Focal speakers are where it's at plain and simple. Due to the driver speed being incredibly fast the speakers are able to deliver punch and reveal the details of whatever you throw them. Even at higher volumes. In fact focal love a bit slap. This guy really knows his stuff.
I used to have a pair of Focal 1028s and moved to Focal Diablo Utopias along with a REL G1. For a second system was using Focal Aria 906, but decided to get back into the 1028s for that system. They just arrived and will be unpacking sometime today. I went through B&W speakers KEF, Elacs and truthfully, the voicing of Focals always works for me. Cant wait to hear the 1028s again in my system!
Kevin: You made me laugh alot because the first time I heard FOCAL speakers, I felt the same, I now carry those in our audio store and clearly they're the best we have. I also purchased a Focal Sound Bar with passive Sub for the bedroom tv and its like going to the movie theatre.
I bought the Electra 927 Be second hand at a bargain a year ago. Such a wonderful speaker. Still enjoy it like the first day. Very versatile, rock, electronic beats, jazz, classic etc. All sound very good. Especially with good flac files. Like Isam from Amon Tobin, goosebumps all over, so massive! It's perfect for me, never have to change again. Highly recommended.
That is one of the best pitches I've heard for Focal. I have had my sopra 2's since launch and they've end gamed my system as they are that good. Such a full midrange and they were owning every speaker at the Bristol UK trade show (at 3 or 4 times the price) on the cheapest Naim amps. An amazing feat of engineering. Glad to see they are just as popular stateside.
You all probably dont care but does anybody know a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my password. I love any tricks you can give me!
@Gunnar Fabian i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
They are so good that you rarely see a pair for sale. Speakers are really selected just on looks. B&W are beautiful speakers also, not way in any way even close to the dynamics of Focal.
If I live in the US I would definitely buy from you Kevin! Love the Focals but the Sonus Faber look much neater/more simple so would probably buy them if given the choice.
Truth is Focal is not for everyone. I listened to all current speakers from Focal and decided to spend some more to buy the more natural and musical sounding Olympica 3. Dont let the good looks fool you. You get this on top of outstanding sound when you buy into Sonus Faber. My speakers are accompanied with Yamaha AS 3000 and CD 3000.
By your logic, a shower head will not affect the nature of the water passing through it due to the fact that you have 2" pipes bringing it into your home.
I agree. Surprised he did not do a comparison with the B&W speakers there. I used to own focal 836v, now I have a pair of Vandersteen II Ce. For me, they are much more fun to listen to. He is too in love with Focal.
Hi, As per your review, I sold my Aria 926 and bought electra 1028. Amazing treble and bass(can't compare with aria ) but the vocal is boring. Very less vocal clarity than aria. The female voice is just ok but male vocals losses depth.
Find these a little analytical used with non valve amplification. My friend has them and initially they impress. They look cool but the sound isn't what I would look for. My friend loves them andvreally that'a all that counts
I was set on buying the Revel Performa3 Series, F206/C205/M105, all in white, until I saw this video. White due to the wife approval. How does FOCAL compare to REVEL? What Focal models compare with Revel and do you recommend looking at any other brands at my price point? I dig your enthusiasm and passion in your video's. TIA
Focal and Sonus Faber are Beasts in Speakers, i love the design, and Sound, i hope one day i can buy me some Focals or Sonus Faber, much money this cost :/ ^^
How would you compare Focal speakers compared to ProAcs in the same price range? I have ProAcs now and would like to upgrade, but I am in doubt as the sound is really good and really don't want a downgrade.
Kevin: For home theater do you recommend Sopra, Electra, or Kanta-- or a combination thereof? What are your picks for front, center, and surrounds for optimal system synergy. Thanks!
I would appreciate your advice, I have the BE1028 but I’m only driving them from an Anthem receiver so I’m looking to update. I’m thinking of the McIntosh MA252 or Arcam A49, what do you think?
Hi Fraser, product and sales inquiries are best directed to info@upscaleaudio.com. Then we can make sure your question gets to the right person, and it's easier to track the conversation.
Fraser Mackay Check out Hegel, either the H90 or H390 depending on your budget. I have the 1008 BE’s sitting on a pair of custom made Sound Anchor stands driven by an H90. This is a match made in heaven for ALL genres of music. I have absolutely no need for a subwoofer. Focal is just that good.
