😀Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍Like button! 🔌Watch ruclips.net/video/hrEl4VCah3Y/видео.html to get caught up on today’s UNPLUGGED! 🆘 Open the description ⬆for all kinds of info. Still have questions? Hit 🖤 THANKS☝to highlight your Question! 🙏Please stay on topic and be respectful. 🚫No links, self-promotion, or personal info.
How would you compare the Focals to B&W, 703-S3? I have the 703-S3's paired with a Marantz SR5015 AV receiver , and Anthem MCA 525 Gen2 for power. It's my living room sound for everything...movies and music.you always give such positive reviews....I always feel like after watching a new review on a pair of speakers I could be getting something better for the money....Thanks for driving me crazy...lol. Love the channel, thank you and God bless.
Gotta say, nice move on this UNGPLUGGED series. Loving the new format of Sunday review with a chilled small-talk over the week, with the superstar Kristi! Really useful and real-life advice! thanks for the good work!
I love Kristi taking lead on the presentation structure and as we say here in DC, the whole, "battle rhythm." It is such a good vibe and tempo! We love you too tho Andrew! lol
Another great job. Very refreshing to watch an Audio Vlog this week not diving into the Audiophile Tempest Storm of "He who shall not be named." But it begins with a "Tek" and ends with a "Ton."
I feel like we need an episode desicated to the slats. Why did they go? Was it an amicable parting of ways, a creative disagreement or outright betrayal???
I'm starting to realize that you guys could be chatting about anything and it would be interesting. Love the dynamic, passion and honesty between you two.
I've been watching the channel for a while, and just have to say I love these followup/podcast style videos. The longer format conversation between the two of you is so entertaining to watch/listen to. I also really like the Kristi popup with soundwave in the bottom corner. Less distracting than the spilt screen and better flow. You two are the best, keep up the evolution!! Cheers.
@@chrishamilton5960 Ooooo, you must circle back and tell me your thoughts. I LOVED it. We binged the entire season in about 2 days. I'm also a massive fan of Walton Goggins. He's such a star.
One comparison I didn't see in this was the Focal vs B&W 703 S3. Both are very much in competition with each other and you've reviewed both and I'd like to get your take.
About the Martin Logans: I own the XT-F100s. I had met the reps at the show, and sure enough, they said they weren't out to make a neutral speaker. The tipped up bass was deliberate and I eq it down. I currently use a subwoofer, room eq, and an active crossover.
Same, I always listened to music and movies from speakers that were colored in one way or another so while neutrality is the goal of most audiophiles, I just wanted speakers that were fun to listen to. The F100s did that for me and I have no regrets about choosing them over the R7s I was considering.
@@poog6256 I had heard 30 different speakers in twelve hours. KEF was notably absent from AXPONA. Only Klipsch and Zu could beat the Martin Logan's dynamics handily (at least, going by what I was able to hear there). Focals had come closest, but not quite. It can feel like I'm getting shouted at by vocalists when I play lively recordings sometimes with the Logans. Forte IV was livelier still. If anything, I would like to get a second set of speakers, that has different characteristics. MoFi towers had stood out at slightly more than the ML price point, with paper woofers and also good dynamics, but they're also 96 pounds. Logans can't match the soundstage depth of some others. Perlisten and MoFi were the two best in that area. Andrew had seemed pleased!
Andrew/Kristi what's the best way to send you a couple pics of my dad's vintage gear? My dad's old Pioneer receiver reminded me of the vintage piece you picked up a long time ago. Always appreciate the insight along with the back and forth banter. It keeps everything grounded (see what I did there?) and puts the Audio/Video hobby in perspective. As a former Cedia Certified Installer I watched many customers chase the latest and greatest or tried to keep up with the neighbors instead of enjoying the systems they had. Keep up the excellent detailed reviews and love the unplugged segment.
Phantom center: When I upgraded my surround speaker to the Genelec G Three last year I decided to skip the center speaker because to me I did always hear the voices coming from below the TV instead from the actor on screen which I didn’t like. Since the speaker I chose were expensive to me I thought, I first test their imaging (They received great reviews regarding imaging) before buying a center speaker and it turned out I really like the phantom center the speaker were creating. The voices seem to come from the TV in a more diffuse manner so it was better aligning with the actors on screen instead of coming more focussed from the wrong spot most times. So I am having now a 4.1 surround system and pretty happy with the decision while saving some money :)
I know it was a long long time ago, but maybe you can write us your main thoughts if you compare them to the Monitor Audio Silver 500 you tested once… like 2 years ago 😅😊 Thanks!
I had for 3 years the 802D which is one of Andrew’s favorite speakers of all time If I am correct, sold them in pristine condition, complete with boxes and made enough money to buy the Sopra 2 on sale. Personally I feel this was an upgrade ( for my 40square meter sound room) and I would like to see a review and your point of view of this speaker. Still on the market for 9 consecutive years! Always great content, I follow you for quite long now and I am glad you guys doing great 🙏☺️
Andrew, thanks for your response, and the way you framed the difference made sense. I'm a big fan of the point of diminishing return and having chased the audiophile mix-and-match game for years an all-in-one like the KEF for me fits the bill, especially at $5K. BTW, the question about the inverted dome was interesting. I was selling mid to upper-end HiFi in the late '70s and the shop was an Avid dealer. (That was when most of the hot designs came from the I-95 loop around Boston.) The Avids were the only speakers we carried (ADS, Allison, KEF, Celestion, and AVID) that had an inverted tweeter. I remember the rep telling me the inverted tweeter has a wider dispersion than a traditional dome.
Selfishly, I really appreciate the comparison with the R700's. I still have yet to hear a better speaker in my listening situation regardless of price and there have been a few :). That was only after I added a Purifi amp to them. I feel your comment about having the right equipment pairing to have them shine was right on the money. They need and crave power. Great episode!
I did my first system with focals a few years ago and I found the highs extremely fatiguing without doing correction / tuning. I agree that it's great they dialed back the "default" sound, you can always add a little more highs if you prefer / need them. The old sound made focal for me be completely excluded from consideration on any system where there wasn't DSP / Processing of some kind. Focals with the proper tuning are a wonderful thing however.
I really love your channel and appreciate the balance and respect you both show each other in your episodes. It makes me sad how careful and apologetic you’ve been conditioned to be by the RUclips trolls. Speaking for, what is probably the majority but not in totality, we’re here because we appreciate your thoughts, options and banter. Opinions and questions help to continue the conversation. Critics of the format should simply find another channel to hate on. Again, thank you for what you bring to the hobby!
Oh my goodness, talk about a lot of info to compare products. I was spinning drinking my coffee in a morning fog just to keep up. Yu'al really place the info out into our laps and let us digest what we can actually grasp. Fabulous 👌
Focal, smoke and mirrors they keep changing the drivers, aramid, flax, slate, back to aramid and back to flax.. the only kanta to buy is the 3, so you are right three levels is all that's needed
Hello, Kristy and Andrew. I love your type of review/opinions there. For a few months now, I have been the new Focals Aria Evo X; they are replacing the old Focals Kanta's, and indeed they are more civilized :-). But to be honest, I kept my Kantas because in my living room (about 50m²), the Arias need a little bit more ompf given by a sub. I still love the brand Focal for its liveniness. I do have also B&W 804 d3 in my dedicated music room and indeed B&W are a little bit warmer but the highs are almost equal to me. What's your view on this, Thanks John
Super interesting one for me! I purchased a pair of focal thevas- they’re gorgeous but didn’t sound right to my ears. I heard some KLH model 5’s afterwards and they’re everything I could have wanted. Super happy with them. I’ll be keeping an eye on focal in the future though, love the brand.
