I love your channel as being a Audiophile..! Your " What do you really think Steve "..is great.What would we do without Steve Guttenberg. Keep up the great work greatly appreciated 🙏.Congratulations on making your Anniversary date !!!!!
I really think Focal is one of the best speaker companies in the world. Such a large range. I’ve had JBL, Vandersteen, Revel and others. My first Focal was the Chora series and loved it. I moved up to the Kanta 2 and wow what a speaker I’ve loved for a couple years now. Recently I auditioned my dream speaker the Stela EVO Utopia. That is just an unbelievable experience. Great company.
Thank you for including your opinions on Late Night Listening with the Focal speakers, I appreciate it and hope to hear more about Late Night performance in future reviews. Thank you!
A few words for a Friday, thank you for what you do Steve. I don't think we hear or say that enough. Your work has been so inspirational to me as an audiophile.
The Atoll amplifier is what we used to call an ultra-wideband with 5Hz-100KHz just like the Technics SU-V2. But even although people scoff at the Technics SU-Z2 (because it was a package deal only), note that in First watt terms, its a wide-band with 10Hz-50KHz and a higher dynamic range than either the SU-V9 or SU-V2 Class A, and one thing that Steve never mentioned is the actual power usage of the Atoll for its 50 watts. The SU-Z2 uses 470 watts and peaks at 100 watts for its claimed 35 watts RMS. What does it mean? Well it's about honest power. The SU-Z2 as a rebuilt amplifier has to be recommended but not for Bookshelf Speakers. Wide-band amplifiers need floor speakers.
FYI, at our store we had no trouble prying the plugs out of the binding posts. I have a Victorinox Spartan Swiss Army Knife with a can opener. I always use this sturdy blade to pop these things out.
Hi Steve! Again. Since you have had a problem with both, Focal Chora and Focal Theva, I wanted to say that they (Focal) have made a video how to remove the caps for easy banana connection. Binding post screw should be unscrewed completely from the posts and then the caps could be easily pulled out. Maybe this will help for next Focal review😀
Steve I really love your channel. All of your reviews are amazing. I especially like the way that you compare products with others that are similar in style and close in price. I also love the viewer system of the day. You are the best!
If those binding posts are like the ones Pass Labs use you carefully unscrew the cap completely off, poke out the plug from the inside of the cap, and then screw it back on. Desmond Harrington at Pass Labs taught me that one after I bought my X5.
Great review as always. I've been a Focal fan ever since I first heard Utopias at the Stereophile show in SF in 1995. I wasn't alone, as I shared the room at the end of the day with a couple of guys you'd know, a Cheapskate and MMFer who knows his Scotch. I finally sprung for Focal's 3 years ago, and couldn't be happier. Focal has had a problem getting the right balance on their more budget minded speakers. Bright, lean, thumpy - you name it. I'm delighted to hear they may have finally cracked the code. One thing about the Focal sound is that they invite you in. And once you're there, you really don't want to leave. I hope that they have indeed finally got it right, because it's a sound a _lot_ of people would love at a great price point!
Acoustic guitar on the B&W 607 sounded "too thin." "Because it sounds so thin the 607 it doesn't have any warmth or body to the sound..." etc etc. Yet the B&W 607 was one of his speakers of the year for 2020. Hmm...
To remove plug you can use a standard wood screw and screwdriver. Carefully twist the screw into the plug and back then back the plug out. I saw this on CZcams lol
Im a focal dealer and yes those banana plug covers are very hard to get off. We use the thinnest flat tip micro screw driver to wedge into that cover and lever it out.
I started to look at Triangle Borea BR03, then went to ELAC Debut Reference DBR 62...I now found Focal theva n1, and since I already have Focal Shape in my bedroom, Im sold :) thank you
@@wimvanmossevelde218 I wanted to like them but have moved on to another pair (Wharfedale Denton). The Focal's actually did have some liveliness to them, but I just can't do the metalic tweeters.
Nice review Steve. Nice speakers, I don’t think I’ll be changing my RP600M’s for them as they may sound too rounded on my tube amp… Warm overkill🤔. Keep up the good work with the best Audio Channel out there 👍🕺🥳.
I doubt this Theva will be a significant upgrade. It would be best to go up in range. I wholeheartedly recommend the Closer Acoustics OGY. They’re a huge upgrade from the RP600M. Extremely transparent with more focused bass and work well with tubes.