Weird enough but I have the 1038be and I think the aria 948 sounds better to me! Better midrange vocals and bass and more clarity. I find the 1038 they're supposed to be better but they sound kind of flat balanced which can be a good thing for certain people but I was disappointed when I was hoping to really like them more.. :(
you keep talking about the same thing over and over in each of your videos. ok we all get it Focal is GREAT! now why won't you tell us the difference in sound quality? show some samples? explain which are easier to use and which are complicated af like Electra! that's called a REVIEW! I should be the one traveling with you to France to make your warehouse video otherwise you gonna ruin it
Kevin, PSB speakers are much cheaper, but equally as good or better than any Focal or Dynaudio speakers. The PSB Imagine T model is the smallest floorstander in the Imagine series and it achieved 'Class B' status in the Stereophile's Recommended Components. They described the Imagine T model as having electrostatic coherency from lowest to highest frequencies, tremendous soundstage, clarity, transparency and depth for only US $2000. Kevin, we are talking about a dynamic speaker having electrostatic coherency here. Just think about that alone. I saw them on sale last Christmas in Toronto, Canada for CAD $1600, which is equivalent to US $1200 currently. From my experience, PSB speakers give you significantly more value for your money. Nobody really needs Beryllium tweeters to achieve great resolution. Titanium tweeters will give you as much resolution as you want.
good note Raffie....I heard PSB are great speakers at a fraction of cost (all subjective). I purchase Aperion Audio Grand Vera towers and I'm blown away with the sound quality. I'm running a 300W XPR-5 amplifier and XMC-1 processor from Emotiva.
Heard the 1028BE speakers in an owners system recently powered by German AudioNet amplification. Very disappointing, driver synergy was poor, frequencies didn't see to roll off into each band rather each driver seemed to be shouting 'ME,...ME,...ME'. Focal are notoriously bright especially with that Be tweeter so probably best partnered with a good valve amp like Prima Luna.
I think your buddy had a bad sounding system, and there are many causes for that. Especially your comment on integration (read below)!! I would also say that to say the Be tweeter is bright is misguided. Look at the new Focal Sopra 2 which has the same tweeter and a reputation for being warm. The 1028 is like a "mini" Sopra 2. What's most exciting is the 1028 Be used to be $8995 retail but they reduced it $2,000 to $6995 by getting rid of the high gloss finish. Being made 100% in France, there is usually an up charge for bringing it into the USA but in this case we pay less, and I love that. I know of no company that has the engineering and manufacturing capabilities that Focal has. It's a real company At $6995, it's a steal, and I might quote the words from the Absolute Sound Magazine reviewer Steve Dickinson when he declared in his review: "Taking all these factors into account, the increase in bass control and the almost uncanny integration between drivers, the result is a loudspeaker with such immediate and compelling appeal that lesser designs can simply sound broken in comparison. I could bang on about the effortless high frequencies from the beryllium tweeter, the open, lucid and intimate midrange and, well, I’ve already wittered on about the bass quality quite enough. There is also the astonishingly vivid and stable imaging and soundstaging. The fact is that all the above simply contributes to making the Focal 1028Be the most musically communicative, engaging and involving loudspeaker I’ve heard at the price." Regardless, I always talk to my customers at length about their system, tastes, and most important, the room. I'm really picky and could live quite happily with this speaker. But I stock many brands and stock them all so I don't have to play favorites.
Upscale Audio High Fidelity I am in the UK so regularly come across Focal speakers and they do have a certain reputation here but as you say, we all have our own taste. I for one am not pro British loudspeaker lol
The HP monoblocks will power any speaker I have ever seen except perhaps one model of MBL. But the MBL's are crazy inefficient. I run a single HP with speakers that are very hard to drive (86dB) and it's fabulous. It's not just a matter of power. It's bandwidth. And PrimaLuna's have it.
Upscale Audio High Fidelity I am selling my YBA Passion 1000 monoblocs here before I relocate to San Jose in a couple of months so will be looking for something different. I am very interested in your VPI Aries package though 😉
Not to pick on you, but Focal is not the last word in speakers. The B&W speakers you have in the video are very good to say the least. Moreover, You don't seem carry a number of brands that are worth of ownership e.g. Vandersteen, Harbeth, ProAc, among others. I used to own a pair of Focal 836V's. I now own Vandersteen II Ce's. Would NEVER go back! I would even rather own Dynaudio or Totem, though more difficult to drive. I like your channel, just disagree with you on this one.
Focal speakers are where it's at plain and simple. Due to the driver speed being incredibly fast the speakers are able to deliver punch and reveal the details of whatever you throw them. Even at higher volumes. In fact focal love a bit slap.
This guy really knows his stuff.
I used to have a pair of Focal 1028s and moved to Focal Diablo Utopias along with a REL G1. For a second system was using Focal Aria 906, but decided to get back into the 1028s for that system. They just arrived and will be unpacking sometime today. I went through B&W speakers KEF, Elacs and truthfully, the voicing of Focals always works for me. Cant wait to hear the 1028s again in my system!
Love this channel. Wonderfully detailed audio reviews. You are phenomenal. Please add a store in Houston.
Kevin: You made me laugh alot because the first time I heard FOCAL speakers, I felt the same, I now carry those in our audio store and clearly they're the best we have. I also purchased a Focal Sound Bar with passive Sub for the bedroom tv and its like going to the movie theatre.
have you had the opportunity to compare it to the Paradigm Persona 3F?
if so, what did you think?