I have the Choras's and Theva's. They can sound crappy on the wrong amp. They work best IMO with amps that have a lot of body to the sound. Rotel and Marantz in my case. With the Audiolab 6000a something just sounds missing (lean amp paired with a lean speaker). Also the Onkyo RZ-50 made them sound awful. Vocals sounded pinched. Those KLH model 5's sound smooth. What amp have you paired them with?
Thank you for all the effort. For great reviews, insights and your down-to-earth take on hifi. Always a pleasure to watch or listen! Keep up the good work 😊
Andrew, I’ve been watching your reviews since many years. You’re an honest to goodness guy very trustworthy. I take your opinion very highly but when you brought Christie to the show it elevated the reviews to a sky high-level I love her input her interpretation. You’re a lucky man when it comes to reviews, I think Christie is the bottom lineon what the product is she’s great❤❤❤
@@KristiWright anytime both of youse really deserve high praise for all the information and commitment that you give to us. It’s valuable and it matters. Thank you both of you be well. Stay happy and healthy. Always a big fan Steve Costello.❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Just noticed about the slats. I liked them, they gave the room texture. But its your crib so you do you. Glad you're admitting that Kristi is he star of the show. I continue to enjoy the content, it's always nice to hear different perspectives. Keep it up and be blessed.
Another fantastic and informative video. I do enjoy the new concept on your conversations with the smaller likeness of Kristi than the split screen version. And speaking of that likeness, whomever the artist is that made the likeness is extremely talented. I went back a few years on your videos and watched the couple where you and Kristi were record shopping. Excellent likeness! Again, keep up the great work and I look forward to the next conversation. Thanks!
Room treatment is key. Absolute key. Its like tasting wine and switch wine as you go.. You can make a modest or "cheap" speaker sound fantastic with "minor" adjustments compared to buying these crazy expensive speakers that (also need this adjustments btw) sounds a little bit better. If you got the money go! Top notch cables, exp speakers and the lot. But if you are like the most of us. Find a speaker that you like/love and make your room better and stop hunting🙂🇸🇪
About 7 years ago I was seriously A/B-ing Focal Electra 1038be's ($10k) with Aria 948's ($5k) and every track I compared, I found the Aria's to be more fun & engaging. The only area the Electra's excelled was in the highs (the Be tweeter). The Electra's sounded overly refined and damped in the mids & lows. I nearly pulled the trigger on the Aria's, but instead found a pair of used Dynaudio Focus 380's. They lasted about a year, and I sold them. I just didn't love them. I likely would have been happier with the Arias.
I have loved my kef LS50w ( 1st gen. ) For 7 years I have had no reason to upgrade. When the price dropped on the LS60 I was seriously looking at them for the living room. But a few months ago the LS50w stopped working. After unplugging and resetting them ( as per Kef's recommendation ) they maybe work for 1/2 an hour and that's it. Now I have pretty paperweights that cost $2,200. Although I love the idea of a bespoke all in one pair of speakers I will never purchase active speakers again.
Hi Andrew & Kristy…. Awesome video! My question is what is that white console below your TV ? And where can I buy it? Thanks in advance…. Cheers! Keep up the good work.
Kristi, you have commented that you really enjoyed the Sonus Faber Lumina II. You also really enjoyed the Mofi Source Point 4. For what reasons did you enjoy each? Without having a side-by-side comparison which would you keep around? And there you have a topic starter for a program of a later date, Kristi’s Favourites.
This video was a lot of help for me. I'm looking at getting some Focal bookshelfs to listen to some music, very casually. I have the Utopia headphones and adore them but I'm not going into debt to get the Diablos, as much as I want them. Either way, I was confused, the line up is convoluted at best but sounds like I need to focus on the Aria Evo's and wouldn't you know it, they don't cost $20k lol
0:17 speaking of slats, where is the construction video, yall changed more than just the slats. I’m curious and want to know the new listening room is looking now.
I absolutely love your videos. I even bought my home theater receiver based on your reviews. My issue with high-dollar speakers is in a blind test where you can only listen and not see a lot of people fail comparing $4,000 speakers to $500 speakers. Someone a blind test a lot of times people end up buying the $500 speakers and are perfectly happy. The question is if you do a test with $4,000 speakers and compare it to $600 or $500 speakers or even $200 speakers how many people would guess wrong if all the speakers were calibrated and set up correct. I'm only asking because emotiva makes great speakers and they're just under $1,000. And our damn good for two channel.
Andrew says that all that's important is that you like it. If you found something in your budget that you love, go for it. Some people buy for looks or to match their interior. To each their own. It's a subjective hobby as much as it is an objective one.
The other problem with high-end powered speakers is the fact you a very nice speaker that is tied to electronics which will eventually become obsolete and at some point fail. Thats a pretty big problem for any speaker in the four figure range which should normally last for decades which sadly is never going to be the case for a speaker like the LS60 regardless of how good it is.
I have heard from a couple of electronics failures with active speakers, but it should be rare. However if going the active route maybe find a brand that has a good reputation for repairs?
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I see the active version of the LS50s with dead electronics on eBay pretty often so I'm sure its not a high failure rate but always something that can happen. Plus app support for whatever devices we'll be using in 10+ years would just make me nervous with a $6k speaker.
@@kadajawi2 Its like any other piece of expensive technology. They'll support it for as long as they can but I'm sure they won't stock stuff for 10 - 20 years out.
@@PhillioDoede The same can likely be said for just about any product 20 years down the line. To be fair, we have had way more issues with non-active and what I consider more traditional hifi products showing up not working and whatnot than anything else.
Hi @Robinsonbrand Andrew and Kristi, could you please please!!! compare the new SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Speaker and KEF R11 Meta since that seems to be Kristi's favorite floor standing speakers. Also maybe a compare of the SVS pinnacle titan speakers and the R11 meta since you might not have listened to the SVS
I been trying to stay away from Speaker reviews as I’m on my 3rd pair in 2 years. The Denton 85th Anniversary look like they will stay for the foreseeable future. Love your videos.
Love watching/listening to the two of you doing reviews. I find that you're very close to my own opinions that I trust your opinions on gear that I'm not familiar with. When I say close, I agree with about 85-90% of your reviews of gear that I have heard before. Thanks for all that you do and keep up the great work!
Thank you for responding to my comment on comparing these to the Polk r700s! I haven't heard the aria k2s, but I have heard the thetas and vestias.. and they are quite sibilant (vestias less so).. the store I went to in Singapore played me a few scenes from top gun maverick.. and they were painful to listen to.. the treble was too pronounced and screechy.. so unless the arias manage to tone down on that sibilance and is able to provide details without screechiness.. I would go with Polk reserves all day...
Interesting. Appreciate you filling me in with some more detail. If a speaker is going to sound good or "best" you'd think it would be on the brand's home turf.
