JM Labs/Focal 707s upgrade from my X-ls?

[nordhaven]

I'm thinking up getting a pair of JM Labs Chorus 707s to take the place of my X-ls. I have been using the X-ls in a DVD-A setup of witch they are the weakest part of that system.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=JMCH707S&variation=CLA

With shipping they would come to $455.00. Twice what I paid for the X-ls. I'm sure they would sound better then the X-ls, but twice as good? These are closeout prices for the discontinued 707s.

Focal started a new line with fancier cabinet's called 807V.
http://www.focal.tm.fr/catalogue-front/produit.php?langue=EN&idArbo=6&idProduit=38

From what I can tell the 707s and the 807V share the same components. The 807V is a new fancy cabinet (little smaller). All the rest of the specs between the two are the same.

The fact the new 807V list for $1,250.00 compared to the old 707s at $437.00 (closeout price) make it seem like a good deal (assuming performance is equal).

Will the JM Labs 707s be a worthy upgrade from the X-ls in my DVD-A system?

 

[zumbo]

Yes, those will sound twice as good.(IMO)

And, these will sound twice as good as those.
http://www.unitedonlineshopping.com/mbquql62slib.html

Have you tried the DTS track? Sending full-range to most bookshelf speakers will be a challenge.

 

[jostenmeat]

zumbo, can you find me a couple of places in SoCal where I can demo Quart? You've got me interested finally...

nordhaven, I haven't heard the x series. Have you heard either of those two Focal models? I've listened to towers in almost every line that Focal makes (including Utopias), but only a couple of bookshelves. With the bookshelves, I was disappointed with their mid-bass performance, let alone bass performance. Starkest memory was with the BE bookshelf. Zumbo makes a point about bass handling. Anyways, the Chorus line, well the newer one, has a warmer personality, which I find is pretty much the opposite to the Profile or BE series.

A bargain is a bargain... but getting what truly pleases you is a more cunning game... I think anyways!

 

[nordhaven]

"A bargain is a bargain... but getting what truly pleases you is a more cunning game... I think anyways!" Right on!

I can not remember listening to any Focal bookshelf's. I have heard two of the towers (not sure witch) and was impressed. I did not give them a lot of time as they were most certainly out of my price range.

"Have you tried the DTS track?" Is that a test track/test tone?

I am pleased with the bass I'm getting with the X-ls (for a bookshelf). That's the one area they excel. Some lower frequency in a new bookshelf would be a plus but not a necessity. It's more the overall sound quality I would like to improve upon.

The 707s just seemed to be a great deal. I am also looking at the Energy RC-10.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENRC10&variation=PCHE

 

[zumbo]

What DVD-A Disc are you using? Does it not have a DTS track?

 

[zumbo]

zumbo, can you find me a couple of places in SoCal where I can demo Quart? You've got me interested finally...

Not certain about the location. Chino, CA.

http://www.yawaonline.com/miva/merchant.mvc?

 

[nordhaven]

DTS surround sound Yes most of my collection has that. I never use it though. I have a stereo setup. The Advanced Resolution Stereo (96kHz/24-bit) and HDAD is all I listen to.

 

[zumbo]

DTS surround sound Yes most of my collection has that. I never use it though. I have a stereo setup. The Advanced Resolution Stereo (96kHz/24-bit) is all I listen to.

So, that is PCM 2.0 stereo 96/24, not DVD-A 5.1 surround 96/24. Correct?

Is there no sub in use? That is a lot to ask of a x-series bookshelf.

 

[nordhaven]

Yes I have that little 8" x series sub also.

 

[zumbo]

Yes I have that little 8" x series sub also.

How is your player connected to your receiver/pre-pro?

 

[nordhaven]

You lost me?

 

[zumbo]

Sorry. I have to call it a night.

 

[rnatalli]

What do you feel is lacking from your X-ls? I'm just curious...

 

[nordhaven]

They are muddled and a bit over done on the low end. The midrange is kind of weak. The highs will sometimes make you cringe when things get over complicated. They are also kind of hard to drive (86db). There is window of volume when they are real nice. But the rest of the time they are either lacking something or over doing something. Don't get me wrong for $200 bucks they are a hell of a speaker! I just want to go up a level in performance.

 

[rnatalli]

I just want to go up a level in performance.

Ah, the upgrade bug spreads

Good description, thanks for that.

 

[zumbo]

You lost me?

DVD-A does not use your internal crossover setting. DTS does.
Also, it depends on your equipment. Some DVD-A players let you set a crossover point for the m/c outputs, some don't. Most bookshelf, and I do mean most, will just not handle full range. It's too much.

So, my question was, how is your player connected?

Another question, what kind of equipment are we talking about?

You see, I'm trying to see the best option for you to set some kind of crossover point to help for now. You will need this for most any bookshelf speaker in the future as well.

 

[nordhaven]

I'm using a OppO DV-970HD and An HK 3480 Stereo Receiver. The player is connected from the L&R channels to the CD inputs on the receiver. I have the player audio set up to Digital output RAW. LPCM rate at 192K to Large speakers with sub off.

Again I only play the Advanced Resolution Stereo Soundtracks on the DVD-A disc's. I do not have the player down mix to stereo or anything else.

I do not listen to any of the surround or DTS tracks on the DVD-A.

 

[jcPanny]

X-series upgrades

Nord,
Have you seen the current deals on the Onix Refrence and Rocket speakers ($4-500/pair)? Both would be a major upgrade from the X-ls bookshelf speakers. If you are willing to wait, the EX tweeter and crossover upgrade to the X-series should provide better perforance for modest additional cost.

AH also revied a couple speakers in the $400 range in their recent shoutout. The review noted the difference in the performance and quality of components in the $200, $400, and $800/pair price ranges.

 

[nordhaven]

Nord,
Have you seen the current deals on the Onix Refrence and Rocket speakers ($4-500/pair)? Both would be a major upgrade from the X-ls bookshelf speakers. If you are willing to wait, the EX tweeter and crossover upgrade to the X-series should provide better perforance for modest additional cost.

AH also revied a couple speakers in the $400 range in their recent shoutout. The review noted the difference in the performance and quality of components in the $200, $400, and $800/pair price ranges.

Yes I did check out those sales. They are still in the mix of options.

I read the AH bookshelf review also. I was set on upgrading anyway but that was just fule for the fire!