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Help me decide – Revel or Focal

I have been narrowing down my list for new speakers after selling my Avalon and believe I have arrived at my final two. After months of going to all the local dealers, I believe I am close. The entire process, though frustrating since in store comparisons are difficult, has brought out my passion again for the hobby.
My question is, has anyone heard the Focal 1038 BE and the Revel Studio 2 or Salon 2 in the same room using the same electronics? I have heard both speakers separately but no one seems to have both to do a real comparison. I read the reviews and that really does not help. The Focal seems to be a very good all-around speaker but not perfect. They seem to have a minor integration issue between the tweeter and midrange that shows up in the female voice with a small lack of clarity and being a bit recessive. I am still hoping to hear the new Sopras but I do not think I want to spend the extra cash especially since the 1038s are available in a low luster finish and reduced MSRP. The Revels, even though they came out in 2007, still seem to be a very good speaker and can be purchased used ~50% of MSRP. I am reading that their replacement may be revealed at the CES in January. At first I had eliminated them thinking they were too lean and analytical sounding. The music was just not coming out. After hearing them again, I am wondering if that may just be that they are accurate but I have read this complaint all over the internet so it does make me wonder.
I have a 16 x 20 room with 10-foot ceilings and have Anthem Statement electronics. Help me decide (but please try to keep it to the Revel and Focal since I have eliminated almost everything else in this price range available in New England).
cdj123

Showing 8 responses by cdj123

cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
CDJ123 Comments:
The tendency towards bright sounding speakers may be somewhat true but it seems to be my personal preference – maybe it is my age. I seem to gravitate toward the Beryllium tweeters in both these designs and those in the Paradigm Signature Series, Rockport and Magico. Any used Rockport Aviors out there for $10k? :)
Regarding amplification – My Anthem Statement P5 is rated at 325W into 8 ohms/500W into 4 ohms. It should be able to drive almost anything. I have no plans to change this in the near future.
I have heard the 1028 BE and the Studio 2 in the same room and that was not a fair fight. The 1028 is not a true full range design, and given such does come out on the bright side without the balanced bass. The Studio’s, although more balanced and detailed, did sound very dry. This is where I wonder if it is just accurate or missing something. Maybe designers throw in a little lower midrange bump for warmth that is not really in the recording.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to manage a home demo. Since I am considering used Revels, and the dealer who has them locally knows my price range, I cannot see him going for this and his floor models are not for sale. The Focal dealer is further away from me and the 1038s seem to be the top of their store line.
I would like to hear more comments.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
Thank you for your inputs. Time to make a decision.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
I am hoping to hear the Sopra No. 2 before making a final decision but it is pushing my budget. I didn't think I would be stepping back so much given the baseline Avalon has been around for ages. Oh well.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
Hi Ricred1, I honestly have not found the 1038s to be bright. I think they are well balanced but electronics may factor into this. Also, as you get older you tend to lose a little high frequency hearing so that may play into it as well. I am having the same issue finding a dealer that has the No. 2s locally. It sound like most mid-sized dealers will get them in a few months. The only option now is to make a trip to a larger dealer which I may have to do. I am really hoping the Sopra is great and addresses my concerns regarding the 1038 which are midrange clarity and a higher level of detail. I have listened to the 7Ts and I think I would give the edge to the 1038, but have never heard them in the same room at the same dealer.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
Ricred1, I think that is what makes this hobby fun. Lots to choose from and lots of opinions. You have inspired me to give the 7Ts another listen....maybe today or tomorrow at a local dealer that has them on the floor. I did own the 10Ts for many years and enjoyed them. I agree with you regarding speaker being hyped and time will tell if the Sopras fall into that or if they are a solid offering. There is one review that I have seen on Hifinews.co.uk. They really liked them but said they are sensitive to placement. We wont start talking about the merits of reviews!
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
It was a toss up for me between a used Salon 2 and the Sopra 2. I think they are both fantastic - a little analytical but very accurate and dynamic. I had looked for a newer Salon at a reasonable price but never got there. I ordered my Sopra 2 today. And now the wait.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
I think that if everything is neutral, it is the best of all worlds. Generally a tube amp works best with very lean sounding speakers and you need the soft warmth to get them there. I am not sure if that is the case with the Sopras. Time will tell but I am thinkng/hoping that my Anthem Statement (very neutral and powerful) will do the trick.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
That is great feedback. Soundstagehifi.com just posted a review which was very flattering and and has "real" measurements.
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