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Focal Aria 936 vs 926 bass response

I am looking at a couple of Focal Aria speakers in the same model line, and trying to decide on which will work best in my room. The listening area is 14 x 25 x 8.5, but it opens up into another room of the same size (open concept with a half wall between them). Listening distance is 8-9 feet. I have listened to the 936 and liked it, but am a little concerned that it could be too much bass for my room. Also, I have very limited placement options where these are going. My dealer does not have the 926 in stock so I have not listened to it; I assume it will sound very similar to the 936, but with less bass, so I’m wondering if I can get away with the 926. The 926 is also a little smaller so it has better WAF. There is a return policy at the dealer but ideally I’d like to make the right choice initially.

The frequency response of the speakers is as follows. How much bass will I be missing in practical terms between the two? I know the replies may well be “nobody can tell until you get them into YOUR room” but I thought I’d throw it out for comment anyway.

Focal Aria 936:
Frequency response: (+/- 3dB) 39Hz - 28kHz
Low frequency point: 6 dB 32Hz
Sensitivity: (2.83V / 1m) 92dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms

Focal Aria 926:
Frequency response: (+/- 3dB) 45Hz - 28kHz
Low frequency point: 6 dB 37Hz
Sensitivity: (2.83V / 1m) 91.5dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms
braudio7
pennsy
152 posts
 
Trick is blending a tower with a good sub! I recommend JL subs (e series) and focal aria line is excellent! You want bass go to the 948's! Typically you roll off at  80 hz! Why above the low of your towers! The decision often settled by affordablity !
paul8060
43 posts
 
Thanks. I'm not a big bass person, so I'll see what they sound like and come back to your advice, if needed. What I really need to know is whether the ACE will drive the 936s well and get the most out of the 936s that they're capable of. If anyone has experience with the ACE and the 936s, I'd really appreciate some feedback on this.
contuzzi
413 posts
 
FWIW I prefer the 936 over the 948’s.  :)
Post removed 
paul8060
43 posts
 
I've pretty much settled on the NAD M32 integrated amp (150Wpc), but I'm trying to decide on paring it with the Focal Aria 926 or 936 speakers. As I said above, I don't like a ton of bass. I listened to the 936s with the M32 and liked them a lot (although a bit too much bass). I also listened to the 926s with the Moon ACE (50Wpc), and did not like that combo at all (not a big soundstage, nor great definition or placement). My room is about 12x10x8, with very little space behind and to the side of where the speakers must be placed. Any advice on the M32 paired with the 926s or the 936s?
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