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New Speaker advice

I'm torn on new speakers...thoguht I would canvass this forum, which I have much respect for. I have done extensive auditioning at hi-fi stores, and am still torn! I do however have it narrowed down to the following:

1. Revel f206

2. Revel f36

3. Focal Aria 936

4. MoFi Sourcepoint 10

Initially, I was all in on the Revels because of how well the measure, particularly off axis, since I have an open concept living room kitchen that is wide. So the majority of my in store demos focused on them exclusively. To my surprise, I actually preferred the cheaper f36 models to the f206, perhaps due to the 1.8kHz crossover  between the tweeter and the top woofer, which is quite low...or perhaps it's due to the slightly higher sensitivity...or maybe it was just paired with a better amp. But regardless, to my ears, the f36 was just a more fun and exciting listen than the f206 which felt a bit bland and boxed in by comparison, despite being the better 'measuring' speaker. 

Being confused by the Revels in this way, I started exploring the Focal Aria line, and really enjoyed the Aria 936. Compared to the Revels, it sounded more 'exciting' to my ears...more forward without being fatiguing, big open soundstage and really nice texture. 

Recently, I auditioned the Mofi Sourcepoint 10 because, like many, I wanted to see/hear what all the hype was about. I was suspicious, even with Andrew Jones as the designer, with it being Mofi's first foray into speaker design...but I was honestly kind of blown away by them. 

At the moment, I am tempted by the Sourcepoints, but they are pushing my budget at over 3,500K with stands. To that end, the Aria 936 can be found in great used condition for around $2,500 and the Revel f36 for even less still.

Just curious if anyone has heard all of these speakers and has any feedback / insight? Or recommend anything at a similar price point. Attributes I'm looking for are: Open, airy sound but not too bright, great midrange (priority), and good off axis response (horizontal).

Current set up for context:

Vandersteen 3A, powered by Audio Research D-300, Denon 4700 as preamp, Topping D90 DAC, Sota Comet TT with Rega Exact cart and Parasound JC3 Jr phono pre.

Thanks 

128x128mattsaunders2000
stanleylocke
205 posts
 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650026237-dynaudio-focus-380-floor-standing-speakers-local-pickup-only/

stanleylocke
205 posts
 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649979124-dynaudio-focus-380-floor-standing-speakers-will-ship-conus-via-freight/

mattsaunders2000's avatar
mattsaunders2000 OP
8 posts
 

I really appreciate all the feedback from everyone! I’ve been reading these forums for years, and it really feels like a community, and as a relative newcomer / rookie to hifi, I’m really grateful for the support! I used to talk with my dad about all this stuff, but since his passing, I just inherited his gear and not as much of his wisdom as I would have liked. Anyway, wish I could take y’all out for a beer or coffee and really pick your brain(s) more!! This thread has me convinced on a two-pronged attack...I feel that upgrading the Vandys is definitely in order, but the suggestion to go with a dedicated separate preamp is well taken and also now part of the plan. Based on recommendations here, I am really interested in the Focal Electra line with the beryllium tweater. I’m in Philadelphia, and there are a few options on the used market within a 3-4 hour drive...the 1028 towers as well as the 1007 and 1008 bookshelves (which would surely prompt me to go dual sub). Additionally, I have a lead on a pair of Focal Aria 936 that are less than a year old and meticulously cared for with an asking price of $1800...I have seen and heard those in person, and they are mint. There’s also a set of Revel f206 in my area, which are also in mint condition for $1600...also seems like a bargain. The Sourcepoints are still under consideration based sheerly on store auditions alone...not sure I love the form factor of those though, they seem to be stuck between bookshelf and small floor stander....and they're also still so new that they're hard to find for under $3500 a pair. Anyway, options...On the preamp front, I am inclined toward older, 'analog' options, AR certainly being top of the list for synergy with the D300...to that end, PASS LABS units are out of my price range, but I'm intrigued by the Nakamichi CA-5 (version one) as it's a Nelson Pass design...additionally, the Topping Pre90 interests me due to it's simplicity and potential synergy with the D90 DAC...but being that I’m also running HT through the system, I’m cognizant of the bypass options or lack there of, and reluctant to go down the road of unity gain or gain matching etc. Anyone have any experience with integrating older preamps (w/o HT bypass) into HT systems via unity gain of the like? Again, thanks to everyone for your thoughtful and generous responses. cheers.

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,856 posts
 

They are all very good.  You have to decide which are best for you. 

soix
8,725 posts
 

As you’re in the Philly area I highly recommend, if you haven’t already, going to David Lewis Audio and listen to some Joseph Audio and ProAc speakers.  They both have excellent detail but don’t throw it at you and present it in a very natural way, and they both disappear and throw off incredible 3D imaging and soundstage — especially the Joseph Audio speakers.  You may well find yourself mesmerized by both.

As for integrating preamps without a HT bypass it’s doable and very easy.  I won’t go into details here but it’s not a big deal to make it work. 

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