Dynaudio Excite vs Focus

[tmurnin]

Think I've finally settled on Dynaudio for a bookshelf upgrade, now trying to decide between the Excite X16 ($1500/pr) or the Focus 140 ($3k/pr). I loved the sound of the Focus, just can't decide if spending 2x the money is justified. I liked the Excite's as well - not as strong at the lower end or as big of a soundstage but still a damn nice speaker. Anyone have experience with these two and offer any advice?

 

[Gunslinger]

Noticed you are from St. Louis. Did you go to Music with Pleasure? They have a pretty good listening setup. I am torn between the two as well. I liked the focal chorus 836v they had. That sound was pristine.

Price wise makes sense to go with excite and you would be lining up with same mfg. Tough call. maybe just go with your instinct.

 

[anamorphic96]

You will need external amplification for the Focus line to get the best out of them. The Excite series will not only save you money speaker wise but they shouldn't need an external amp to get the most from them.

 

[tmurnin]

I did go to M4P. Liked the Focals a lot, but the size of the Dyn's makes more sense for the room I'm looking at. Obviously, the Excites are a lot less $$, but can't decide if I'd just regret not getting the Focus down the line. I keep thinking back to the "buy the best speaker you can afford" mantra, but I also don't want to just waste money.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Excite bookshelf + subs sounds good to me.

I would NOT worry about external amps with any of these speaker lines unless you are listening to crazy high volume.

For example, the Focus 160 is 4 ohms/ 85dB/2.83V/m, which is similar to my KEF 201/2 & ATC SCM7 bookshelf speakers. Yet, a Denon 3312 has not problems at all powering these speakers.

With a sensitivity of 85dB, a distance of 4.2 meters (14ft), and peak volume of 94dB from both speakers in 2.0 direct mode (91dB from a single speaker), the required power is 70 watts.

I consider peak 94dB from 4 meters in 2.0 mode to be very loud.

The Anthem 700 can output 221 WPC x 2CH into 4 ohms. No problems at all.

 

[macddmac]

Think I've finally settled on Dynaudio for a bookshelf upgrade, now trying to decide between the Excite X16 ($1500/pr) or the Focus 140 ($3k/pr). I loved the sound of the Focus, just can't decide if spending 2x the money is justified. I liked the Excite's as well - not as strong at the lower end or as big of a soundstage but still a damn nice speaker. Anyone have experience with these two and offer any advice?

This might help you make up your mind:

Dynaudio X16 Rosewood NEW | Monitors | Covina, California 91724 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

Cheers, Mac