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Focal Aria 936 vs 926 bass response

I am looking at a couple of Focal Aria speakers in the same model line, and trying to decide on which will work best in my room. The listening area is 14 x 25 x 8.5, but it opens up into another room of the same size (open concept with a half wall between them). Listening distance is 8-9 feet. I have listened to the 936 and liked it, but am a little concerned that it could be too much bass for my room. Also, I have very limited placement options where these are going. My dealer does not have the 926 in stock so I have not listened to it; I assume it will sound very similar to the 936, but with less bass, so I’m wondering if I can get away with the 926. The 926 is also a little smaller so it has better WAF. There is a return policy at the dealer but ideally I’d like to make the right choice initially.

The frequency response of the speakers is as follows. How much bass will I be missing in practical terms between the two? I know the replies may well be “nobody can tell until you get them into YOUR room” but I thought I’d throw it out for comment anyway.

Focal Aria 936:
Frequency response: (+/- 3dB) 39Hz - 28kHz
Low frequency point: 6 dB 32Hz
Sensitivity: (2.83V / 1m) 92dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms

Focal Aria 926:
Frequency response: (+/- 3dB) 45Hz - 28kHz
Low frequency point: 6 dB 37Hz
Sensitivity: (2.83V / 1m) 91.5dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms
braudio7
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
@cleeds 
Focal are voiced using big solid state Naim amps. They like big current delivery ability. That doesn't usually describe tubes. 
crouse99
16 posts
 
I have the 936's in a room that is 21 x 12 x 9.  Because of non-audio constraints, I have them on one of the long walls with my ears about 91 inches away from the tweeters.  Almost a near field setup.  The bass absolutely does not overwhelm the room.  BTW, I found I like them best farther apart from each other than from my seat and aimed at a point in front of me so that I can see a lot of the outside of the cabinets.
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
I tried mine toed like that. It didn't work for me. I did go a bit wider than an equalateral triangle, but only toed 15 degrees or so. I'm about 11 feet from them. My room is effectively about 23x14 with a dining room jutting off to the right. What's the soundstage you're getting like?
pascalino
8 posts
 
Hi
I'm new here and want some expert opinion on my future buy of focal aria
I listened to the focal aria 936 in a shop with premium marantz pm14se and sounded good but i was not impressed Since the marantz is 2500 euro's i'm looking for an amplifier to drive the focal aria 936 or 948
I've listening room of arround 30m2 (60m2 in total) and shop advised me the 948 which shall have more bass (play a lot of soundtracks). I very much like bass but which is the best speaker ? 936 or 948 ? I'm confused reading above feedbacks . I thought with the right gear as amplifier its should be great a 948 

So my question : 

Which aria to choose ? Planning on Rel sub for future to connect with aria
but not directly Shall it make much difference with the 948 since bass is allready so strong..

Which audition i should do of amplifier ?

Parasound (which one for the 936 and which for the 948 ?)
Musical fidelity
Peachtree nova 300 (for 936 and 948 ?)

I'm lost also at buying a streamer ... Some advice would be great as a combo with amplier and focal 

Thanks ahead !



kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
Unless you've got a really big room you don't need the 948's. They offer exactly 1Hz more bass extension over the 936's and will totally overwhelm a smaller room. 

I power my 936's in an average sized room with a 32 wpc Pass F5. It does an excellent job. They reward having the best amplification you can find. 
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