theses too sounded off to me, muddy and confused. I really didn't listen to them much.

I didn't stay very long here. Really, I don't want to get on the Paradigm and MA fan's **** list, but I think in a better room I wouldn't be so negative here.

But I put on the Studio 60's again. I listened hard for a bit than went back to Music For Pleasure that had the Focal's. Luckily they are only like 10 min apart so I flew over with a fresh memory of the Paradigm.

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Back for the Focal's, I get there quickly, go in, pop in the same song and.............**** I'm blown away, again. This is with the 716's. I didn't even have to listen to the 826's again. I knew right there and then that I would be getting them. I was given a deal on the 826's, but when I go back probably this Sat if not sooner, I am going to see what I can get for the Chorus 836 V.

If everything goes right this weekend will be go time. Only about 4, no 20+ years in the planning. So after that I will post up my experience at home with them. Though if I go the 836 route they would have to be ordered. Than again I heard him saying to another customer something about a loaner if you have to wait. I'll take the Dynaudio Sapphire or Confidence C2 you got and thank you sir.

Alright that's enough for me. This might not be the most technical review but I tried and hope you enjoyed.

Heres the links to the places I went if you would like to check them out.
Dono

http://www.musicforpleasure.com/

http://www.fum.com/

http://www.thesoundroom.com/

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I can "hear" the excitement in your post!

I listened to the 826v's once at a Tweeter store. I remember liking them. I wasn't there to buy though just wasting time.

Let us know when you get them home. Which ever ones you get...

Always fun.

SBF1

 

[griffinconst]

What sort of music do you listen to most?

 

[gixxerific]

What sort of music do you listen to most?

Rock, techno, rap, all kinds no country.

 

[Thirsty93]

You fron St louis?

 

[Exit]

O'Fallon is one of the outer distant suburbs of St. Louis located in St. Charles county. Greetings to my neighbor.

I was going to go check out the local audio stores but have only been to a couple. I took the Yellow pages and marked where the speaker brands were carried by googling brand names and using the dealer locator screens at their sites. There is pretty good brand coverage in St Louis, but some are primarily installers, and I don't know how listening to speakers with installers works if you just want to buy speakers.

 

[Thirsty93]

I'm about 15min east of St. louis.

 

[trnqk7]

O'Fallon is one of the outer distant suburbs of St. Louis located in St. Charles county. Greetings to my neighbor.

I was going to go check out the local audio stores but have only been to a couple. I took the Yellow pages and marked where the speaker brands were carried by googling brand names and using the dealer locator screens at their sites. There is pretty good brand coverage in St Louis, but some are primarily installers, and I don't know how listening to speakers with installers works if you just want to buy speakers.

It works pretty well-I'm from the O'Fallon area as well. I got my Dali's from a shop that primarily does installs, but is more than happy to let you come in and listen in any of their demo rooms to whatever. He'll even let you watch a whole movie if you want Elegant Home Theater is the name-a slight pain to get to, but worth the trip. Had a lot of Dali and RBH/Status Acoustics stuff to listen to.

I visited The Sound Room as well-wasn't impressed with them as much. Terrible room for the 600 series B&W's-if they are still in that glass front room that is. And the 700 series was in a whole different league, as you mentioned. Makes me want to start the process over again...unfortunately, that'll be a while. Apparently the wife has plans for a new car...oh well

 

[rded]

Gixxerific,
Great review! I am really happy that you've enlightened people that there are more amazing speakers than the usual:" buy Paradigm and/or B$W". With that said, Focal is one of few loud speaker manufacturers including B$W, Dynaudio and a select few that escape me; that actually build their speakers from the ground up. Everything is manufactured in house-absolutely no outsourcing.
Why didn't you audition Dynaudio? They are excellent speakers and may be equal if not better than Focal in many ways.They may be rated 4 ohms but their impedance curve is so flat, making them reaatively easy to drive. What kind of receiver do you have?
Happy shopping!

 

[gixxerific]

You fron St louis?

Yes, Actually I live in Wentzville. I havn't changed my info in a couple years. Actually I am working in St Louis right now at Arsenal & Oregon repairing a brick building.

It works pretty well-I'm from the O'Fallon area as well. I got my Dali's from a shop that primarily does installs, but is more than happy to let you come in and listen in any of their demo rooms to whatever. He'll even let you watch a whole movie if you want Elegant Home Theater is the name-a slight pain to get to, but worth the trip. Had a lot of Dali and RBH/Status Acoustics stuff to listen to.

I visited The Sound Room as well-wasn't impressed with them as much. Terrible room for the 600 series B&W's-if they are still in that glass front room that is. And the 700 series was in a whole different league, as you mentioned. Makes me want to start the process over again...unfortunately, that'll be a while. Apparently the wife has plans for a new car...oh well

Did you have to have an apointment? I called them and that is waht I was told. That turned me off right there. But I really was interested ine the Dali Icon's. I havn't penned my name yet. They may still have a chance.

Gixxerific,
Why didn't you audition Dynaudio? They are excellent speakers and may be equal if not better than Focal in many ways.They may be rated 4 ohms but their impedance curve is so flat, making them reaatively easy to drive. What kind of receiver do you have?
Happy shopping!

