Focal vs B&W M30

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I am in the process of putting together a home theater system for my family room. I have heard both the Focal dome and B&W M30

speaker systems and have been equally impressed. Does anybody have any advice to make my decison easier? Could someone also recommend an AV receiver to match these systems.

Thanks!

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi,

Welcome to the forums.

When you auditioned, which amp/BD/CD did the shop use? As you were impressed with the sound during the audition I'd shortlist the amps used by the shop.

I use MT1's with a REL subwoofer, my equipment is a Pioneer amp/BD combination and I still smile everytime I put something on. I haven't heard the Focal Dome's so cannot comment on their performance.

The M1 speakers have fiddly connections and you'll need thin speaker wire - a few forum members including myself use QED Silver Anniversary.

Book a demo at a local dealer and when you go, take your own material so you can listen to something you are familiar with (movie and music). Don't be afraid to ask the dealer to chop and change between systems. Tell them what you have, what you aim to achieve and set a price range.

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[Anonymous]

I tried these two speaker packages side by side a couple of years ago, both driven by a Pioneer receiver (can't remember which model it was, but it was around the £700 price bracket). After auditioning a couple of blurays and CDs, I much preferred the Focal satellites. The B&W PV1 sub is better than the Focal offering though. This is born out when you look at the satellite-sub price ratio for these two packages: £1000 satellites vs £500 sub for Focal, £550 satellites vs £1000 sub for B&W (roughly speaking). The retailer suggested that I could always go for the Focal satellites and the PV1 sub, at an extra cost of course.

In the end I went for the Focal package and have been very pleased with it. Originally I had an Onkyo 607 receiver (it was about all I could get hold of at the time of my purchase as many receivers were out of stock), but I’ve recently upgraded to a Pioneer VSX-LX53 and it has made a world of difference. The Onkyo certainly had the oomph factor, but the Pioneer serves up a greater level of detail and control, and it can currently be picked up for a great price + a free bluray player thrown in.

Ultimately though, you need to compare side by side for yourself.

 

[Anonymous]

I use MT1's with a REL subwoofer, my equipment is a Pioneer amp/BD combination and I still smile everytime I put something on. I haven't heard the Focal Dome's so cannot comment on their performance.

The M1 speakers have fiddly connections and you'll need thin speaker wire - a few forum members including myself use QED Silver Anniversary.

Book a demo at a local dealer and when you go, take your own material so you can listen to something you are familiar with (movie and music). Don't be afraid to ask the dealer to chop and change between systems. Tell them what you have, what you aim to achieve and set a price range.

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

Hello,

I am a noob and just wanted to say your answer really helped me a lot. Thanks a bunch for the tips. 🙂

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi Kathleen,

Glad I could help and thanks for mentioning it.

Don't be shy if you feel there's something else you need to ask - there's no silly questions on the forum and someone usually has an answer (albeit a smart one).

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[Anonymous]

When I auditioned the M30 an Anthem MRX 300 was used, The Focals were with a sony-not sure of the model.

 

[Anonymous]

The Pioneer VSX-LX53 has gotten good reviews. What US model is comparable since I live in Mass

Thanks for all your input

 

[Anonymous]

I would guess that the VSX-33 is equivalent to the UK's VSX-LX53.

 

[v1c]

The Pioneer VSX-LX53 has gotten good reviews. What US model is comparable since I live in Mass

Thanks for all your input

The comparable US model would be the Pioneer Elite VSX-33 as this is the last model before the SC range which the LX53 is in the UK. It looks like the US Pioneer Elite VSX-32 is also comparable as the only difference between the VSX-33 and the VSX-32 is that the 33 has XM Satellite ready which i believe is a radio service (being in the UK i'm not familiar with this) if you don't need this function then the VSX-32 is the same AMP as the 33 abit like the VSX-2020 in the UK is seen as the same AMP as the LX-53 without the Bluetooth adapter port.

 

[sta99y]

When I auditioned the M30 an Anthem MRX 300 was used, The Focals were with a sony-not sure of the model.

Hi how did the M1's sound using the Anthem, I'm waiting for WHF to review this amp!!

 

[Anonymous]

The Anthem 300 was impressive for its immersive surround sound. The M1s really came alive with this receiver. My only problem is the lack of any features as in internet, sirius or HD radio. You would have to step up to the 500 or 700.

 

[sta99y]

The Anthem 300 was impressive for its immersive surround sound. The M1s really came alive with this receiver. My only problem is the lack of any features as in internet, sirius or HD radio. You would have to step up to the 500 or 700.

Internet and other gubbins don't do it for me. Sound 1st features then looks. With todays modern laptops Xbmc etc... Who needs all the bits they pop into amps!! My own views of course.

 

[Anonymous]

The thing that appeals to me the most is HD Radio but I would have to agree, that the sound is what we buy these components for.