When I heard the focal No 4's versus the B&W 703 S3 in the same room. (I know all preference) The 703's were just way more everything. I felt like the treble had no magic on the No 4's, the mids were really good, and the base sounded a touch boomy. (I know, preference*) They sure are pretty and you would never get that, why is there some star trek thing on top of your speaker... ;) - love these episodes.
Love your channel...been listening for about 4 years. I started listening because my electronics are a denon avr 5600 into a rotel RB-991 200watts x2 amp. I wanted to listen to LOTS of reviews so when something died I'd be ready to replace it. However, features and looks aside, I haven't got the impression that amps and preamps and integrated amps have vastly improved since I purchased mine in the 1990's. While cooler priducts have come along, do they really SOUND better? If you were to review priducts that you did years ago such as Hint 6, MaC7200, michi x3 or 1592 mk 2, AS2200 etc, what progress is the industry making? All i added to my setup is Roon with tidal and a blusound node 2 and it feels current. Anyways... i think it would maybe be an interesting general discussion for a future video. THANKS FOR ALL YOU TWO BOTH DO. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS WEIRD CONSIDERING I HAVEN'T MADE A SINGLE hi-fi purchase during the last 4 years.
Speaking strictly in terms of sound quality and ignoring features, any and all improvements in sound quality at the amplifier level (at least over the past few years) could only be described as incremental at best. Now, features like room correction, or connection options like HDMI can vastly improve a product's performance in terms of usability, but just comparing an amp's sound quality to one that may be a generation or two old from the same brand and of the same class, the differences will be subtle for sure! Thanks so much for your support and for the great question!
Good afternoon Andrew and Kristi. Another great discussion. Found the ending discussion particularly interesting. Surprised to see my comment pop up early on. BTW Kristi you are pronouncing my last name correctly in Italian (Booty). Can't help the C part (Chris) LOL. I actually don't even pronounce my own last name correctly. Long story short, over a hundred years ago when the family got off the boat from Italy, the locals bastardized the pronunciation to Butt-eye and we just went with it ever since.
Greetings from Brazil. Still in the Focal area I have owned the Aria 948 and then pushed the button on a new pair of Sopra 3 due to an apparent good deal with the dealer. Unfortunately there are very few reviews of the sopra and I would like to know how they perform in the range and other speakers you have reviewed. Regards!
From what I hear, the Ascend Acoustics Sierra LX (1,498pr) pack quite a punch for a bookshelf. SVS and Emotiva also feature designs that focus on big dynamics (maybe at the expense of subtleties though).
25:45 what’s your top 5 for set and forget speakers at around 5k? I’m really eager to know since I’m probably upgrading to the ls60. Also I’m dying to know your opinion on the B&O Beolab 8 in stereo (mucho expensivo).
Hi A@K. I purchased the LS60s in part because of your review,and like you I wish I had purchased them in Lotus green! Here’s an Idea for a future review. Get ahold of KEF ask for the Lotus edition and review which of their subs kc62 kf92 or the new kc92? Is best match for them. Great job! love the reviews!
Great review of the Focals, hope to check them out sometime soon. Looking forward to your B&W 800 signature series review as well. Are you all going to do video about the interior redesign of your listening/production/ home theater area in the near future? Thank you!
I liked the wooden slats but from an acoustic standpoint and room correction I understand why you changed things. It's your room and what ever works for you is fine with me, because you live there.
I noticed the slats gone the first time and had a strong negative reaction to it. But I didn't want to dump that on you. Thought I might prefer the new look with time. Nope. The wood slats were 10 times better.
That’s pretty funny because you’re right. I’m mounting some new ELAC’s on speaker stands while listening to your video. Sometimes I don’t watch and only listen. lol Trying to multitask.
Hey thanks for following up on my question :) I can usually understand the "good-better-best" product ranges of car and speaker brands, which can sometimes be complicated. Yet, the Aria v. Vestia situation seems like sheer cannibalization. Based on reviews so far, it doesn't even seem like they're tuned to offer vastly different things (c.f., Mercedes GT4 door v. AMG CLS class). I know the Vestia uses the car audio midrange drivers, so it's possible that's what they were going for. BTW I just like to understand the lineup. I'm not looking in this price range. I've actually been set on the Kanta No2 for a while now because it's the perfect size for my room and has the more detail-oriented sound I prefer. I am just waiting until I can decide on the gear to match. I just furnished a new house so I'm starting from scratch and saving up. I am sensing that they might be updating the Kanta lineup soon based on that they shaved down the number of finishes on offer to just variations of black and white. I just don't think they would (or should) get rid of the Kanta because it would leave a huge gap from 5-6k (Aria) to $20k (Sopra). I think people should be buying the best tier of speaker they can afford, and letting the size (kanta no1 v. no2) be dictated by the size of the room. My situation is appropriate for a compact tower and don't listen at high volumes. This is why I am not looking at the B&W 800. BTW I heard what you said loud and clear about the Kanta No1. But the No2 has ports in the front and back, which will give it better bass performance in my room where the listening position is on the short axis of the rectangle rather than the long one and I can’t pull them more than 2 ft out.
@@bearclaw5115 I was very close to doing it when the Kanta went on sale pn Crutchfield but I want the grey baffle on matte wood which appears to be discontinued as of 2024. I’m not spending $10,000 on a speaker and not getting exactly exactly what I want.
I'm currently in the Sonos ecosystem. Arc + Sub + Ones surrounds for TV viewing and a stereo pair of Fives strictly for music streaming and vinyl listening. I'm very intrigued in the KEF LS60s,. I imagine it will be leaps and bound better than my stereo pair of Sonos Fives, but want to get your take how good they are for movie watching? Would I miss having a full surround home theater setup vs stereo towers or are the KEF LS60s also amazing as a HT? Side note: It would actually be cool to see a surround sound vs stereo setup comparison video for movie watching :)
I use the LS60 for lots of movies and series, not surround ofcourse, but great big sounds, easy to hear voices, and base when needed. Would probably add a sub for home cinema purposes, even if they go deep by themselves
I got a pair of revel m16's for 500, arendals 1723 thx for 800, and lastly a Cambridge axr100 for 350 all off of Facebook marketplace. All of them have been well taken care of.
@@KristiWright I wonder if you would’ve enjoyed the Vestia towers more than the bookshelf. I’ve heard from some that there is quite a tuning difference in the towers compared to the bookshelf apart from the dramatic increase in bass.
I like the new format but also liked the old. For me, I'd enjoy 1 or 2 unplugged and 1 formal review per week. I'm at the beginning of my audiophile journey via a mix of Sony (clarity) & Polk (for added bass) home theater. Thank you for the continued great content and insight. One day, I'll upgrade using this channel as a reference and promise I'll stop mixing brands.
"For me, I'd enjoy 1 or 2 unplugged and 1 formal review per week." -- this is literally what we do/have done for the past 5 weeks. Sunday is the review and Friday you get Unplugged. ;)
@KristiWright then, yes, more of that please. I'll keep checking in since my RUclips feed gets mixed up by my kids using my account. I'd hate to miss out.
Having speakers from the same line at all positions in your home theater is huge. I went through 2 different sets of speakers in the surround positions in my HT. Then I finally went all in and got a matching set for the rear. I thought it would probably be a waste of money. Nope! The whole experience is so much better. But take your time, you'll never be 'finished' anyway!