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q Thanks for the advice🥳 Just checked them out on Jay's iyagi’s channel and he obviously really rates them. Come on Steve, where’s your review of the OGY’s?!😄. Impressive speakers with an impressive price I would imagine as that’s one thing I’ve not done yet it look at the price of a pair🙈. Oh well, I can’t hide forever…
@@grantfraser3156 What price did you have in mind? The OGY are far from the most expensive speakers out there. But this Hi-Fi hobby is predatory consumerism. The urge to upgrade is induced by these “reviews” which are overwhelmingly positive. There are different ways to go about it. The vintage route can be extremely affordable if you’re patient. There’s no shortage of cheap A/B amps and old speakers. Everyone is rushing towards JBL, Klipsch, Pioneer and Marantz so run the opposite direction to save $$$. Nobody gives a flying care about Ruark and Castle speakers for example. So they’re cheap as dirt. But reviews are practically non-existent and things will break down on you. Buy refurbished or ensure that you have a repair shop nearby. I personally didn’t love the RP600M. I found the midrange to be muffled and confused. But I could live with the cheaper Q Acoustics 3020 which sound lovely in the midrange. I bought the OGY speakers because cmon’ single drivers have to be good at midrange! But after hearing a decent pair of used Castle speakers I was thinking « Darn! I could have saved a 1000€ ». Lastly. What are you even doing? There are far more engaging experiences than being alone at home listening to a record. And better gear won’t make you feel like a much happier person.
Got it, it's easy to listen to😮Does this mean it's not a typical bright sounding Focal speaker? Also, how does it differ from its predesessor, the Chora?
Steve, I like your videos, I'd watched lots of them, thank you for sharing your expertise Regarding the Focal binding posts, the easiest and probably the only way to remove the plastic caps is with a pocket knife, I found the solution on a forum and it worked for me. Cheers!
I tried a lot of different techniques to remove the plugs, and could not. I've reviewed hundreds of speakers, this was an exceptionally difficult task, it's my job as a reviewer to mention that. Thank you so much for watching my video.
No doubt, I enjoy your reviews a lot. I just subscribed! I'd love to hear your comparison of the Focal Theva with the Zu DWX. BTW...when you play your music are you using vinyl? And lastly, what is your top low-volume speaker? Thanks.
Typical of Focal speakers, many cant get those bungs out on the Choras and Arias. What isnt typical about the Theva is the sound signature, many say Focals are bright sounding, very detailed, potrays a huge soundstage and excellent at low volume listening. Seems like Focal has toned down their new line ups by quite a bit. Gone is that airiness and sparkle heard on the Chora but you get a more balanced sound with this new Theva.
I'd rather they didn't do that. Audiophiles are weirdos and a lot of Audiophile speakers are super dark and dull. A rimshot or a trumpet should blow your head off. Can't handle it? Wrong hobby.
Let me start by saying thank you for the channel! I need your help and hope for an answer. I have just moved to a new apartment and need help in setting up a music&movies sound system. I have bought a Denon AVR-S660H receiver (I realize a stereo amp would offer more high quality sound, but I need to connect a turntable, a TV and a PS5, hence an AV receiver) and am now deciding on the speakers. My room is approximately 15 by 16 feet. I am deciding between Focal Theva No1 (718€) and Elac UBR62 (609€) for now. Frim what I have researched, Q Acoustics are a solid budget option (3020i, 3030i). Another option would be the new 5020i from Q Acoustics. A subwoofer is not an option, at least for now, as I don't wish to disturb my neighbours. That being said, I want some low end, of course. I realize my rant is all over the place, and hopefully someone can help! Keep on listening and greeting from Vienna, Austria!
They look exactly like my choras. I really doubt if they sound any different. Rear port is welcoming as my toddler already pulled out the sound deadeners from one of the speakers
Rubber surrounds on Theva I assume. Other manufacturers still use foam or some esoteric woofer surrounds? Sea Change is mellow Beck, beautifully recorded.
Great review Steve! I have to ask - it sounds familiar to your Triangle Genese Trio review - how would you think about the main differences one can expect between the two?
Steve Can you review the Korg Nutube B1. Designed your buddy Nelson Pass and one of the most popular diy projects in the last few years. As a baseline for your other reviews including this one it would be really useful.
Thanks Steve for the intresting video. I am an evening listener, quietly. You said, it is not the best. In wich way? And wich speaker is the best quiet. What would you recommend. Thanks, Wim from Belgium
As newbie to the audiophile metaverse, are these speakers easy/hard to drive with an AV Receiver (I have a Sony STR DH 790)? Thanks for your great review!!
