Ultimate MONITOR SHOOTOUT - Focal, ATC, Barefoot, Adam, Amphion
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Monitor Shootout: Focal Trio 11 be vs ATC SCM25 vs Adam S3H vs Barefoot MicroMain27 vs Amphion two18
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Monitor Shootout WINNER
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Quite engaging, and detailed evaluation review of this group of Monitors. Thank you for your hard work. I'm an old Audiophile (61), and though many of us prefer full range dynamic standing speakers, in actuality as we get older, we need to transition to mid or even near field accurate monitors. With Large full range speakers room acoustics and speaker placement end up being a losing battle as we age, and our hearing degrades. In the world of 'old' audiophiles, accuracy in music reproduction is only superseded by musicality, which is what you refer to as "having an emotional response"/ engaging/captivating sound signature. Much success to you Colt in your business, and personal life. Thanks.
I’ve got amphion one18s and you can’t go wrong making mix decisions on them ... mixes just translate on other speakers so good when mixing with them ... I love them ... they’re like more detailed ns10 to me
I agree… I also own a pair of apmphion one 18s and a pair of focals…the most important part that was missing in this shootout. Is how well each mix translates after working with each pair of monitors. Monitors are supposed to be flat sounding and not hyped. Just my 2 cents
I’ve had some Focal Solo6’s for about 5 years now and they’ve totally changed my approach to monitoring. One had developed a recurring fault on the amp, which for the third time is finally having the board swapped out. This has meant that on several occasions for about a month at a time I have had loaner monitors in and nothing has come close to that mix of fidelity and depth without introducing anything ‘flattering’ that’s not in the audio. Totally with you on the ATC25s too. My friend has them in his studio replacing his old Focal SM9s and really bring that front to back depth, particularly with ambiances and reverb,
Great video.
Thanks for watching!
I could feel your emotion for the winning speaker as though I were in front of them.
Seven years in my production and engineering journey and not even one piece of gear to my name. It's well.
I love you sir keep up the good work.
Thanks for the video! The reason the Adam S3H doesn't go as low as the frequency response would have suggested is because it's rated at - 20dB, where many other monitors/speakers often have frequency response rated at +/- 3dB for example. It's strange, because 2x 7" should be able to move roughly the same amount of air as one 10" woofer does, I guess they opted for very low distortion specs or so, or high SPL? Just guessing though.
Interesting… I will have to take another look at their frequency response chart. Thanks for watching!
I have a pair and they have the headroom to put out a ton of low end, they 're just set out of the box to be more flat. When I just want to sit back and listen I throw the massive passive plugin on my Apollo and crank up the bass and a high shelf and they sound super flattering and hifi. It was a little learning curve while mixing to not lift the bass too much wanting it to hit my chest at high volumes but coming from smaller speakers (the Dynaudio BM6 MKiii) I was used to that in the low end. I'm torn on if I should try to adjust the curves in the DSP to give me that extra bass so I can just set it how I want to hear it without a second thought. I understand the idea behind a "house curve" but I'm not so sure I want to be working through an extra layer of eq.
Excellent. Congratulations on the Focals, Colt ! I’ve been on mine for a little over a year now, I feel like I’m still discovering hidden gems inside of classic music we’ve all heard for the 1M time.
They are so so good! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video . The real point is you can't chose unless you listen to your library on them. I tried Barefoot , Focal and ATC . There was something fatiguing with the top end on the focal Trio. I could not adjust to them, too sharp. I finally got the ATC 50 (with sub0) 45 and 25. They all match very well for different studio sizes. Each person has a different pair of ears and I am glad that I no longer have to figure out speakers anymore.
Focal makes amazing speakers. I used to own a pair of Solo6s and you're right... the depth, transient response and the emotions they give you are incredible. I've never heard another speaker like them. Crazy good! I miss them so much.
For sure!
I was happy at the biggining with solo6 but since i mix with ns10 my mix is really easier to achevé. The Focal is ok for high, but not clear in medium and low. Now i m looking for a monitor with good lows and more detailed....
Congratulations! The best news for me as a listener with HIFI gear is to hear that you compress things less now. On a normal HIFI system heavily compressed music can unlike on studio monitors sound absolute horrible. But when I put on a high quality recording like the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab version of Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms it sounds so amazing and involving/engaging that I forget about everything around me but the music. I believe that's some of the same experiences you have with Focals and I'm exited for your choice
yes, although I can probably never afford a monitor in this price range I’ve been waiting on this video!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome review :) I'm a proud owner of the Amphion Two15s and will never ever give them away :) You may be right with your critique about them but this one point you mentioned that they sound so clinical that you really have to put work into a mix until it sounds good on the Amphions is so true and this is exactly why I love them so much :) For me personally this point has so much weight that the other points of your review are almost unimportant. Since I own my Amphions I've saved so much time because checking the mix in the car or on the bluetooth speaker has become redundant because the translation of the Amphions is so incredible :)
I know too many engineers and producers being deceived by Focal's hi-finess. Their dry mixes sound already awesome on Focals and leave producers tricked.
