JM Labs 706 Chorus

[John Bailey]

In the past I've used and auditioned B&W 601's, 602's, Paradigm Studio 20 & 40's, Paradigm Monitors and PSB 2B and B25's. For me, the PSB's were the best sounding and the best value. I like the Canadian sound. This year I heard some Magnaplaners, after recomendations from this forum, and fell in love with the defined and detailed nature of their sound. Unfortunately, my room is only 9X11 and it is also used as an office and extra bedroom - it's crowded. I found no one, not even a dealer, that would tell me I'd be happy with any of the Maggies in my room.

So, I've been auditioning again looking for a bookshelf speaker with the same sound as the above mentioned speaker with a bit more refinement. Yesterday I auditioned the newest versions of B&W 600 series, the Paradigm Studio's and Monitors and the JM Labs Focal 705 & 706 Chorus. I found the Chorus line to have more of the refinement and detail that I was looking for. I guess I like the French refinement mixed with the Canadian brashness - sorta French Canadian.

While I liked the 705 better for the moment, in the long run I think I'll be happier with the 706's with more bass extension.

Now, for the question, what do you all have to say about the JM Labs in my situation. Although we watch a few movies, and will be looking at LCD's and Plasmas in the near future, this will be set up for music - 2 channel. I'll be powering with a Yamaha RX-596(80 wps) for the time being, but it will move back out to my workshop and be replaced with an NAD integrated in the near future.

Thanks for any suggestions and comments.

John

 

[Seth=L]

The Yamaha should power them decently for now, but in the future getting a receiver or integrated amplifier to power them would be wise. Those speakers can delve to a little below 4 ohms, at least the 706s, and the Yamaha may not be up to the task. Any NAD integrated amplifier should be 4 ohm stable and those speakers are pretty efficient, not requiring much wattage to reach high levels of output. Even the most modest NAD integrated should power them with ease.

 

[John Bailey]

Thanks Seth,

I had the NAD 320BEE and liked it very much. I was planning on the NAD 352 or 372 this time around.

Have you experience with the Chorus 706?

John

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks Seth,

I had the NAD 320BEE and liked it very much. I was planning on the NAD 352 or 372 this time around.

Have you experience with the Chorus 706?

John

No, but looking at their detailed specifications shows me what amplification they require to perform well to their best. And if you like how they sound, even if I had listened to them, my opinions on them would be irrelevant.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

In a 9 x 11 room almost any mid-fi receiver sould drive those speakers to very loud levels.

BTW I listened to the focal 826's and liked them in the dealers room.

SBF1