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Focal/JM Labs Nova Utopia Be

I'm going to be acquiring these speakers next week as replacement to my Dynaudio Countour S3.4s (a significant upgrade to say the least). Provided the size of the speaker and the low frequency response, I am wondering if any owners or previous owners of similar speakers have experienced any difficulties incorporating beasts such as these into a moderately sized room. My system resides in a 20' x 13' room with the speakers/electronics along the short wall. The corners, first reflection points and rear walls are acoustically treated. Additionaly, the stated nominal impedence is 8 ohms with the minimal impedence dipping to 3.6 . Would it be advisable to utilize to 4 ohm taps of my Mac amp rather than the 8s? Thanks in advance. New speakers is always both an exiciting and daunting venture...
adamg

Showing 4 responses by lubes3

lubes3
35 posts
 
I'm considering replacing my Wilson W/P8s with Focal Novas. Pricing on the Novas has come way down since the new series of Focals has been released. The Wilsons sound pretty good in my room, but don't go as low as my old PBNs. They are also a little tilted in the mid bass and top end.

My room is similar to yours w/dimensions of 20' x 14.5' x 8'. With a large open door to the living/dining area about 4' behind the listening couch.

Any comparisons or comments? How do the Novas work in your room?

Regards,
Brett
lubes3
35 posts
 
Hey Bill, how'd the PBN's work out?

Yeah, as you know my wife doesn't share my enthusiasm for all things audio!! She has adjusted to the Wilsons, but still thinks they're ugly as sin!!

There is a smokin' deal on the net for a pair of Focal Novas, but have been told they may be too big for my 20'x14.5'x8' room. I have heard the Scalas at a dealer and thought they sounded fantastic. Very smooth with great extension. Similar to the Wilsons, but go lower without the midbass bump and a little smoother on top. I think they are more attractive than the Wilson's, but my wife still prefers the warmth of wood veneers, oh well.
lubes3
35 posts
 
Bill, that is great to hear. System synergy is something we all work on, and sometimes we get lucky! Enjoy.

I was hoping to hear from Adamg about his impressions of the Focal Nova, in his slightly smaller than my room.

Would also appreciate anyone else's feedback regarding Focal Novas or the newer Scalas. I was told by a Focal dealer that the Novas would be too large for my room, but the Scalas would be an ideal replacement for my Watt/Puppy 8s.

Thanks,
Brett
lubes3
35 posts
 
Thanks guys. I think you're right about the Scalas being the better fit for my room. I'm also considering Rockport Ankaas(though I just heard they are discontinued), Coincident Pure Reference, and SP tech revelations. Unfortunately, no where to hear them, except the Coincidents at a local enthusiasts home.

Adam there are many mfgs of sound attenuation to get rid of that 50-60 hz bump. My PBN EPS2 were like that-much worse than the WP8s.

I'll keep searching and playing with the WP8s positioning. One inch any direction makes a big difference!!

Thanks again,
Brett
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