First.. I apologise for my English as its not my native laguage.
Well.. The Aria 906s arrived and managed to compare them side by side with the LS50.
Built:
LS50 - cabinet as "solid" as a rock when tapped( knuckled)...et al (as you know).
Aria 906 - surprisingly huge for standmounts or bookshelf. feel solid and nicely made leather fronts.
Sound:
This is very critical and much vary in listening rooms. The Arias 906 produced more depth and clarity in the highs. Bass is well pronounced and I was quite surprised they did'nt boom in the room. Mids are very good and no artificial colouration and less sibilant. I heard more clarity in symbals and other instrument in high freq. compared to the LS50s. Soundstage is excellent with separation of instrument have air and depth(more lively) but not as forward as the previous Focals I've heard and owned. The Arias..compared to their siblings are more forgiving and not as forward sounding . Compared to the LS50s .. The Kef sound more "mature" and more refined than the Arias.. In my listening room they both have excelent lows. The LS50s excell in instrument separation and naturalness but in the expense of bass depth.
Both speakers are excellent but "usually" differs from room acoustics.I have them both connected to my budget ArcamA29 and trusty 35i..
My conclusion is you cant go wrong with both. They have their strenght and weakneses
If you like "raw" and more transparent speakers go for the Focal Aria 906..If you like "well done" like steaks go for the LS50s
Well.. The Aria 906s arrived and managed to compare them side by side with the LS50.
Built:
LS50 - cabinet as "solid" as a rock when tapped( knuckled)...et al (as you know).
Aria 906 - surprisingly huge for standmounts or bookshelf. feel solid and nicely made leather fronts.
Sound:
This is very critical and much vary in listening rooms. The Arias 906 produced more depth and clarity in the highs. Bass is well pronounced and I was quite surprised they did'nt boom in the room. Mids are very good and no artificial colouration and less sibilant. I heard more clarity in symbals and other instrument in high freq. compared to the LS50s. Soundstage is excellent with separation of instrument have air and depth(more lively) but not as forward as the previous Focals I've heard and owned. The Arias..compared to their siblings are more forgiving and not as forward sounding . Compared to the LS50s .. The Kef sound more "mature" and more refined than the Arias.. In my listening room they both have excelent lows. The LS50s excell in instrument separation and naturalness but in the expense of bass depth.
Both speakers are excellent but "usually" differs from room acoustics.I have them both connected to my budget ArcamA29 and trusty 35i..
My conclusion is you cant go wrong with both. They have their strenght and weakneses
If you like "raw" and more transparent speakers go for the Focal Aria 906..If you like "well done" like steaks go for the LS50s