Andrew and Kristi both of you seem to love music from the nineties and early 21st century ( we are getting older, at least I am )… I have discovered a band the last few weeks that I adore. New but encapsulates everything good from the past and is sublime live in concert… 3 sisters from Monterey, Mexico. .. Danny, Pau and Ale… Watch the Teatro Metropolitan concert from 2022 and if you are not mesmerized and awe shocked, you are comatose….. You Have Been Warned!!!!
I think it is better to differentiate that was speaker and the book self speaker whenever you're making your list please don't mix tower and book selfie they are two different categories in my opinion.
Love your voice andrew- lullaby...love your mic ...Love the way use of words to describe sound...to understand better about your description - how would you describe audysy -reference sound after calibration(without editing curve)?
Hi Andrew and Kristi! Interesting and informative video, thanks. I have a question for you both: I'm in a huge living room, 35 x 25, high ceilings, on a budget. (Sounds strange but it's true). I was thinking that no matter what tower I purchase in the $5K range, I'd still need sub(s), so I've been leaning toward either the Focal Aria evo X no 1's, or the Fyne F500SP's, on stands, with a pair of REL T9x's. I listen to mostly small group jazz, chamber, and appreciate a flat response with the best soundstage possible. I also love full orchestras, organ pedal tones.., and I do rock out sometimes. In your opinion, considering room and budget, am I heading in the right direction with stand-mounted speakers and two subs? And have you heard both of the speakers I mentioned? I'm talking 5K for speakers in a monstrous room. My previous speakers were Meadowlark Shearwaters, (time aligned 2-way which I loved but they had to go after a few decades). I currently have one REL in a corner and it really changed everything beautifully for the better, so I'm a fan and realize what they can do. - But don't let that sway your opinions/thoughts of my situation. Thanks very much in advance for any thoughts you may have, J
I am in a serious problem, right now I am getting a great deal with a focal utopia evo (9000usd) or a kef reference 1 meta (5000usd). i dont know if the focal is worth 40% more than the kef. I am justifying the focal more as a pretty piece of furniture.
With the Focal Theva no1 vs the Focal Vestia no1 debate, other than the Vestia having a better tweeter, the Vestia are front ported. Which is why I would choose the Vestia over the Thevas.
Another beautiful presentation from both of you! My current music system is a Cambridge amplifier CXA81 with CXC CD player and the CXNV2 network player. Speakers are KEF R500. Since we haven't listened to a CD for a while and we stream everything, I'm thinking about replacing everything with KEF's LS60. Would this be an added value?
If they're not dual concetric, they're just fundamentally flawed IMO. Once you go point source, you can't go back. Fyne Audio (the new Tannoy) Pre China buyout Tannoy KEF Elac I haven't heard them, but maybe Technics' new line. There's little else available.
Thanks for the explanation but waiting for sunday especially about movie watching experience please confirm howmuch close this speaker can place to wall since these are front ported
I think looks wise the KEF are hard to beat. Back in the day when I was shopping around the original Rs had a meh reputation, so I didn't seek them out. I heard the Reference which looks the same and loved them, but those are expensive as hell. In the end I went for the Kanta as they were the cheapest speakers that I really liked and didn't think I needed to stab myself in the eyes for if I bought them. I since tamed the bass, which makes me like them more. But had the R11 Meta existed back then I would certainly have given them a try. The issue with scrapping the Kanta line is the price gap. The Sopras have gotten pretty expensive, let alone the Utopias. And at least at a dealers presentation I didn't find them to be significantly better than what I was used to. Are you going to review the Sopras?
After hearing all of Focal's line up to the grand utopia. I found the Kanta's sounded the best to my ears. I was comparing the SVS Evolution against the Aria. SvS wipes the floor with the Focal Arias. The Kanta can come close but SVS beats them in bass extension. IMO
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How would you compare the Focals to B&W, 703-S3? I have the 703-S3's paired with a Marantz SR5015 AV receiver , and Anthem MCA 525 Gen2 for power. It's my living room sound for everything...movies and music.you always give such positive reviews....I always feel like after watching a new review on a pair of speakers I could be getting something better for the money....Thanks for driving me crazy...lol. Love the channel, thank you and God bless.
Hi everyone! Thanks for joining us!
Hope your Friday is going well and with a sun shining on! 💐
@@gavriushka Hello! It's beautiful today! Hope you're well!
Morning Vadym!
Kristi! This new Unplugged series is awesome! However, being a conversation between two people, the show would bennefit from you being on camera!
@@KristiWright I am doing as well as I can, thank you ma’am! 😇
Gotta say, nice move on this UNGPLUGGED series. Loving the new format of Sunday review with a chilled small-talk over the week, with the superstar Kristi! Really useful and real-life advice! thanks for the good work!
You're very kind. Thanks for watching!
Love this new format. Especially since you took the time to answer my question!
Happy to help! Thank you so much for your generosity!
Thank you for the thoughtful donation.
I love Kristi taking lead on the presentation structure and as we say here in DC, the whole, "battle rhythm." It is such a good vibe and tempo! We love you too tho Andrew! lol
Thank you! We appreciate you hanging out with us today!
Another great job. Very refreshing to watch an Audio Vlog this week not diving into the Audiophile Tempest Storm of "He who shall not be named." But it begins with a "Tek" and ends with a "Ton."
I feel like we need an episode desicated to the slats. Why did they go? Was it an amicable parting of ways, a creative disagreement or outright betrayal???
I'm starting to realize that you guys could be chatting about anything and it would be interesting. Love the dynamic, passion and honesty between you two.
I've been watching the channel for a while, and just have to say I love these followup/podcast style videos. The longer format conversation between the two of you is so entertaining to watch/listen to. I also really like the Kristi popup with soundwave in the bottom corner. Less distracting than the spilt screen and better flow. You two are the best, keep up the evolution!!
Cheers.
Glad you like them!
*I have to know! Who here is watching FALLOUT and have you played the game?*
I'll go first. Yes, I played the game, and OMG, the show is so good!
Going to watch tonight and I have played the game. Hearing good things!
Starting it tonight! Was finishing rewatching the Silo with a friend who hasn’t seen it yet. 😅
@@gavriushka I can't wait to hear what you think. Silo is also great. I'm ready for it to come back.
@@chrishamilton5960 Ooooo, you must circle back and tell me your thoughts. I LOVED it. We binged the entire season in about 2 days. I'm also a massive fan of Walton Goggins. He's such a star.
@@KristiWright They dropped all the episodes? Binge mode activated lol!
One comparison I didn't see in this was the Focal vs B&W 703 S3. Both are very much in competition with each other and you've reviewed both and I'd like to get your take.
I’m staying with my Focals Choras and Polk R700s you guys introduced me to FOREVER ! I’m in heaven . Thank you both .
Love knowing that you found something that makes you happy!
Thank you sooo much
About the Martin Logans: I own the XT-F100s. I had met the reps at the show, and sure enough, they said they weren't out to make a neutral speaker. The tipped up bass was deliberate and I eq it down. I currently use a subwoofer, room eq, and an active crossover.
Same, I always listened to music and movies from speakers that were colored in one way or another so while neutrality is the goal of most audiophiles, I just wanted speakers that were fun to listen to. The F100s did that for me and I have no regrets about choosing them over the R7s I was considering.
