Focal 1027be or Proac studio 148

[Mike_Schmidt]

I have a chance to swap my Proac's for the Focals which are really brand new they were used as surrounds for a doctor that never used the system. There isnt one mark on them either.

But hearing both im leaning to the Focal but cant get over the fact there around 8 years old vs my new proacs. I really like the focals anyone have these or listen to them. The only thing i find over and over is the bass isnt very good. They will be powered by a bryston 2.5 cubed power and new cyrus pre.

 

[Infiniteloop]

I'm surprised you find the bass not very good from the Focals. I have the 1008be stand mounters and the bass is tuneful, textured, plentiful and deep. I've also had a pair of Proacs in my system (D18's) and found them to be very laid back but with a great midrange. They paired very nicely with my 24 Watt SET valve amp. The Focals are much more neutral in their presentation, a bit more exciting than the Proacs and maybe this is what you are finding too?

 

[Mike_Schmidt]

I agree the presentation is more exciting compare to the proac which I find different from previous series I have owned (little more balanced across the board). The finish on the Focals is flawless not one scratch and even after a week of listening there starting to open up from when they arrived at the dealers. I guess my question is a 8000+ plus speaker from 8-10 years ago better than a new speaker at 4000 today my ears tell me yes. The reason for the deal is there are no boxes for the focals where as my proacs do so there a easier online sale vs local with our ecomony right now.

 

[Infiniteloop]

I agree the presentation is more exciting compare to the proac which I find different from previous series I have owned (little more balanced across the board). The finish on the Focals is flawless not one scratch and even after a week of listening there starting to open up from when they arrived at the dealers. I guess my question is a 8000+ plus speaker from 8-10 years ago better than a new speaker at 4000 today my ears tell me yes. The reason for the deal is there are no boxes for the focals where as my proacs do so there a easier online sale vs local with our ecomony right now.

I'd hammer the Focals at party levels for a few hours and see what difference that makes. Might shake off a few cobwebs!

 

[iceman16]

The Focal electra series are very transparent speakers. As I own a pair of 1028be. Careful matching with other component(s) is a must IMO. They also need plenty of space around them to shine. I would avoid source and amp with "brighter" presentation.

 

[Mike_Schmidt]

I agree the presentation is more exciting compare to the proac which I find different from previous series I have owned (little more balanced across the board). The finish on the Focals is flawless not one scratch and even after a week of listening there starting to open up from when they arrived at the dealers. I guess my question is a 8000+ plus speaker from 8-10 years ago better than a new speaker at 4000 today my ears tell me yes. The reason for the deal is there are no boxes for the focals where as my proacs do so there a easier online sale vs local with our ecomony right now.

I'd hammer the Focals at party levels for a few hours and see what difference that makes. Might shake off a few cobwebs!

Theyll get hammered alright with Metallica and Megadeth!!! to my limit of 75db

 

[Infiniteloop]

I agree the presentation is more exciting compare to the proac which I find different from previous series I have owned (little more balanced across the board). The finish on the Focals is flawless not one scratch and even after a week of listening there starting to open up from when they arrived at the dealers. I guess my question is a 8000+ plus speaker from 8-10 years ago better than a new speaker at 4000 today my ears tell me yes. The reason for the deal is there are no boxes for the focals where as my proacs do so there a easier online sale vs local with our ecomony right now.

I'd hammer the Focals at party levels for a few hours and see what difference that makes. Might shake off a few cobwebs!

Theyll get hammered alright with Metallica and Megadeth!!! to my limit of 75db

I'd crank the volume right up then go down the pub for a few hours. (Neighbours permitting.....)

 

[Mike_Schmidt]

made me laugh!

 

[Philim]

I would concur with iceman. I also run 1028s and whilst I have not heard a Bryston, Cyrus , focal set up I have heard them individually and wouldn't put them as natural bed fellows. Whilst initial transparent sound will be appealing you could find over time it could become fatiguing.

 

[rainsoothe]

I would concur with iceman. I also run 1028s and whilst I have not heard a Bryston, Cyrus , focal set up I have heard them individually and wouldn't put them as natural bed fellows. Whilst initial transparent sound will be appealing you could find over time it could become fatiguing.

+1, the Electras can sound ear-piercing with highs if partnered wrong. Sounded great with Jadis Orchestra (tube amp) though.

 

[Mike_Schmidt]

I agree with you guys here they could be ear piercing. If I were to have older 8 series there would be no question no. The new pre2Qx is a different cyrus sound I wouldnt be surprised if and when its reviewed to a 4 star review. Its refined everything is there the detail timing and imaging is still amazing. It just doesnt have that snap on top I call it more level handed much like the stereo 200 which I got rid of for the bryston 2.5. I found these new componets nothing like the old which is a give and take. I actually found the new pre2 and stereo 200 along with my proac studio 148's to laid back for my liking. I would have not said that with my older system of 8 series and other proac's Ive had.