PS. I'm working on Klein Hummel speakers.
Best monitor, most detailed and fun to watch comparison ever made on TH-cam! Man you won a prize! Thank you so much for that!
Really appreciate it! Thanks for watching!
From the first day you opened up the Focals, I knew you would pick them. I had a pair of Focals in my studio and bro, they were the truth; less running into the car to check a mix. Talk about what you see is what you get, ehh, sorry what you HEAR is what you get...inspiration galore. I would love you to mix/master something for me. You are so easy to listen to and believable, thanks for always keeping it real...GOD Bless!
I made the exact same move from Event Opals to the Trio 11be. I still use my NS10s alongside for reference, but agree 100% on you with these monitors! Great choice!
That’s awesome! Such a good transition!
Thanks for taking the time to take us through your journey and how you landed on your choice. I’m a bit of a Focal fan so, it’s good to know the Trios represented well.. I’ve seen a few other well regarded producer/mixers use them. I’m considering them for my next upgrade.
Btw. One more thing to consider is that the entertainment industry is shifting to special audio in a big way. Which of the monitors are capable of supporting spatial audio and Atmos configurations and surround configurations. Are any of these equipped for future paradigm shifts in the entertainment industry? This is one area where Genelec is CRUSHING everyone. Just something to consider. Especially since apple has launched special audio on Apple Music. Again, no criticism here just wanted to know if these are things that you’ve considered. Love your channel bro.
As an aspiring musician what would this mean to us? Since the transition is happening in the entertainment industry would that mean I need to get my hands on or find people with that technology?
@@Suave26 hey! Thanks for your question!! What this means for you as a musician is it creates more opportunities to deliver more engaging music. If you’re just getting started in the industry I would suggest placing your focus on your craft and your music. You can also reach out to mixing and mastering facilities to handle the mixing and mastering side of things. However, if you’re just getting started I would say not to worry about it. Until your career begins to grow to the point where your income is enough to begin investing in the tech I would focus on your craft and quality music whil learning as much as you can about the technologies so that you’re ready when your career gets to the point where using the technology becomes feasible for you. Hope this helps. Learning about the technology is the first step to beginning to integrate it into the way you make music. If you have any other questions feel free to reach out.
The transition ain't happening, don't get fooled and save your money. Dolby Atmos is a dead 🦜
The Focals all the way. I really hope you chose them at the end of this Video.
My entry-level Alpha 65s are the best thing I've ever experienced.
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YES!!!!! Enjoy those beauties!
Nailed it! Thanks for watching!
My Trio 11s come tomorrow. Seeing this just made me more excited :)
Have fun my man
CONGRATS!!!
I just sold mine lol
@@SilverStrings25 Why?
I'm not even that into production+mixing but I still got excited when I saw this video was up haha
My man! 🤘🏻🙏🏻
This feels like the season finale of an amazing series!!! Lol
If someone is going to spend 6-11k on monitors, have the need not the want for them. In my studio I have had the PMC twotwo6's for several years now, also a pair of old Tannoy 800s. Love them both. Something to piggyback off of Colt's views is; don't forget where you place monitors and what you place them on can make a world of difference. Not to mention how your room is oriented and treated.
I have adams and i love them ... its like 3d hearing sound
I have them as well. I was surprised to hear him say they lacked depth compared to the Focals. I haven't heard the Trio 11's but I wish I could get a pair in here to compare. The Adams continually blow my mind so it's hard to imagine anything more impressive and real sounding. I guess the bottom line is that at this price point we're all enjoying some seriously incredible audio especially if our rooms are well treated. Maybe I'm hearing so much depth in my Adams because I have 16" deep QRD diffusers across my back wall. There are so many variables in audio, it's probably impossible to achieve any objective comparisons beyond broad strokes. The broad stroke here is that these are all amazing monitoring systems and I'm just so grateful that after 15 years of obsession with audio quality I get to listen to these Adams every day.
This felt like the Batchelor elimination round😂 great video though👏🏿
Hahahaha
Did you know that the co-found of HEDD (Klaus Heinz) was also the founder of Adam Audio? That's why they're seen as like-for-like speakers. The new MK2's have CoP plugs which are interesting as you can change the speakers from ported to closed, giving you the option to switch between optimum accuracy (closed cabinet) and a dynamic, low-reaching design with increased SPL (ported cabinet).
Great series by the way! It's great to see speaker lovers talk about speakers!