I did listen to the Dyn's. I can't think of what they were they are the model that took over for another model which I can't think of which one that one was either. Anyway's they were awesome as well, little bitty speaker but keeping up or surpassing the 716's. I have a Denon that is 6-8ohm. I just spent $370 to get it fixed becasue I did something I shouldn't and shorted out some speaker wires, Woops. The are very nice and very expesive. If I had the money I would go Dynaudio without doubt. But that will be later this is my first big speaker buy. The Dyn's always have been and always be on my mind.

 

[rded]

I did listen to the Dyn's. I can't think of what they were they are the model that took over for another model which I can't think of which one that one was either. Anyway's they were awesome as well, little bitty speaker but keeping up or surpassing the 716's. I have a Denon that is 6-8ohm. I just spent $370 to get it fixed becasue I did something I shouldn't and shorted out some speaker wires, Woops. The are very nice and very expesive. If I had the money I would go Dynaudio without doubt. But that will be later this is my first big speaker buy. The Dyn's always have been and always be on my mind.

Was it the Dynaudio Excite 22? The Dynaudio excite series was produced for people with receivers as they are the easiest of the whole Dyn family to drive. They may be rated 4 ohms but are really closer to 5-6 ohms. Generally speaking Denons actually handle 4 ohms well. Don't let your receiver dictate which speaker brand and impedance to get. IMHO, you should build your system around your speakers not on your receiver. If your AVR has pre outs then adding an extra amp down the road should be considered unless you go with separates...

 

[gixxerific]

rded: I beleive it was the Excite, they replaced the Audience I believe. I may check around to see what they have. It aint over till the old man sings his life away.

To complicate things even more I may check out some Dali's before going to see the Focal's again.

Dono

 

[rded]

rded: I beleive it was the Excite, they replaced the Audience I believe. I may check around to see what they have. It aint over till the old man sings his life away.

To complicate things even more I may check out some Dali's before going to see the Focal's again.

Dono

Dalis Another Danish Speaker manufacturer. If it was indeed the Excite 32 that you listened to, I'd have to say that they are very neutral and linear and very easy to drive. You might find that they lack slam and bass because of their size but it'll give the other speakers you've tested a run for their money./ Here the review http://whathifi.com/Review/Dynaudio-Excite-X32/

Happy hunting.... You can't go wrong with any of those 3 speakers companies.

 

[gixxerific]

Dalis Another Danish Speaker manufacturer. If it was indeed the Excite 32 that you listened to, I'd have to say that they are very neutral and linear and very easy to drive. You might find that they lack slam and bass because of their size but it'll give the other speakers you've tested a run for their money

Happy hunting.... You can't go wrong with any of those 3 speakers companies.

Ahhhh! the Danish, they do make probably the worlds best speakers. But my Denon say's 6-8 ohms, I can't afford to buy a new reciever or seperates and still get speakers. To tell you the truth I could go to Wal-Mart and maybe get something better than my 20+ year old 2 way Kenwoods I have now, maybe. They still rock out, somewhat, for being as old as they are.

Another thing I listen mostly to rock, as in alternative (NIN, Rage Against the Machine type stuff). The Dyn's might not be so forgiving in that genre. They are too perfect, revealing all the bad production and engineering inherent in rock.

But never fear I am still considering them. I do know what I'm doing somewhat I just don't have an unlimited budget so scrafices must be made somwhere.

Thanks for all your feedback on this post and others.

Dono

 

[rded]

Another thing I listen mostly to rock, as in alternative (NIN, Rage Against the Machine type stuff). The Dyn's might not be so forgiving in that genre. They are too perfect, revealing all the bad production and engineering inherent in rock.

But never fear I am still considering them. I do know what I'm doing somewhat I just don't have an unlimited budget so scrafices must be made somwhere.

Thanks for all your feedback on this post and others.

Dono

The excite series is the most forgiving speakers in the entire Dynaudio line up. I wouldn't worry about bad recordings because they'll do your records justice. I listen to a lot of Heavy metal and alternative music as well. I have the Dynaudio contour 3.4 and a naim cd player and the 3.4s are still very forgiving. The most unforgiving sre the confidence and the evidence line but forget those for now As far as your budget, fear not. Wait out a littlle bit so you can get exactly what you want. A lot of british made hifi components are coming down in price because of the weak pound and euro. Hopefully some of the Focals and Dyns fall in price too.

 

[jamie2112]

If you like Danish speakers you should listen to Jamo http://www.jamo.com/na-en/ I had a few pairs over the years and they were excellent......

 

[jamie2112]

In particular I would listen to these for about $725 delivered http://www.jamo.com/na-en/products/c-607-description/

 

[gixxerific]

In particular I would listen to these for about $725 delivered http://www.jamo.com/na-en/products/c-607-description/

Funny you say that, the Jamo Concert series was on the top of my wish list. but the nearest dealer is about 3 - 4 hours away. Keeping that in mind they generally can be had for much less $ than others. So that would be something I would just order online someday.

My wife and I are doing it like this. We are using 12 month's no interest they offer plus some money we saved up. Than we will pay them off next tax return.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I am impressed by the route you have taken to find the perfect speaker for you.

 

[rded]

My wife and I are doing it like this. We are using 12 month's no interest they offer plus some money we saved up. Than we will pay them off next tax return.

Good luck! I know you know you'll be happy with what ever brand and model you choose. Cheers

Rhett