Paradigm Reference Studio 100v4 vs. Focal JMLab Profile 928

[smg]

Hi,

I have listened to the Studio 100's (source and amplification by Parasound) but not the Focals. I liked the Studio's a lot (all-around effortless delivery), and am seriously considering them, but since the Focals can now be had for virtually the same price, I would be willing to consider them. Unfortunately, I have very little free time, and cannot arrange for a convenient demo session, so any impressions, comparative or otherwise would be most welcome.

Thanks!

 

[jamie2112]

I myself would go with the Paradigms.....

 

[smg]

I myself would go with the Paradigms.....

Thanks, Jamie. Could you please elaborate on the comparison between the two?

 

[jamie2112]

Unless you are going for the JM's with Berillyum tweeter I like the sound of the Digms.....

 

[smg]

Thanks. The Be series are well outside my price range.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have never heard the Focal JMLab Profile but even as busy as you are, you owe it to yourself to take a few hours and audtion everything you can find. It is likely you will have the speakers for 10 or 15 years so invest a few hours to find the right ones.

 

[smg]

...you owe it to yourself to take a few hours and audtion everything you can find...

Sage advice. I am reasonably familiar with the Focal JMLab Chorus 700 series, and the 726's are a notch below the Paradigms in terms of mid-to-low bass response (not quite as open); all else being almost equally satisfying (depending on the type of music, they are "the same" or the Paradigms sound slightly larger). Now, the Profile 928's are the top speakers of the Profile series, which sits two tiers above the Chorus 700 series in the Focal hierarchy. They usually retail for $5500 (retail for the 726's is $1700), so at least on paper (I know...) they stand a fairly good chance of sounding better than the Studio's.

Dollar signs are seldom a guarantee of good sound, and the ear is the ultimate judge. I'll just have to find that time.