I did know that! They are so similar too. Thanks for watching!
Awesome video! There's not a lot of comparison reviews out there for monitors in this range, especially not this detailed.
Would love to hear a similar shootout that includes some of the more recent German brands in this price bracket, Eve, KS Digital, and Hedd
12 minutes in and I just want to say: RIP Amphion lol
I’ve just bought a pair of Focal Alpha Twin Evo, which have replaced my Alpha 65 Evo and - even though they’re not in the price bracket of the Focals you have there - they too give me the same emotional experience you’re talking about. It’s crazy! I’ve never felt like that about a pair of speakers in my life, but I’ve got a real connection to these. So much so, that I’ve just got the Focal Sub One to go with them. Great video! Really enjoyed it.
Fantastic video! Your summed up thoughts about a “feeling” is exactly how I felt with the ATC SCM25A. Was fun watching the journey and congrats on landing your dream pair! 🤘
ATC are absolutely incredible as well! They would’ve been my second choice for sure! Thanks for watching man!
Thank you so much for doing this! I was just in the music store this weekend and listened to the Focal's and I agree with everything you said about them.
I just ordered them, because I never heard anything like them in my life and it was truly an emotional experience.
Amazing! Congrats! Pumped for you to have them!
Glad you had Adam S3H as runner up. I picked those as a modern NS10M.
Great shoot out. Thanks for putting together.
I think Focal Trios are great speakers. I think if you tried Amphion One 15s with a nice class AB amp and a Kel subwoofer you'd be impressed with that setup as well.
The momentum I finished watching your video about focals 3 weeks ago, I knew that if I had to go for some high end monitors, I would definitely go for these.
They are so good!
I want to get a set of ATC SCM12 PROs but, the P1 amp is unrealistically expensive. Would an Avantone CLA 200 be a good amp for these?
I love all of your stuff!!!
Thanks so much!
Would be interesting to see the Neumann KH420 or the PSI A25M in this comparison :-) - but there are so much great and different Speaker out there (Strauss Elektr. / Unity Audio / PMC / Quested...)
Kh420 is clipping at 106db apparently
I had a feeling it's going to be the Focals. It makes the most sense in your situation. You already have a pair of unimpressive speakers, there is no real value of adding yet another. Even if they are more detailed.
Loving the new intro… and I’m upgrading my monitors so this came at the perfect time!
Thanks for a very comprehensive review, I am an owner of the Focal 6 be's and have loved them in my small project studio. I have plans to build my new project studio while building our new home that will be a stand alone studio in the rear of our new residence, I planned on searching for new monitors for that project and you have been a great resource for me. The Focal 11 be must be a front runner in. the new project, thanks again.
Thank you for your insigful review. I used Focal Twins and their sub for many many years in my studio. I wanted to upgrade and I know Adams and Barefoot which were not for my taste.
I ended up trying the ATC scm25a's. From 100 up, they are incredible. I was blown away with the separation they provided. Everything is put on its own shelf. The bass was good but not low enough for me. Thankfully, if I did get them, I would keep the Focal sub to work with them. I had two problems with these monitors however. Every speaker I listen to has some cohesiveness with the music. The ATC's don't provide enough for it. Now I can use my Yamaha HS 5 monitors as my 2nd reference monitors that do provide this cohesiveness. So I could get by with the ATC’s.
The 2nd problem was I was so used to my Focal Twin sound that I did not want to spend the months needed to relearn how to mix with these monitors.
So, I tried the Focal Trio ST6 monitors. I heard the original Trio 6 Be, and though they were good, I actually preferred my Twins with the sub. The new Trios 6'a are a good step up from the original. They provided better bass than the ATC, they have the Focal family sound, so getting used to these monitors won't take as long. The detail in the mids is very good and though they separate the instruments, they still have some cohesive sound as well. So I decided to stay with the Trio 6's. I will admit there is some things I miss about the ATC's. The clarity in the mids blowing , but overall the Trios which are also a little more fun to listen to music on, so they became my new monitors.
Great video. Glad you chose the trio 11, because they are the ones i chose. 🤣 i heard them at a big studio supplier against a lot of speakers and i was a bit in heaven or in the Music. Like you tried describe in your video.
For me they are a bit to flattering as a the only speakers, but bought the auratones and oh my god is this combo just perfect. As you had the auratones for years you probably didnt notice, but for me it's the perfect pair.
Be aware though with the "i compress less part" the focals easily show dynamics other speakers aren't capable of, so it might sound amazing on the focals but be gone on most other speakers.
Yeah, I packed up my NS-10s, but I still need my Auratones. I’ve never worked on any monitor that I think I could do the complete job on. But the fact that these allowed me to go from three speakers down to two speakers is a huge win in my book. Thanks for watching!