@@poog6256 I had heard 30 different speakers in twelve hours. KEF was notably absent from AXPONA. Only Klipsch and Zu could beat the Martin Logan's dynamics handily (at least, going by what I was able to hear there). Focals had come closest, but not quite. It can feel like I'm getting shouted at by vocalists when I play lively recordings sometimes with the Logans. Forte IV was livelier still. If anything, I would like to get a second set of speakers, that has different characteristics. MoFi towers had stood out at slightly more than the ML price point, with paper woofers and also good dynamics, but they're also 96 pounds. Logans can't match the soundstage depth of some others. Perlisten and MoFi were the two best in that area. Andrew had seemed pleased!
Andrew/Kristi what's the best way to send you a couple pics of my dad's vintage gear? My dad's old Pioneer receiver reminded me of the vintage piece you picked up a long time ago. Always appreciate the insight along with the back and forth banter. It keeps everything grounded (see what I did there?) and puts the Audio/Video hobby in perspective. As a former Cedia Certified Installer I watched many customers chase the latest and greatest or tried to keep up with the neighbors instead of enjoying the systems they had.
Keep up the excellent detailed reviews and love the unplugged segment.
Phantom center: When I upgraded my surround speaker to the Genelec G Three last year I decided to skip the center speaker because to me I did always hear the voices coming from below the TV instead from the actor on screen which I didn’t like. Since the speaker I chose were expensive to me I thought, I first test their imaging (They received great reviews regarding imaging) before buying a center speaker and it turned out I really like the phantom center the speaker were creating. The voices seem to come from the TV in a more diffuse manner so it was better aligning with the actors on screen instead of coming more focussed from the wrong spot most times.
So I am having now a 4.1 surround system and pretty happy with the decision while saving some money :)
I know it was a long long time ago, but maybe you can write us your main thoughts if you compare them to the Monitor Audio Silver 500 you tested once… like 2 years ago 😅😊 Thanks!
I had for 3 years the 802D which is one of Andrew’s favorite speakers of all time If I am correct, sold them in pristine condition, complete with boxes and made enough money to buy the Sopra 2 on sale. Personally I feel this was an upgrade ( for my 40square meter sound room) and I would like to see a review and your point of view of this speaker. Still on the market for 9 consecutive years! Always great content, I follow you for quite long now and I am glad you guys doing great 🙏☺️
Wow. Kristis opinion and “take” on different speakers is spot on and very useful!!
Thank you, Matty.
Andrew, thanks for your response, and the way you framed the difference made sense. I'm a big fan of the point of diminishing return and having chased the audiophile mix-and-match game for years an all-in-one like the KEF for me fits the bill, especially at $5K. BTW, the question about the inverted dome was interesting. I was selling mid to upper-end HiFi in the late '70s and the shop was an Avid dealer. (That was when most of the hot designs came from the I-95 loop around Boston.) The Avids were the only speakers we carried (ADS, Allison, KEF, Celestion, and AVID) that had an inverted tweeter. I remember the rep telling me the inverted tweeter has a wider dispersion than a traditional dome.
Selfishly, I really appreciate the comparison with the R700's. I still have yet to hear a better speaker in my listening situation regardless of price and there have been a few :). That was only after I added a Purifi amp to them. I feel your comment about having the right equipment pairing to have them shine was right on the money. They need and crave power. Great episode!
I did my first system with focals a few years ago and I found the highs extremely fatiguing without doing correction / tuning. I agree that it's great they dialed back the "default" sound, you can always add a little more highs if you prefer / need them. The old sound made focal for me be completely excluded from consideration on any system where there wasn't DSP / Processing of some kind. Focals with the proper tuning are a wonderful thing however.
I really love your channel and appreciate the balance and respect you both show each other in your episodes.
It makes me sad how careful and apologetic you’ve been conditioned to be by the RUclips trolls. Speaking for, what is probably the majority but not in totality, we’re here because we appreciate your thoughts, options and banter. Opinions and questions help to continue the conversation. Critics of the format should simply find another channel to hate on. Again, thank you for what you bring to the hobby!
The explanation at around 20 minute mark is just top shelf. Kudos Andy
Loving the unplugged segments. Curious to hear your thoughts on the Mofi 888 soon
Yes I’ve heard these speakers are amazing and would love to see a review.
Oh my goodness, talk about a lot of info to compare products. I was spinning drinking my coffee in a morning fog just to keep up.
Yu'al really place the info out into our laps and let us digest what we can actually grasp.
Fabulous 👌
ohhhh! Don’t leave us hanging. What are the other speakers on your top 5 list set it and forget it? Another fun & informative episode. Thanks!
Focal, smoke and mirrors they keep changing the drivers, aramid, flax, slate, back to aramid and back to flax.. the only kanta to buy is the 3, so you are right three levels is all that's needed
Hello, Kristy and Andrew. I love your type of review/opinions there. For a few months now, I have been the new Focals Aria Evo X; they are replacing the old Focals Kanta's, and indeed they are more civilized :-). But to be honest, I kept my Kantas because in my living room (about 50m²), the Arias need a little bit more ompf given by a sub. I still love the brand Focal for its liveniness. I do have also B&W 804 d3 in my dedicated music room and indeed B&W are a little bit warmer but the highs are almost equal to me. What's your view on this, Thanks
John
Super interesting one for me! I purchased a pair of focal thevas- they’re gorgeous but didn’t sound right to my ears. I heard some KLH model 5’s afterwards and they’re everything I could have wanted. Super happy with them. I’ll be keeping an eye on focal in the future though, love the brand.
Which Thevas did you buy? Curious because the KLH Model 5s are more akin to a tower than a bookshelf.
I have the Choras's and Theva's. They can sound crappy on the wrong amp. They work best IMO with amps that have a lot of body to the sound. Rotel and Marantz in my case. With the Audiolab 6000a something just sounds missing (lean amp paired with a lean speaker). Also the Onkyo RZ-50 made them sound awful. Vocals sounded pinched.
Those KLH model 5's sound smooth. What amp have you paired them with?
Thank you for all the effort.
For great reviews, insights and your down-to-earth take on hifi. Always a pleasure to watch or listen!
Keep up the good work 😊
Much appreciated!
This new format reminds me of Home Improvement with Kristi playing Wilson with all the sage advice
Thanks for watching!
Andrew, I’ve been watching your reviews since many years. You’re an honest to goodness guy very trustworthy. I take your opinion very highly but when you brought Christie to the show it elevated the reviews to a sky high-level I love her input her interpretation. You’re a lucky man when it comes to reviews, I think Christie is the bottom lineon what the product is she’s great❤❤❤
Thank you, Stephen! Your comment means a lot to me.
@@KristiWright anytime both of youse really deserve high praise for all the information and commitment that you give to us. It’s valuable and it matters. Thank you both of you be well. Stay happy and healthy. Always a big fan Steve Costello.❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
@@stephencosta6814
Just noticed about the slats. I liked them, they gave the room texture. But its your crib so you do you. Glad you're admitting that Kristi is he star of the show. I continue to enjoy the content, it's always nice to hear different perspectives. Keep it up and be blessed.
We liked them too. Just wanted a change, and this was the easiest interim "fix." Thanks for hanging with us!
