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Legacy Focus HDs

Lust received and hooked up my Focus HDs. Upgraded from the 2020s. Wow! I was worried because I loved the 2020s but yes these sound better. Any harshness in the highs are gone. The mid drivers are excellent and brought the mids to more accurate. The bottom end is still there but more accurate and well defined. No more bass issues. Very pleasing to listen to. If anyone has been scared to make the move to the HDs-Dont be. If you like the 2020s you will love the new HDs. Email any questions and I will be glad to try to answer them. Oh-The fit and finish is also better and the hardware such as binding post are a big upgrade as well. Good job Lagacy.
hifiman9

Showing 12 responses by stephenurquhart

stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Doug,

Before buying the new Rotel I decided to give the 840C a try at home for a week. It was way too bright sounding for me. Elsewhere on Audiogon somesaid said it took a 300 hour burn-in to emliminate the brightness on the 840C. The only way to do that is buy the unit and hope for the best. You once told me if it doesn't sound good out of the box, it wont sound good after breaking it in. Did you find your unit to be bright?
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
I waited an entire year before trading in my original Focus speakers (purchased in 1998) for HD's. I just had a hard time believing anything could sound better than what I had.

I have put about 50 hours on the HD's and they sound fantastic! I can't wait for them to burn in at 300 hours! I always thought 50-100 hours was all that was needed.
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
I had the original Focus speakers which I purchased in 1998. This was before they changed them to the Focus 20/20. Legacy Audio took mine in trade for the HD's.
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Well I have about 300 hours on the Focus HD's and they've really come into their own. They really sound great once you burn them in!

Steve
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Zephyer,

Speaker placement was my biggest challenge. I will take some measurements and let you know. Until recently I was making minor adjustments everyday. 1/4 inch here and there made a big difference in stereo separation and bass. It seemed like one day the left speaker would be more pronounced so I would adjust and balance them. The next day the other speaker would be more pronounced.

I think I figured out that my probem was of an eletrical nature and not the speakers. At the moment they are perfectly balanced and I am amazed at the big stage presention!

They are in a big room say 17x28 with a cathedral ceiling.
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Doug, it unfair of me to ask that question since neither one of us know anything about the new Rotel CDP. I think I will anti up the extra money and go with the Bryston BCD-1. I'm still researching it but it's starting to sound like the right CDP that will work well with the Legacy Focus HD's. Thanks for attempting to answer my previous question!
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Doug, the new Rotel RCD-1520 should be in the stores by the end of March. I talked to the head of the technical deparment at Rotel's USA headquarters and he has listened to the RCD-1520 and the RCD-1072 side by side. I'm told it's a completely new cd player and sonically better in every conceivable way. I've decided to wait. Thanks for your advice on the 840C!

Steve
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Zephyr, they are 7' apart, about 4' from the side walls and about 2' from the back wall. I'm not sure how to measure toe in but it's not a lot.
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Zephyr,

I would love to pull them out but I have a wife to keep happy. Maybe I will see if I can eek out another 1/2 foot or so.

Why do the super-tweeters need to be aimed at a spt directly behind the listening position? I assume you mean aimed at my recliner? What is the benefit of this.

It may be my imagination but I seem to get less bass when I angle them more. I would say they are aimed to the left and right of my chair. Just a slight toe-in.

Steve
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Doug,

You reviewed the Cambridge Audio 840c. Have you tried it with the Focus HD speakers? If yes, how did it sound?

Steve
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
Doug, I ordered the Cambride Audio 840C. It replaces my Rotel RCD-1072, which was considred a great player when it was introduced in 2003 (and still is). I only hope the 840C will stand the test of time like the Rotel did.

Steve
stephenurquhart
22 posts
 
I didn't receive my 840C because the dealer got busted for selling them at too low a price. Cambridge Audio wont ship any more units to him.

I own the Rotel RCD 1072 and it's quite a machine for the money. They are introducing a replacement next month for $995 and Rotel has a reputation as an over achiever with cd players. Is it possible that Rotel armed with more current technology, could introduce a cd player that would be equal or better than the 840C?
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