Hi Colt, so after re-watching several of your video's and now myself moving into the Atmos arena, I am letting my MM26's go, and have purchased a pair of the Focal Trio 11's, they are on the way... I will also buy a new pair of the Sound Anchor stands and the Iso-Aucoustic pucks... my question is, what did your friend from Focal say or what do you think is the "optimal height" for the sweet spot when you are in the seated mix position? It appears you have the center of the box (just above the woofer, and below the midrange as your focal point)... or is it an adjustment for each individual... ?? I am also upgrading my interface to the NTP-DAD AX64, and a Trinnov DMON for the monitoring solution... I had looked at the AVID MTRX Studio as you did at NAMM, but I am NOT a ProTools user at all... so I am not tied to AVID products, and to be honest the MTRX Studio has had some issues in the past... "thoughts?"
So pumped for you, and thanks for the comment! So I think traditionally, the tweeter at your height is correct. However, my personal preference in general, and my personal preference with the trios is for it to be higher than that. Currently, my ear is the same height as the mid range driver. So this puts the tweeter, four or 5 inches above. To me, this is where the trio sounds best. Vertical, and tweeter 3 to 6 inches above ear height.
As far as the MTRX Studio goes. I have not heard, or talked to anyone that has had issues with it. That said, I’m sure some people have as exists with every piece of gear. The reason why I’m going, that route is because it is the most advanced, seamless Integration for Atmos, that I could find all in one box. The delay, and EQ for room tuning seems to be the best of any interface out there. Possibly minus third-party options In addition to an interface. Especially now that they just announced it has thunderbolt support. So no need for HDX. However, I am going HDX, with an HDIO because I really miss the HD workflow. Are used to have an HD three rig, and switching back-and-forth between mixing and tracking, with basically zero latency, and not having to manually calculate hardware insert round trip latency is worth the switch back for me personally.
Hope that helps and all makes sense! Best of luck!
@@ColtCapperrune Excellent, and thank you so much for the detailed reply! I totally understand your path for HDX as you are, and have been a long time PT user so it makes sense. For me, I am 99% in Logic, and yeah the Dolby Renderer alongside DADman software will take care of my Atmos needs. The NTP-DAD AX64 is basically a MTRX II minus the PT cards, and I will also have the Thunderbolt option as well... I am really looking forward to getting the Trio11's, and "sweet-spot" placement. Not to "ding" too much on AVID, the Thunderbolt card I found out is a "paid option" at an additional $799.00, even for the MTRX Studio box, it is NOT included in the base unit. It IS included in my NTP-DAD AX64... This is not only my complaint but many others in the world of AVID users... they charge you for everything they possibly can. It's already a large financial investment as you know, just watching my bottom line as close as I can...
Cole, I would like to thank you for your channel. I just turned 66 and started playing guitar in bands since I was 12. As of last year, I decided I had enough of performing live. With that being said, I got into recording. A few friends and I have been doing some covers and working on originals. Small star up as far as studio goes. Pair of Presonus E5 monitors, Studio One 5, Presonus 1824c for interface. Pretty modest but it works. I find you channel very informative and helpful. Being in bands I was around mixers and equipment all my life but this is kind of a new learning curve.
Thanks again. Very much appreciated!
Thanks for this video.. I’ve been looking at them as my next Speaker purchase. I use SM9’s at the moment and thy go deep but they are not as tight in the lows.. or go as loud.. However, great video great translations across the range. Thanks for helping me decide my next Focals.. They are so big, which is my only worry. For the other consumers, the focals are so good you can mix any genre of music on them! Love your content. Don’t Stop!
In my personal opinion the Trio 11 are miles ahead of the SM9. Do it!
I knew it would be the Focals. I've been saving for awhile to get a set.
Do it man. They are so good!
Great comparison, thanks for the video
As a owner of atc’s 25 and as someone that has been looking for a high-end monitor for a long time
Got a chance to hear and work on all of the speakers on your list
It seems that you over credit the focals
They are amazing but in most of the categories they are inferior comparing to atc especially high end/tonal balance and depth
But i guess it’s a splitting hairs situation like you said
Dude this video was awesome!!! My only concern is that the one set of monitors that I’m heavily considering is Genelec is not in this shootout and considering that genelec is one of the strongest players in the game, I believe that reviewing them would give a more well rounded review because they have a LOT of capabilities that none of the monitors that you reviewed do not have. But thanks for this video. Super helpful and has narrowed my decision greatly. But based on what I’ve learned about all these monitors from you Genelec is still a really strong choice for me.
The three-way Genelec I think are definitely a model to be considered. Every time I’ve worked on other monitors they were fine, but I’ve not ever felt myself being drawn to them. But these newer three ways are getting rave reviews
Used Genelec 1032A and 8000s series and switched to Focal trio6 now,Agree with Colt consider the 3 way model,the 2 way series sucks high and low.