Thanks so much! Appreciate you tuning in!
Another fantastic and informative video. I do enjoy the new concept on your conversations with the smaller likeness of Kristi than the split screen version. And speaking of that likeness, whomever the artist is that made the likeness is extremely talented. I went back a few years on your videos and watched the couple where you and Kristi were record shopping. Excellent likeness! Again, keep up the great work and I look forward to the next conversation. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Room treatment is key. Absolute key. Its like tasting wine and switch wine as you go.. You can make a modest or "cheap" speaker sound fantastic with "minor" adjustments compared to buying these crazy expensive speakers that (also need this adjustments btw) sounds a little bit better. If you got the money go! Top notch cables, exp speakers and the lot. But if you are like the most of us. Find a speaker that you like/love and make your room better and stop hunting🙂🇸🇪
Totally different Focal direction, but their car audio speakers are great too.
About 7 years ago I was seriously A/B-ing Focal Electra 1038be's ($10k) with Aria 948's ($5k) and every track I compared, I found the Aria's to be more fun & engaging. The only area the Electra's excelled was in the highs (the Be tweeter). The Electra's sounded overly refined and damped in the mids & lows. I nearly pulled the trigger on the Aria's, but instead found a pair of used Dynaudio Focus 380's. They lasted about a year, and I sold them. I just didn't love them. I likely would have been happier with the Arias.
I have loved my kef LS50w ( 1st gen. ) For 7 years I have had no reason to upgrade. When the price dropped on the LS60 I was seriously looking at them for the living room. But a few months ago the LS50w stopped working.
After unplugging and resetting them ( as per Kef's recommendation ) they maybe work for 1/2 an hour and that's it.
Now I have pretty paperweights that cost $2,200. Although I love the idea of a bespoke all in one pair of speakers I will never purchase active speakers again.
I was expecting a comparison of various brands of speakers and this is only about one brand. Am I missing something ?
Hi Andrew & Kristy…. Awesome video! My question is what is that white console below your TV ? And where can I buy it? Thanks in advance…. Cheers! Keep up the good work.
Kristi, you have commented that you really enjoyed the Sonus Faber Lumina II. You also really enjoyed the Mofi Source Point 4. For what reasons did you enjoy each? Without having a side-by-side comparison which would you keep around? And there you have a topic starter for a program of a later date, Kristi’s Favourites.
Is there a build video for the living room wall renovation? I am interested.
It's coming.
So sorry to have missed the actual start time, but happy to be here now!🥰
So thrilled to have you! Enjoy this jam-packed episode.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Still watching! So many great comparisons!! Love it!!
@@LeezahB Thank you for watching!
@@KristiWright Thank you and Andrew for providing an awesome Unplugged episode!
Loving the unplugged! Any chance that you will be reviewing Arendal 1723 towers S and non S version speakers ? Thank you Andrew and Kristy!!😊
This video was a lot of help for me. I'm looking at getting some Focal bookshelfs to listen to some music, very casually. I have the Utopia headphones and adore them but I'm not going into debt to get the Diablos, as much as I want them. Either way, I was confused, the line up is convoluted at best but sounds like I need to focus on the Aria Evo's and wouldn't you know it, they don't cost $20k lol
0:17 speaking of slats, where is the construction video, yall changed more than just the slats. I’m curious and want to know the new listening room is looking now.
You're seeing it (new room) in our videos. Andrew will probably do a video showing what he did at some point.
I‘m in!
I absolutely love your videos. I even bought my home theater receiver based on your reviews. My issue with high-dollar speakers is in a blind test where you can only listen and not see a lot of people fail comparing $4,000 speakers to $500 speakers. Someone a blind test a lot of times people end up buying the $500 speakers and are perfectly happy. The question is if you do a test with $4,000 speakers and compare it to $600 or $500 speakers or even $200 speakers how many people would guess wrong if all the speakers were calibrated and set up correct. I'm only asking because emotiva makes great speakers and they're just under $1,000. And our damn good for two channel.
Andrew says that all that's important is that you like it.
If you found something in your budget that you love, go for it. Some people buy for looks or to match their interior. To each their own. It's a subjective hobby as much as it is an objective one.
The other problem with high-end powered speakers is the fact you a very nice speaker that is tied to electronics which will eventually become obsolete and at some point fail. Thats a pretty big problem for any speaker in the four figure range which should normally last for decades which sadly is never going to be the case for a speaker like the LS60 regardless of how good it is.
I've not run into this common critique of powered speakers, but that's just me.
I have heard from a couple of electronics failures with active speakers, but it should be rare. However if going the active route maybe find a brand that has a good reputation for repairs?
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I see the active version of the LS50s with dead electronics on eBay pretty often so I'm sure its not a high failure rate but always something that can happen. Plus app support for whatever devices we'll be using in 10+ years would just make me nervous with a $6k speaker.
@@kadajawi2 Its like any other piece of expensive technology. They'll support it for as long as they can but I'm sure they won't stock stuff for 10 - 20 years out.
@@PhillioDoede The same can likely be said for just about any product 20 years down the line. To be fair, we have had way more issues with non-active and what I consider more traditional hifi products showing up not working and whatnot than anything else.
Hi @Robinsonbrand Andrew and Kristi, could you please please!!! compare the new SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Speaker and KEF R11 Meta since that seems to be Kristi's favorite floor standing speakers. Also maybe a compare of the SVS pinnacle titan speakers and the R11 meta since you might not have listened to the SVS
I been trying to stay away from Speaker reviews as I’m on my 3rd pair in 2 years. The Denton 85th Anniversary look like they will stay for the foreseeable future. Love your videos.
A pair of Aria EVO N2 in Moss Green are on the way to me. Thanks for the reviews of this product you two.
Our pleasure!
Love watching/listening to the two of you doing reviews.
I find that you're very close to my own opinions that I trust your opinions on gear that I'm not familiar with.
When I say close, I agree with about 85-90% of your reviews of gear that I have heard before.
Thanks for all that you do and keep up the great work!
Thank you! We have a new Unplugged every Friday. Watch today's episode here! ruclips.net/video/iUXv1ybXRSY/видео.htmlfeature=shared
Thank you for responding to my comment on comparing these to the Polk r700s! I haven't heard the aria k2s, but I have heard the thetas and vestias.. and they are quite sibilant (vestias less so).. the store I went to in Singapore played me a few scenes from top gun maverick.. and they were painful to listen to.. the treble was too pronounced and screechy.. so unless the arias manage to tone down on that sibilance and is able to provide details without screechiness.. I would go with Polk reserves all day...
What was the environment of the listening space? If it was a lot of hard surfaces etc., that will only enhance treble issues.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews it was the focal showroom in Singapore...not sure if the room was acoustically treated..
Interesting. Appreciate you filling me in with some more detail. If a speaker is going to sound good or "best" you'd think it would be on the brand's home turf.
When I heard the focal No 4's versus the B&W 703 S3 in the same room. (I know all preference) The 703's were just way more everything. I felt like the treble had no magic on the No 4's, the mids were really good, and the base sounded a touch boomy. (I know, preference*) They sure are pretty and you would never get that, why is there some star trek thing on top of your speaker... ;) - love these episodes.