@@JamesJoyce12 No worries. France has so many Hi-Fi manufacturers: Atoll, Cabasse, Devialet, Advance, Jadis, Micromega, Apertura, Atohm, Davis Acoustics, JMR, Triangle, Elipson etc… To be frank I am so tired of hearing about the same American brands over and over. Every time Schiit, Klipsch or ELAC releases a new product it gets celebrated like a miracle. It’s similar for Focal, but they have a bajillion marketing dollars no doubt. The French only buy Focal when it’s on sale (and it’s frequently on sale). The value just isn’t there. Your challenge is hardly a challenge at all. You could easily get all of your electronics from Atoll and buy Focal speakers. Or just get everything from Elipson.
Oh, you got the "new" Naim Nait 50 in for a review? That's going to be interesting. I love the "Naim sound" - though I think their products are a bit overpriced.
Hi. Steve and others. I want to develop home theatre for medium sized room of 14*14 which is living room. Usage 50-50% music and movies. I am confused between focal theva N1/N2 vs Genelec G3. Please guide me which is better for music?
As many as possible as long as they gave qualities to appreciate. I have have 31 pairs of 8 inch 2 ways alone in my collection , as well as very thing else I've collected, I have 74 pairs of speakers of all types and manufacturers,
@@chinmeysway I know , 🤪 but I have my father's gear and both my grandfathers gear as well since they have passed . I have a beautiful museum of all mostly mint gear from the 50s to the early 90s .
@jasontimothywells9895 amazing! I have 3 pair & that feels like overkill. Oddly, though, I envy the vast amount of experience you must have in hearing so many different speakers.
As I recall, you had the same problem removing the banana plug caps from the binding posts on the Chora 806s: czcams.com/video/8XnsNs-F0cI/video.html I have encountered this, too, and have been successful using a teeny flat-head electronics screwdriver to pop them out. Sometimes I've had to *delicately* tap on the screwdriver with a wee hammer to get under the plastic. Thanks again for the review!
Go with single driver speakers without a crossover. You won’t have to push the volume much to get the full potential of the speakers. Closer Acoustics OGY. Easy!
When pulling the caps , use a stainless steel dental tool , the kind the has bends and goes to a sharp tip , the ones that hygienist use to poke and scrape your teeth , use the sharp tip and pull the cap out ,
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Hi Steve, yes, that review. I see that lifespan of Chora range was shortest ever and, according to this review Theva is much better. I have preChora range of Focal named Chorus and I see similarities with Theva sound especially because of piano description. I had both Chorus and Aria at home listening and I opted for Chorus. Aria was too thin in my room. I see the main difference in port which now at the back. But upper range Vestia still has front port. I heard a rumor that successor of Aria range is coming soon… and finally, I am happy because you responded. All the best to NY and to Steve (and of course Mrs A, and Herb)! 😃
You should try them with a tube amplifier, I found that Focal sounds better with tubes, not really sure why but every Focal speaker I have listened to sounded better with tube amplification. Just my humble opinion 😊
I think that all french speakers love tube amps. I have Triangle and they are amazing with valves. Cabasse, Focal, Triangle, they are all on the bright side and tubes are there to tame those beasts.
Great review! As a very proud owner of Focal’s entry level Chorus 726 Towers, I am as enthralled by the crisp and clean detailed sound now as I was 4 years ago. Even though these are entry level, they were made in France. I’ll never sell them.
Steve, you really need to proof your videos before they post. Go back and check the Theva/Meta comparison as it appears you got the vocal comparison backward. There's a similar issue in the B&W comparison as well.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Definitely not trolling because i think you/your channel is excellent but i think Larry might be correct. At about 11:00 you say the Keff are…clearer…etc than the LS50.
Hey I’ve got an idea; why don’t you review and compare speakers that play music vs speakers that are for show, with exaggerated sound and produce unrealistic information. You know, something you would hear at an acoustic non-amplified venue and sound natural.
"speakers that play" "something you would hear at an acoustic non-amplified venue "? How would you implement speakers to sound like a venue? Yamaha tried it & failed with their 1983 Digital Sound Field Processor.
"Stand mount". Speakers that require as much floor space as a real speaker and make you pay for sturdy enough stands to make them sound good. And then a sub which adds cost and space requirements. While the Theva No. 3 cost far less than that total out of pocket above, same floor space, is more efficient, and for most people would not need a sub! And sounds like a big speaker. I don't understand the current fascination with stand speakers for more money and less performance than a floor standing box from the same company even.