Hey. Thanks for the reply. Focal does not provide a multi monitor system that properly supports Atmos or spatial audio production. These are two areas that I work in heavily. Furthermore upon review of the focal series, they do not provide expansion or support to properly and efficiently create emmersive audio systems and do not provide the ability efficiently integrate with such technologies as Dante. I do not just work in audio, I do work across the entire entertainment industry. So while I would love to use focal studio monitors in my studio the reality is that when designing foley and music for multi format entertainment experiences across audio, video, ar, xr, and gaming Focal just falls short. I mean no disrespect. I’ve been researching this for over a year to make sure that I don’t waste money on the wrong solution. I have a great love and respect for all the brands that Colt reviewed. I just need something with more flexibility and versatility. Hope you have a great day and be safe.
@@kingalysterianlion5542 i think if you do some adjustment on the software you can use 2 big focal speakers as main stereo and route multi channel(expect L R)to many small speakers like genelec 8020s as surround set.
Check out the deadmau5 castle studio it would be helpful for you.
@@user-js3op5lu7y hey! Thanks for that recommendation. I really appreciate it. Upon further review of additional comparisons specifically between Genelec and Focal, it is very clear that the Genelec 8351A is a more superior monitor in clarity, accuracy, stereo imagery, bass detail, as well as extension resolution and transparency in its delivery. Furthermore, Genelec also works to be an extremely ethical company in the way they manufacture their speakers and their impact on the environment. In addition, expansion, calibration, and tuning has made Genelec a leading innovator for some time now. Finally, expanding a Genelec system has minimal costs of time and money whereas doing the same with focal is not as simple. It requires more equipment. Genelec has its SAM and GLM systems. Focal does not have such technology. Please understand. This doesn’t mean I dislike focal. Quite the contrary. I believe that focal produces amazing systems. They just fall short of Genelec. Especially when it comes to ethical manufacturing. This is a huge factor to me because I run a environmentally sustainable studio. I love focal and do intend on having a set of their monitors in my studio. You and colt’s input has helped me with that decision. Simultaneously, because of both of your insights I was forced to really take a second look at Genelec and it has only proven even more that Genelec is simply a better choice. Deadmau5 studio has been configured and designed for his tastes and his style. My studio is a commercial studio that works on many types of projects across many genres. Genelec has proven that it is the best bang for the buck. Focal is deal close second. Thank you for all your help in this decision.
Btw. The specific monitors that I’m going with are the Genelec 8351B. Cheers!
I upgraded from a set of Adam A7Xs, to a set of ATC 45s. MIND BOGGLING GOOD. You can not hide anything. They are smooth, detailed and smooth. Did I say smooth? Not fatiguing at all. I have heard things in songs I never knew were there.
How do they fit in your room? They seem a bit massive.
@@dougleydorite They are big, but they actually are a bit smaller than I anticipated. They are heavy and awkward, you need two people to set them in place to not risk your back. They are on a big pair of Argosy stands, just behind and towards the sides of my desk.
I'm fortunate to live within 10 miles of Alto Music, one of HEDD's North American distributors...I recently bought a set of the 07mk2s and paired them with their 8" sub...it's too bad you weren't interested in them as I have been nothing but impressed with them...
Did you feed the Adams digital? Its supposed to be a big step up for them compared to analogue as you skip 2 conversion stages.
Thank you for sharing your opinion, great video :)
I've worked for near 10 years on Focal CMS65 + CMS SUB. My next move will be the Trio 11 for sure! I'm so in love with Focal! 😀
Thank you for watching!
Don,t ever work witk Kii or you'll fall out of love with the focals
Very good video, thanks. One complexity is definetly with or without subwoofer. Subwoofer can have a mechanical advantage of eliminating the ~ 100 hz bounce from speaker to floor. And also reduce the strain, giving the lowmid and up room to breathe and give more detail. In my expericene running krk vxt 6 and adam sub, it really gives all the mechanical advantages to make the listening pro. And It could be a decent idea for people to go down a notch in prices for example focal trio 6 and add a sub to it.
Very true! However in less than perfect rooms subs can also cause more problems than they solve. Thanks for watching!
it feels so good to see the focals rise again 😍🔥❤️!
Thanks for watching!
@@ColtCapperrune AH LOVE YOU COLT! thanks for your reply. I’v listened to the focal trio 11 Be as well and they sound the best! hands down! wish to buy them some day!
Hehe no surprise here. I wonder if the upgrade from 6's to 11's makes sense for something more than the low end extension. As in, they actually sound better overall.