I bought the Electra 927 Be second hand at a bargain a year ago. Such a wonderful speaker. Still enjoy it like the first day. Very versatile, rock, electronic beats, jazz, classic etc. All sound very good. Especially with good flac files. Like Isam from Amon Tobin, goosebumps all over, so massive! It's perfect for me, never have to change again. Highly recommended.
How's the speaker? I am seeing Electra 1027 for arounf 3k.. Is it a good deal?
That is one of the best pitches I've heard for Focal. I have had my sopra 2's since launch and they've end gamed my system as they are that good. Such a full midrange and they were owning every speaker at the Bristol UK trade show (at 3 or 4 times the price) on the cheapest Naim amps. An amazing feat of engineering. Glad to see they are just as popular stateside.
You all probably dont care but does anybody know a tool to get back into an Instagram account??
I stupidly forgot my password. I love any tricks you can give me!
@Kayden Hank instablaster ;)
@Gunnar Fabian i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm.
Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Gunnar Fabian it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thanks so much, you saved my account!
@Kayden Hank happy to help =)
They are so good that you rarely see a pair for sale. Speakers are really selected just on looks. B&W are beautiful speakers also, not way in any way even close to the dynamics of Focal.
Awesome review..... What do you think about focal 1028 with Yamaha RX-2070 receiver?
If I live in the US I would definitely buy from you Kevin! Love the Focals but the Sonus Faber look much neater/more simple so would probably buy them if given the choice.
I bought a pair of Focal 726’s 3 months ago. I LOVE them. To me, they are perfect. I’ll never sell these.
Truth is Focal is not for everyone. I listened to all current speakers from Focal and decided to spend some more to buy the more natural and musical sounding Olympica 3. Dont let the good looks fool you. You get this on top of outstanding sound when you buy into Sonus Faber. My speakers are accompanied with Yamaha AS 3000 and CD 3000.
Power cords from furutech and interconnections from Ansuz by the way ;)
By your logic, a shower head will not affect the nature of the water passing through it due to the fact that you have 2" pipes bringing it into your home.
I agree. Surprised he did not do a comparison with the B&W speakers there. I used to own focal 836v, now I have a pair of Vandersteen II Ce. For me, they are much more fun to listen to. He is too in love with Focal.
Hi,
As per your review, I sold my Aria 926 and bought electra 1028. Amazing treble and bass(can't compare with aria ) but the vocal is boring. Very less vocal clarity than aria. The female voice is just ok but male vocals losses depth.
Find these a little analytical used with non valve amplification. My friend has them and initially they impress. They look cool but the sound isn't what I would look for. My friend loves them andvreally that'a all that counts
I was set on buying the Revel Performa3 Series, F206/C205/M105, all in white, until I saw this video. White due to the wife approval. How does FOCAL compare to REVEL? What Focal models compare with Revel and do you recommend looking at any other brands at my price point? I dig your enthusiasm and passion in your video's. TIA
Focal and Sonus Faber are Beasts in Speakers, i love the design, and Sound, i hope one day i can buy me some Focals or Sonus Faber, much money this cost :/ ^^
How would you compare Focal speakers compared to ProAcs in the same price range? I have ProAcs now and would like to upgrade, but I am in doubt as the sound is really good and really don't want a downgrade.
ProAcs are amazing speakers, so are Harbeth.
Kevin: For home theater do you recommend Sopra, Electra, or Kanta-- or a combination thereof? What are your picks for front, center, and surrounds for optimal system synergy. Thanks!
I would appreciate your advice, I have the BE1028 but I’m only driving them from an Anthem receiver so I’m looking to update. I’m thinking of the McIntosh MA252 or Arcam A49, what do you think?
Hi Fraser, product and sales inquiries are best directed to info@upscaleaudio.com. Then we can make sure your question gets to the right person, and it's easier to track the conversation.
Fraser Mackay Check out Hegel, either the H90 or H390 depending on your budget. I have the 1008 BE’s sitting on a pair of custom made Sound Anchor stands driven by an H90. This is a match made in heaven for ALL genres of music. I have absolutely no need for a subwoofer. Focal is just that good.
Hi,
1028 (4 ohms) or Aria 948 (8 ohms) good for vocal and bass
George Pg wondering the same thing. I have an opportunity to upgrade from aria 948 to 1028 be2 but nobody compares them
first, I bought 926 then 1028. Vocal is superb in 926 but less bass.
In 1028,treble and bass are great but very less vocal quality.
Has ANYONE heard the 1037be?? I'd love to know if there is a significant difference with the 1038be..