I wish it was a karaoke microphone that you could rip off and belt out the hits! Thank you so much for watching!
Love your channel...been listening for about 4 years. I started listening because my electronics are a denon avr 5600 into a rotel RB-991 200watts x2 amp. I wanted to listen to LOTS of reviews so when something died I'd be ready to replace it. However, features and looks aside, I haven't got the impression that amps and preamps and integrated amps have vastly improved since I purchased mine in the 1990's. While cooler priducts have come along, do they really SOUND better? If you were to review priducts that you did years ago such as Hint 6, MaC7200, michi x3 or 1592 mk 2, AS2200 etc, what progress is the industry making? All i added to my setup is Roon with tidal and a blusound node 2 and it feels current. Anyways... i think it would maybe be an interesting general discussion for a future video. THANKS FOR ALL YOU TWO BOTH DO. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS WEIRD CONSIDERING I HAVEN'T MADE A SINGLE hi-fi purchase during the last 4 years.
Speaking strictly in terms of sound quality and ignoring features, any and all improvements in sound quality at the amplifier level (at least over the past few years) could only be described as incremental at best. Now, features like room correction, or connection options like HDMI can vastly improve a product's performance in terms of usability, but just comparing an amp's sound quality to one that may be a generation or two old from the same brand and of the same class, the differences will be subtle for sure! Thanks so much for your support and for the great question!
You guys are absolutely awesome as I have followed for years. Would you ever review Magnepans?
I have reviewed Magnepan in the past and wouldn't turn down the opportunity here on RUclips if it were to come up.
Good afternoon Andrew and Kristi. Another great discussion. Found the ending discussion particularly interesting. Surprised to see my comment pop up early on. BTW Kristi you are pronouncing my last name correctly in Italian (Booty). Can't help the C part (Chris) LOL. I actually don't even pronounce my own last name correctly. Long story short, over a hundred years ago when the family got off the boat from Italy, the locals bastardized the pronunciation to Butt-eye and we just went with it ever since.
HA. That's kind of awesome. Thank you for contributing to our discussion, Chris! Please don't be a stranger.
Greetings from Brazil.
Still in the Focal area
I have owned the Aria 948 and then pushed the button on a new pair of Sopra 3 due to an apparent good deal with the dealer.
Unfortunately there are very few reviews of the sopra and I would like to know how they perform in the range and other speakers you have reviewed.
Regards!
As a big fan of Klipsch 800F , what other bookshelf or tower brings the B💥💥 m
From what I hear, the Ascend Acoustics Sierra LX (1,498pr) pack quite a punch for a bookshelf. SVS and Emotiva also feature designs that focus on big dynamics (maybe at the expense of subtleties though).
25:45 what’s your top 5 for set and forget speakers at around 5k? I’m really eager to know since I’m probably upgrading to the ls60.
Also I’m dying to know your opinion on the B&O Beolab 8 in stereo (mucho expensivo).
what does the content have to do with the headline?
We compare a lot of speakers, at different price points, to each other and to Focal's new speaker, so, everything?
Hi A@K. I purchased the LS60s in part because of your review,and like you I wish I had purchased them in Lotus green! Here’s an Idea for a future review. Get ahold of KEF ask for the Lotus edition and review which of their subs kc62 kf92 or the new kc92? Is best match for them. Great job! love the reviews!
We've been waiting for R3s for a year. LOL. Love the brand but they operate differently when it comes to this stuff.
Great review of the Focals, hope to check them out sometime soon. Looking forward to your B&W 800 signature series review as well. Are you all going to do video about the interior redesign of your listening/production/ home theater area in the near future? Thank you!
We will do a video about the room treatment for sure.
I liked the wooden slats but from an acoustic standpoint and room correction I understand why you changed things. It's your room and what ever works for you is fine with me, because you live there.
I noticed the slats gone the first time and had a strong negative reaction to it. But I didn't want to dump that on you. Thought I might prefer the new look with time.
Nope. The wood slats were 10 times better.
Thanks for watching.
Thanks again very helpful. I’m looking to get new speakers.
Any time!
That’s pretty funny because you’re right. I’m mounting some new ELAC’s on speaker stands while listening to your video. Sometimes I don’t watch and only listen. lol Trying to multitask.
I’ve just found out about Ohm Walsh speakers, and was wondering if you have any experience with them and what your opinion about them is?
Saw C Butti and instantly heard Christopher Lloyd yelling "BIG BooTAY! TAY!"
Sorry, not sorry. LOL
Enjoy the show!
Hey thanks for following up on my question :) I can usually understand the "good-better-best" product ranges of car and speaker brands, which can sometimes be complicated. Yet, the Aria v. Vestia situation seems like sheer cannibalization. Based on reviews so far, it doesn't even seem like they're tuned to offer vastly different things (c.f., Mercedes GT4 door v. AMG CLS class). I know the Vestia uses the car audio midrange drivers, so it's possible that's what they were going for. BTW I just like to understand the lineup. I'm not looking in this price range. I've actually been set on the Kanta No2 for a while now because it's the perfect size for my room and has the more detail-oriented sound I prefer. I am just waiting until I can decide on the gear to match. I just furnished a new house so I'm starting from scratch and saving up. I am sensing that they might be updating the Kanta lineup soon based on that they shaved down the number of finishes on offer to just variations of black and white. I just don't think they would (or should) get rid of the Kanta because it would leave a huge gap from 5-6k (Aria) to $20k (Sopra). I think people should be buying the best tier of speaker they can afford, and letting the size (kanta no1 v. no2) be dictated by the size of the room. My situation is appropriate for a compact tower and don't listen at high volumes. This is why I am not looking at the B&W 800. BTW I heard what you said loud and clear about the Kanta No1. But the No2 has ports in the front and back, which will give it better bass performance in my room where the listening position is on the short axis of the rectangle rather than the long one and I can’t pull them more than 2 ft out.
Agreed. I bet they will update the Kanta's soon.
@@bearclaw5115 I was very close to doing it when the Kanta went on sale pn Crutchfield but I want the grey baffle on matte wood which appears to be discontinued as of 2024. I’m not spending $10,000 on a speaker and not getting exactly exactly what I want.
I'm currently in the Sonos ecosystem. Arc + Sub + Ones surrounds for TV viewing and a stereo pair of Fives strictly for music streaming and vinyl listening. I'm very intrigued in the KEF LS60s,. I imagine it will be leaps and bound better than my stereo pair of Sonos Fives, but want to get your take how good they are for movie watching? Would I miss having a full surround home theater setup vs stereo towers or are the KEF LS60s also amazing as a HT? Side note: It would actually be cool to see a surround sound vs stereo setup comparison video for movie watching :)
I use the LS60 for lots of movies and series, not surround ofcourse, but great big sounds, easy to hear voices, and base when needed. Would probably add a sub for home cinema purposes, even if they go deep by themselves
I got a pair of revel m16's for 500, arendals 1723 thx for 800, and lastly a Cambridge axr100 for 350 all off of Facebook marketplace. All of them have been well taken care of.
That's great!
This product is interesting. It's a super avr. I could be wrong, but I feel that the market for a super avr will more than likely go with separates.
This is refreshing! Watched it all to the end. Keep it up! Loves it❤
Thank you! We have a new Unplugged every Friday. Watch today's episode here! ruclips.net/video/iUXv1ybXRSY/видео.htmlfeature=shared
That's a huge room.....God I would be enjoying that space.