And that is something I would love to put to the test, my understanding is that they are more or less the same except for the low end, but I’ve never heard them in person
@@ColtCapperrune in any case, congrats on finding your new pair of speakers! That red burr ash finish never gets old
@@ColtCapperrune Kindly test out the Trio 6 be (s) and give ur opinion!! Looking to get one soon😊😊 Great video bdw loved it❤️❤️
Already working on getting a pair of Trio 6’s in here for a comparison video!
@@ColtCapperrune awesome!
What about Genelec for example 'the ones'?
Thank so much for this Colt. I'm a classical engineer with old Bowers & Wilkins 801 Matrix 2s, and I wish I could upgrade to more recent pairs but just can't afford them, so I've been trying to figure out where to look next. Most studio monitors in my price range can't replace the 801s, but it sounds like Focal might just be the magic fix. I'm excited to give them a go. Thanks for your hard work and insight.
Great wrap-up review. Very informative. Now all I need is a spare $8k Ha ha
Thanks! Definitely not cheap, but great bang for the buck compared to other options on top of it being my favorite
The way the Adam speaker is sitting on the Focal is giving me wicked anxiety lol
Hahaha!!
I have a pair of the Adam Audio S3Vs and provide a digital feed to them. This improves the performance over analogue in my opinion (and others). Out of curiosity what was used in your test? Excellent review BTW.
At the moment I own the ATCs scm45a and went to a friends studio here in Spain, to listen to his Focal trio 11 be. They were miles off in Every aspect compared to the ATCs, and the change from the 45s to scm 25a is nearly unnoticeable, except the obvious oomph in the low end.
Sorry, but I don't agree with you on the Focals and I'm a big fan, as I came from the solo 6 be.
He has Trio 11 not the 6
@@lucy5668 That's what I meant, thanks for the correction.
As a home hi-fi enthusiast and owner of ATC SCM11 monitors for home use, I found this video absolutely hit the sweet spot (pun intended!). Loved the categories used to discern the quality of the monitors, just loved the video! Am now fully subscribed, awesome work! 🙏
I loved this series! It would be fun to see a review of more affordable monitor, maybe the most affordable. I use Krk's Rokit and Yamahas msp7
I’m going to have to take a break for the monitor reviews for a bit LOL, but I would love to do a shoot out in the $1000 price range, and like the $3000 price range
Thanks for the comprehensive review. The Focal's really look the part. I can imagine they'd be inspiring to monitor on. I'm currently using Genelec 8030 nearfields.
I just bought a pair of Focal Alpha 65 Evo, it's not the same price range but I think I did the right choice.
I haven’t worked on those, but I bet they are great!
Good Choice
I have dreams about the focals! Knew they were going to win 🤘 thanks colt great video as always
They are incredible! Thanks for watching!
Hey man , what do you think using these monitors ( Focal trio 11) in a home stereo setup ? Would they be ok ?
i knew it Colt that you gonna choose the Focals, good choice...Great Review, Thanks for that
Thanks for watching!
I love how you tried to make a fight about this🙂 focal one 1st in basically every category
I have focal trio 6be in my room and I have the same feelings as you!
I would love to see your thoughts on the lower range focal stuff. I got the trios after working on the shape 65’s and they were also insane !
I’m trying to get $1000 price range and $3000 price range shoot out put together!
Nice! How did you find the shape 65s, against the trios?
Здравствуйте. Можете описать отличия звука между Solo6 и Shape65? Я слушаю музыку на Shape 65. Будут ли Solo значительно лучше. Говорят, у Solo мягкий звук. Shape по сравнению с ними напорестей?
Great work Colt! Appreciate your insight on all these monitors. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching!
I bought the focals 6 be 40 edition and in some part was because of the good words you said about the big brother, I’m so happy with the buy, great video!
I knew you were for focals jejej has to be amazing this speaker in the room enjoyy!
It was really impressive to see this such detailed video. Your review and your love for the Focal Trio 11 be was really tangible. Thank you very much for this review ! Very helpful !
What a Ride, I loved every bit of your presentation. Keep up the good work! Appreciate it.
Thank you for following along!
What were the amps you were using with the two18's? I highly recommend trying different amps with these... The amps really matter more than anything when pairing.
Why my trio 11 be feel very weak lowend.. I had to add a sub for it. Is there anyway to adjust?
did you say SCM150 or 50 was the only one with enough bass?
Wow. I was close to pulling the trigger on a set of Barefoot Footprint01's, but this video now has me saving my pennies for a set of Focal Trio11 Be's.
This is very, very, very helpful!! Thank so much! Respect!
Thanks for watching!
Loved this video man, I see a lot of mixers ,like MixedByAli for an example, converting to these amphions, why do you think that is?
Honestly it’s hard to say, monitors are an extremely subjective, personal preference type of thing. A lot of people like the Amphion!
