Technics vs. Focal

Not having listened to either & judging by specs alone, I would tend to lean more towards the Focal.

Technics SB-C700:
Frequency Range 40 Hz - 100 kHz (-16 dB), 45 Hz - 80 kHz (-10 dB) / Sound Pressure Level 85 dB / 2.83 V (m)

Focal Aria 906:

Frequency response (+/- 3dB) 55Hz - 28kHz / Low frequency point - 6 dB 47Hz / Sensitivity (2.83V / 1m) 89.5dB

Technics needs to publish specs @ +/- 3dB for a fair comparison but since they don't then it is likely their +/- 3dB spec is much worse than the Focal.

They appear to be very different types of speakers too; one is point source w/ rear port, the other traditional 2 way with front port. One or the other may not be your 'cup of tea'

Of course the true test is listening for yourself & letting your ears be the judge.

Listen at your normal volumes. Which do you want to spend 12 hours with?

This is pretty much a no-brainer to me. I've listened to the 906's and I'm listening to 936's right now. Want to guess which I'd go for? You'll be hard pressed to find speakers that image better than those 906's. 

Those Technics really look like crap from a 1980's mini system.   Focal /JM has been building great speakers for decades.   Easy choice in my opinion

The Technics are rather remarkable little monitors, we heard a demo of them vs the Kef LS 50 when the LS 50 were $1,500.00 and we clearly prefered the Technics, which are new $1,700.00.

The What Hifi Review was an anomolly most reviewers who heard the Technics were wowed by them. 

You really need to bring both of these speakes home and give them a good demo.

The Technics being a dual concerntric images extremely well and is a fat and articulate little speaker. 

The Focals tend to be a bit hot at the top end. 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