I've actually owned both speakers for considerably long periods of time. I've also owned a number of other "high end" brands. And to be perfectly honest with you, there's not much difference in the two. They both become sort of "intoxicating" while listening for long periods of time. To say that the 1038's are fatiguing is not accurate at all. In fact they are the least fatiguing of all of the brands that I've ever owned except, maybe, for the OIII's. Actually, the only reason I sold the OIII's was to purchase a pair of the 1038BE's for a $6,300 (delivered and set up). I also inquired about the 1038BE "version 2" argument. I spoke with several Focal distributors people at the time who know all about Focal and was told that 1038 was actually the upgrade of the 1037. And since I bought the 1038's at the very end of the production life for the Electras, it didn't seem logical that Focal would create a version 2 of the 1038's while creating the Focal Sopras and Kantas and discontinuing the entrire Electra line.
Back to the original question; I think that the focals are a much better looking speaker by far, so I would have to choose them. Both pairs were in the "piano black" finish. However I wouldn't toss either pair for anything else. They provide excellent detail, soundstage and drive. Just my humble and honest opinion. I think you would have a very hard time finding a better speaker that affordable.