@@ColtCapperrune i think most people like them because of their honesty, Ali is known to like Ns10s purely for their honesty so thats kinda starting to make sense now, they aren't the classic old ns10s, they are modern + honest so that would make a lot of sense now that i think bout it actually, thanks a lot for the reply and ur opinion man! I love these videos and ur entire channel! Ur great man, keep going!🙏🏼
Curious how the Dynaudio core 59 and PMC twotwo 8s would compare to the Focals
I cannot wait to watch this while I'm at the gym! Thanks for the content my man!
Thanks for watching! Hope you had a killer workout!
@@ColtCapperrune sweated my balls off! #CardioFatty
One of the best comparison videos I've seen! ❤ but I really missed Dynaudio Core 59s. I hope you could compare it with your favorite Focal one day!
We will see what happens, thanks for watching!
Yesterday I decided to give a listen to the music you produce (the one you have on the website) using my Focal Chorus HiFi speakers :
listening to I thougt it was to compressed, going from sounding too weak at a lower level to screaming at a higher level with a lack of dynamic (I'm exagerating a bit, but it's hard to put it in words). It can also be an artistic choice and I'm fine with it, not everybody like the same music.
But I'm glad that you also decided to lower your compression when using the Focal's :
my far from professional hears where onto something :D
Your vocals where really good though :)
Anyway, not a sound engineer, just a curious guy who like music and the technical side of things. Have a nice day, your review was really well done and explained !
Thanks for this Colt! I love the music that comes around when its time for your decision haha
Gotta create that suspense!! Haha
Focals ate pretty good. Definitely a step up from many others.
Try Genelec coaxial 8361 and you will experience supreme sound. You sound have compared it with your Focal
The KSD A200 mk2 have an incredible low end and stereo field. Try them out
When I first saw your Focal review, I was pretty sure you choose them 😊
They are so so good!
FANTASTIC CHOICE!!!!! Congrats!!!!!!
Love watching videos about expensive ass gear while I sit here with my jbls
Recently I have purchased Focal Alpha Evo 80 and even being the entry level of Focal they still keep a bit of this sound signature. Of course the sweet spot is not the same AT ALL NOT EVEN CLOSE BY ANY MEAN, but the clarity and the low end is really good. They are quite fun to listen. And I feel all these even before finishing with the room treatment. I am looking forward to finish all the panels and enjoy the best version of this babies. Also waiting to finish the warming (bearing) of the speakers. (excuse me for my bad english)
Have you listen to Kii 3’s? I know they’re in another price range, but still. And if you did, how would you compare them to the trio11’s?
I’ve not ever heard them unfortunately. Hopefully sometime!
I have the Kii’s and they’re amazing. You should check out the Dutch and Dutch 8c Colt. They are close to the Kii’s in terms of technology
Thank you for all the work. Great stuff and information.
I'm definitely in the camp of Adams over Focals. I fully believe every professional studio still needs a subwoofer to fill out the low end. Not even the Focals can reach down to 19 Hz as a good subwoofer can.
A huge thank you for all your work that went into this. At that price range and given I'm just a hobbyist with a relatively small room, I'll probably never be able to justify the cost of monitors at this level, but it's really cool to see and hear a detailed breakdown on relatively high-end gear. What I also find interesting is that there are comparable similarities between the analysis you've provided (eg characteristics of the Adams vs the Focals) which also seem to translate down the line to their respective near-field monitor lineups as well. Lots of people rave about the high-end of the Adams A7X, for example, whereas others say they can be harsh or brittle-sounding, whereas the Focals seem to be regarded as a rounder sound in the high-end (but still precise and pleasurable to listen to). I'd like to think that some of the design philosopy of each brand does carry up and down their product lines. I chose the Focal Shape 50s for my small room and budget, and I'll add a subwoofer once I've dealt with my need for bass traps. Meantime, though, they are pretty amazing to me. The only near/mid-field monitor I've heard that (for me) clearly outperforms the Focals is the Dynaudio LYD-48, but they also cost over $1000 Cdn more per pair. Their stereo field and precision was almost surgical, while still being very pleasing to the ear. I have to say I was underwhelmed by the Genelecs in the general price range of my Focals.
Hey! Thanks for this awesome review!
How well do you think Ik Multimedia’s iloud Precision MTM would compare to Focal trio11 be or ATC scm 25?
Do they really compare to good 8k priced monitors in terms of tonal balance and phase tightness?
how are you powering the amphions ? , the speaker wire looked thin and if the amp isn't a good match it could heavily affect the performance.
Thank you... thank you for your time and efforts - subscribed.
Thank you for the wonderful rundown. Your enthusiasm for the Focal and my own experience with their two ways in the past has me considering the Trio 6s. Do you have any experience with PSI speakers?
