Upgrade from B&W 802D1 to Focal Utopia Scala Evo


If you had the chance to upgrade from  the B&W 802D1 to the  FOCAL UTOPIA SCALA EVO, which would you choose and why? 

onehorsepony
Post removed 

Upload photos of your room and gear to your Virtual System.   

+1

This provides a reference for people to offer suggestions.  The solution might be as simple as getting a rug - or some wall treatments.

- - - 

IME, the better the equipment, the more likely it will reveal deficiencies elsewhere in the system.

- - - 

My older Wilson Audio speakers have the original Focal 1 inch titanium-coated inverted-dome tweeters.   They had a reputation as being harsh and unforgiving.  Indeed, they were.   But no longer.   Now, these same speakers sound sweet, dynamic and full-bodied.   Zero fatigue.  100% streaming.   No equalizer.  No futzing with the crossovers.

My approach to the solution was clean AC power, LPS’s and quality cabling - with much attention to the streaming chain.   And yes, mechanical break-in of the drivers is real - as well as burn-in for capacitors. 

- - - 

Continuously expressing your grievances about this won’t fix the problem. 

+1

I feel for the OP here.  That's a substantial chunk of change to spend to be not happy.  I agree with those in here that say give it time, and also if you haven't treated your first reflections with absorption panels, that may be the biggest issue you're having.  All that harshness bouncing against the wall is no bueno.  After 400 hours of break in if you're still hating the harshness, try some acoustic paneling from GiK acoustics or build your own.  Just first reflections (side walls and if you can afford it / have the WAF covered, go for a cloud as well) will make a massive difference when it comes to harshness and intelligibility.  Dampening the room is not very costly at all either comparatively. 

Don't lose hope my dude!  And if after 400 hours and paneling isnt working, sell those babies and get some new B&Ws if you like their sound.  Otherwise I agree that you should audition many brands.  Rockport, Perlisten and Devore seem to get rave reviews constantly

Have you adjusted toe-in?  I have found your speakers are very sensitive to that - so much so that they sounded liked different speakers to my wife and I.