Weird enough but I have the 1038be and I think the aria 948 sounds better to me! Better midrange vocals and bass and more clarity. I find the 1038 they're supposed to be better but they sound kind of flat balanced which can be a good thing for certain people but I was disappointed when I was hoping to really like them more.. :(
What amp did u use with 1038?
Hi kevin you said that about Tannoy
how much can you get these used for?
approximately $3000 in the chicago area.
you keep talking about the same thing over and over in each of your videos. ok we all get it Focal is GREAT! now why won't you tell us the difference in sound quality? show some samples? explain which are easier to use and which are complicated af like Electra! that's called a REVIEW! I should be the one traveling with you to France to make your warehouse video otherwise you gonna ruin it
I sadly agree. However much I like enthusiasm, but some nuances would be nice.
Kevin, PSB speakers are much cheaper, but equally as good or better than any Focal or Dynaudio speakers. The PSB Imagine T model is the smallest floorstander in the Imagine series and it achieved 'Class B' status in the Stereophile's Recommended Components. They described the Imagine T model as having electrostatic coherency from lowest to highest frequencies, tremendous soundstage, clarity, transparency and depth for only US $2000.
Kevin, we are talking about a dynamic speaker having electrostatic coherency here. Just think about that alone. I saw them on sale last Christmas in Toronto, Canada for CAD $1600, which is equivalent to US $1200 currently. From my experience, PSB speakers give you significantly more value for your money. Nobody really needs Beryllium tweeters to achieve great resolution. Titanium tweeters will give you as much resolution as you want.
good note Raffie....I heard PSB are great speakers at a fraction of cost (all subjective). I purchase Aperion Audio Grand Vera towers and I'm blown away with the sound quality. I'm running a 300W XPR-5 amplifier and XMC-1 processor from Emotiva.
Paradigm do the same thing to you should look into the persona But I do like focal speakers also
Hell, Paradigm is practically a small scale Focal in North America.
Heard the 1028BE speakers in an owners system recently powered by German AudioNet amplification. Very disappointing, driver synergy was poor, frequencies didn't see to roll off into each band rather each driver seemed to be shouting 'ME,...ME,...ME'. Focal are notoriously bright especially with that Be tweeter so probably best partnered with a good valve amp like Prima Luna.
I think your buddy had a bad sounding system, and there are many causes for that. Especially your comment on integration (read below)!! I would also say that to say the Be tweeter is bright is misguided. Look at the new Focal Sopra 2 which has the same tweeter and a reputation for being warm. The 1028 is like a "mini" Sopra 2. What's most exciting is the 1028 Be used to be $8995 retail but they reduced it $2,000 to $6995 by getting rid of the high gloss finish. Being made 100% in France, there is usually an up charge for bringing it into the USA but in this case we pay less, and I love that. I know of no company that has the engineering and manufacturing capabilities that Focal has. It's a real company
At $6995, it's a steal, and I might quote the words from the Absolute Sound Magazine reviewer Steve Dickinson when he declared in his review:
"Taking all these factors into account, the increase in bass control and the almost uncanny integration between drivers, the result is a loudspeaker with such immediate and compelling appeal that lesser designs can simply sound broken in comparison. I could bang on about the effortless high frequencies from the beryllium tweeter, the open, lucid and intimate midrange and, well, I’ve already wittered on about the bass quality quite enough. There is also the astonishingly vivid and stable imaging and soundstaging. The fact is that all the above simply contributes to making the Focal 1028Be the most musically communicative, engaging and involving loudspeaker I’ve heard at the price."
Regardless, I always talk to my customers at length about their system, tastes, and most important, the room. I'm really picky and could live quite happily with this speaker. But I stock many brands and stock them all so I don't have to play favorites.
Upscale Audio High Fidelity I am in the UK so regularly come across Focal speakers and they do have a certain reputation here but as you say, we all have our own taste. I for one am not pro British loudspeaker lol
The HP monoblocks will power any speaker I have ever seen except perhaps one model of MBL. But the MBL's are crazy inefficient. I run a single HP with speakers that are very hard to drive (86dB) and it's fabulous. It's not just a matter of power. It's bandwidth. And PrimaLuna's have it.
Upscale Audio High Fidelity I am selling my YBA Passion 1000 monoblocs here before I relocate to San Jose in a couple of months so will be looking for something different. I am very interested in your VPI Aries package though 😉
Not to pick on you, but Focal is not the last word in speakers. The B&W speakers you have in the video are very good to say the least. Moreover, You don't seem carry a number of brands that are worth of ownership e.g. Vandersteen, Harbeth, ProAc, among others. I used to own a pair of Focal 836V's. I now own Vandersteen II Ce's. Would NEVER go back! I would even rather own Dynaudio or Totem, though more difficult to drive. I like your channel, just disagree with you on this one.
エリック focal 836v are great speakers. There not in the same league as the Electra range. Go have a listen.
Worst sounding speaker's review on internet :)