Oh man it's a shame you couldn't get the HEDD Type 30 Mk2. If the video had been done maybe 6 months later, I think you could have gotten them, if not thru HEDD than thru one of their distributors. They weren't all that widely available, especially at the time they were revealing the Mk2 lineup, but theyre now available thru all the usual suspects. Still a monitor I feel people don't quite know enough about.
I just got a pair to replace my older Adam midfields, and man, what a sensational speaker design.
If you liked the newer Adam's, the HEDD'S (Type 30 Mk2 or Type 20 Mk2) absolutely crush them (Klaus Heinz introduced the ribbon tweeter aka Air Motion Transformer to Adam and was their lead engineer for years, he got frustrated with some of Adam's cost cutting and left to start HEDD. The HEDD's are so incredible because they are kind of like a no-expense-spared version of Adam's, where everything is made in house, but they also lack all of the negatives associated with ribbon monitors, such as the odd distortion Adam's always seem to have in the 2-4k range, specifically when theyre turned up. It becomes very noticeable with pianos playing, but the HEDD's display no such behavior, theyre sort of an inherently unhyped but still very full and crystal clear sound that extends very high and very low). The Adam's only get semi-close to the HEDD's level of clarity and depth when they're being listened to directly thru the AES inputs, and that was a massive turnoff for me with the Adam's, they sounded nice and 3D thru the digital inputs, but thru the analogue output the Adam's are quite subpar, and you're definitely right about the picky sweet-spot on those things. The HEDD's have some neat DSP functionality, but they are still intended as an analog-first design. Adam has unfortunately leaned in way too heavily on the digital side of things with their recent high end designs, to the detriment of their analogue circuitry.
I got to shoot the HEDD's out directly against a similar array of monitors, including the same Adam's, the Focal Trio11 and (I believe) the same ATC's you were using here (i am very used to working on ATC's in general), and I also own a pair of Barefoot MM's, but I tend to not enjoy mixing and mastering on those, I do love listening to things on the Barefoots though.
I would say the HEDD Type 30 Mk2 is much more analytical than all of the above, but they have alot more depth, they're far more 3 dimensional with better low end (a sub is pointless with them honestly), and when it comes to midrange freq's, my favorite of the bunch were the Focal Trio11's and the HEDD's, they actually have fairly similar mid range presentation. It was hard to pick between them honestly.
The HEDD's also have an amazing high end that may, at first, seem reminiscent of the Adam's, but they're so much cleaner than the Adam sound. In fact, if you are someone who doesn't particularly enjoy the ribbon tweeter, I would URGE you to try the HEDDs, because they sound so different to every other ribbon tweeter speaker I've heard, and they stretch out beyond 40kHz like the Adam's, but unlike the Adam's, they stay much more flat up until the 40k point, whereas the Adam's tend to drop about 6dB of high end once they get over 30k (it's still there, but it has a drastic slope downwards compared to HEDD's freq response).
For me, it ended up coming down to either the Trio11's, or the Type 30 mk2. It was a close call, they have alot of similarities sound-wise, but the HEDD's have a way of presenting the stereo field in a way I've never heard from any other monitor.
The few DSP functions HEDD added are also surprisingly very useful, like the Linearizer, which is less useful in a fully treated room than a more untreated room, but it's general effect on the sound is something that is useful in every situation (it essentially time aligns the drivers, so that every frequency range is hitting your ear at the same time, in my control room, it widens the sweet spot and makes the stereo field wider while strengthening the Phantom center and making the whole soundstage even more clear).
The HEDD's can also run fully ported or you can seal the ports and change the voicing to match, and they become a full closed-box setup. In closed mode, you lose a little of the ever-abundant low end of the ported mode, but you gain even more low mid and midrange clarity, so the whole "Closed or Ported CoP" concept is even more of an awesome feature than the Linearizer, in my opinion. Both of those features add up to make an already amazing monitor even better.
They've even got a special EQ mode if you're running the monitors on top of your console desk, to mitigate reflections off the desk, which I personally haven't used as mine are free standing, but its another cool feature that I'm sure many would find useful.
Truly, the HEDD's are some of the best overall monitors I've ever heard, and that includes even the gigantic ATC's I used to work on at a previous studio.
Like I said, I was splitting hairs between the HEDD and the Trio11 Be's, but ultimately the HEDD's won me over.
They are heavy bastards though, almost 2 ft wide and theyre insanely deep dimension-wise, so if you plan on freestanding them (which you totally should), make sure you have some beefy stands to handle them (like a pair of Argosy Spire 360xi stands, Argosy Spire classics in the X format, or something like that). The same goes for most of these speakers if you're putting them on free stands.
The HEDD'S and the Trio11's have a very similar footprint if the Trio11's are setup horizontally.