Focal Tower speakers are good for my home leaving Room music listening ? Wether I should go for Tower OR Book shelf speakers ?
Hello Andrew when will you do review of Denon AVRX4800 I have been waiting for your review for it so many days.
The Kef ls 60 costs $9,100 AUD in Australia and the nice Green isn't available however I do really like the Royal Blue but $9K is WAY above my budget.
Thanks for answering my inquiry! :)
You're welcome!
@@KristiWright I wonder if you would’ve enjoyed the Vestia towers more than the bookshelf. I’ve heard from some that there is quite a tuning difference in the towers compared to the bookshelf apart from the dramatic increase in bass.
I like the new format but also liked the old. For me, I'd enjoy 1 or 2 unplugged and 1 formal review per week.
I'm at the beginning of my audiophile journey via a mix of Sony (clarity) & Polk (for added bass) home theater. Thank you for the continued great content and insight. One day, I'll upgrade using this channel as a reference and promise I'll stop mixing brands.
"For me, I'd enjoy 1 or 2 unplugged and 1 formal review per week." -- this is literally what we do/have done for the past 5 weeks. Sunday is the review and Friday you get Unplugged. ;)
@KristiWright then, yes, more of that please. I'll keep checking in since my RUclips feed gets mixed up by my kids using my account. I'd hate to miss out.
Having speakers from the same line at all positions in your home theater is huge. I went through 2 different sets of speakers in the surround positions in my HT. Then I finally went all in and got a matching set for the rear. I thought it would probably be a waste of money. Nope! The whole experience is so much better. But take your time, you'll never be 'finished' anyway!
@bearclaw5115 Thank you for the feedback/encouragement!
@@JoLew37 Here's the Unplugged playlist if you'd like to catch up bit.ly/43NnDkT
I bet that Ace of Bass sounds great on the Focal’s. Just say’n
Throwback jams!
*Base
It's a Beautiful Life ❤ (I love that intro piano)
Focal Aria Evo X 2 vs Sonus Faber Lumina V. Thoughts/comments?
I believe this was answered here: ruclips.net/video/hrEl4VCah3Y/видео.htmlsi=gYenyswoJgmxHB4Q
Andrew and Kristi both of you seem to love music from the nineties and early 21st century ( we are getting older, at least I am )… I have discovered a band the last few weeks that I adore. New but encapsulates everything good from the past and is sublime live in concert… 3 sisters from Monterey, Mexico. .. Danny, Pau and Ale… Watch the Teatro Metropolitan concert from 2022 and if you are not mesmerized and awe shocked, you are comatose….. You Have Been Warned!!!!
The band …. The Warning
Love the channel!
Im on buget polk t series with a yamaha tsr700. Think i want to try upgrading and see if my ears hear the money. Love all the feedback
I think it is better to differentiate that was speaker and the book self speaker whenever you're making your list please don't mix tower and book selfie they are two different categories in my opinion.
Love your voice andrew- lullaby...love your mic ...Love the way use of words to describe sound...to understand better about your description - how would you describe audysy -reference sound after calibration(without editing curve)?
I think you'll get your answer in Sunday's video!
@@KristiWright waiting for it. Thanks!
Hi Andrew and Kristi! Interesting and informative video, thanks. I have a question for you both: I'm in a huge living room, 35 x 25, high ceilings, on a budget. (Sounds strange but it's true). I was thinking that no matter what tower I purchase in the $5K range, I'd still need sub(s), so I've been leaning toward either the Focal Aria evo X no 1's, or the Fyne F500SP's, on stands, with a pair of REL T9x's. I listen to mostly small group jazz, chamber, and appreciate a flat response with the best soundstage possible. I also love full orchestras, organ pedal tones.., and I do rock out sometimes. In your opinion, considering room and budget, am I heading in the right direction with stand-mounted speakers and two subs? And have you heard both of the speakers I mentioned? I'm talking 5K for speakers in a monstrous room. My previous speakers were Meadowlark Shearwaters, (time aligned 2-way which I loved but they had to go after a few decades). I currently have one REL in a corner and it really changed everything beautifully for the better, so I'm a fan and realize what they can do. - But don't let that sway your opinions/thoughts of my situation. Thanks very much in advance for any thoughts you may have,
J
I am in a serious problem, right now I am getting a great deal with a focal utopia evo (9000usd) or a kef reference 1 meta (5000usd). i dont know if the focal is worth 40% more than the kef. I am justifying the focal more as a pretty piece of furniture.
It would be great if u compare old Electra 1028 Be with Sopra. Thanks for great content!
I watched this on a train between Manchester to Leeds
With the Focal Theva no1 vs the Focal Vestia no1 debate, other than the Vestia having a better tweeter, the Vestia are front ported. Which is why I would choose the Vestia over the Thevas.
I liked the wood slats, bring em back!
Do a BeoLab 5 review vs. modern speakers
Another beautiful presentation from both of you!
My current music system is a Cambridge amplifier CXA81 with CXC CD player and the CXNV2 network player. Speakers are KEF R500. Since we haven't listened to a CD for a while and we stream everything, I'm thinking about replacing everything with KEF's LS60. Would this be an added value?
I believe the LS60s would be a step up and a simpler solution based on the equipment you currently have and have shared with us.
Thanks for watching, Philip!
Ya, was wondering what happened to the slats and Kristy?😮
If they're not dual concetric, they're just fundamentally flawed IMO. Once you go point source, you can't go back.
Fyne Audio (the new Tannoy)
Pre China buyout Tannoy
KEF
Elac
I haven't heard them, but maybe Technics' new line.
There's little else available.
Thanks for the explanation but waiting for sunday especially about movie watching experience please confirm howmuch close this speaker can place to wall since these are front ported
I'm looking for brighter speakers not neutral. My hearing needs eq on most speakers. Any affordable suggestions?
Look into Emotiva speakers. Tower speakers have mid drivers with an AMT tweeter. Bass is on point.
Klipsch speakers are know for their "Brightness". Used RP600M can be found for $250-$300. The RP600M II used for about $450
Awesome cant wait to watch!!!
Hope you enjoy this fun, double-length episode!
I think looks wise the KEF are hard to beat. Back in the day when I was shopping around the original Rs had a meh reputation, so I didn't seek them out. I heard the Reference which looks the same and loved them, but those are expensive as hell. In the end I went for the Kanta as they were the cheapest speakers that I really liked and didn't think I needed to stab myself in the eyes for if I bought them. I since tamed the bass, which makes me like them more. But had the R11 Meta existed back then I would certainly have given them a try.
The issue with scrapping the Kanta line is the price gap. The Sopras have gotten pretty expensive, let alone the Utopias. And at least at a dealers presentation I didn't find them to be significantly better than what I was used to.
Are you going to review the Sopras?
After hearing all of Focal's line up to the grand utopia. I found the Kanta's sounded the best to my ears. I was comparing the SVS Evolution against the Aria. SvS wipes the floor with the Focal Arias. The Kanta can come close but SVS beats them in bass extension. IMO
I agree. The svs are good. But the kanta 2s came out of nowhere and blew me away.
@@Snskch3 yeah, I do like the Kantas