@@glenncurry3041 The spec is speaker enclosure volumes & the debate is whether stand mounts take up less space than towers. I take a different opinion and my retort was "I get the impression you don't vacuum much." 🔈🔉🔊
Cats! Mine eat floorstanders for lunch. I have learned to live with a stand mount, surrounded by dinosaurs and angry nuns. It seems to give them pause.
So the entry model is overpriced due to the high labor cost in France vs cheaper labor markets. That is not a good thing in my book. Kef has their own factory in China. I wish they built their Reference series in China, so I could afford them. The quality control is still there for the R series.
@@chinmeysway Focal Uses Cheap Parts on their Speakers. I've watched Danny at GR Research take them out of Focals. For the price you pay, it's Junk. Get the Picture?
Steve, you have probably taken a view already but if you have not and this goes for anyone else that is interested in speaker comparisons I highly recommend taking nine minutes of your time to watch the video that Harbeth have done on this subject. Harbeth TechTalk | How to compare loudspeakers under dealer demonstration conditions.
That was a good one ☝️ and Made in France 🇫🇷. As the Audiophiliac and as a New Yorker that you are; and lastly as the 6th anniversary of your admirable CZcams channel getting closer; I was contemplating on an idea 💡: how about a well thought video scenario for the anniversary occasion representing all the manufacturers residing in New York and cherry 🍒 picking their products for your review. There are all kinds of interesting manufacturers from super popular to super under the radar small ones. It’ll probably be an AUDIOPHILIAC STATEMENT from a genuine New Yorker to the world 🌎. So; what do you think Steve? 😊
I love your channel as being a Audiophile..! Your " What do you really think Steve "..is great.What would we do without Steve Guttenberg. Keep up the great work greatly appreciated 🙏.Congratulations on making your Anniversary date !!!!!
Good for Focal making their speakers in France.
How is this “good”?
@@bencauseyIt is always better for the company to develop and manufacture locally. The company employs locals, which is good for everyone.
Surrender Monkeys make good speakers?
In between Moose Lamb riots?
@@nostradamus7648😂😂😂😂😂
@@nostradamus7648You must be American. Oh oh...
I really think Focal is one of the best speaker companies in the world. Such a large range. I’ve had JBL, Vandersteen, Revel and others. My first Focal was the Chora series and loved it. I moved up to the Kanta 2 and wow what a speaker I’ve loved for a couple years now. Recently I auditioned my dream speaker the Stela EVO Utopia. That is just an unbelievable experience. Great company.
Thank you for including your opinions on Late Night Listening with the Focal speakers, I appreciate it and hope to hear more about Late Night performance in future reviews. Thank you!
A few words for a Friday, thank you for what you do Steve. I don't think we hear or say that enough. Your work has been so inspirational to me as an audiophile.
The Atoll amplifier is what we used to call an ultra-wideband with 5Hz-100KHz just like the Technics SU-V2. But even although people scoff at the Technics SU-Z2 (because it was a package deal only), note that in First watt terms, its a wide-band with 10Hz-50KHz and a higher dynamic range than either the SU-V9 or SU-V2 Class A, and one thing that Steve never mentioned is the actual power usage of the Atoll for its 50 watts. The SU-Z2 uses 470 watts and peaks at 100 watts for its claimed 35 watts RMS. What does it mean? Well it's about honest power. The SU-Z2 as a rebuilt amplifier has to be recommended but not for Bookshelf Speakers. Wide-band amplifiers need floor speakers.
Thanks so much!
I agree!!!
'As an audiophile.'😂
Happy anniversary Steve. You are indeed the benchmark reviewer. Informative and entertaining.
FYI, at our store we had no trouble prying the plugs out of the binding posts. I have a Victorinox Spartan Swiss Army Knife with a can opener. I always use this sturdy blade to pop these things out.
Congrats on your 6th year. Please- many more years!
Hi Steve! Again. Since you have had a problem with both, Focal Chora and Focal Theva, I wanted to say that they (Focal) have made a video how to remove the caps for easy banana connection. Binding post screw should be unscrewed completely from the posts and then the caps could be easily pulled out. Maybe this will help for next Focal review😀
Steve I really love your channel. All of your reviews are amazing. I especially like the way that you compare products with others that are similar in style and close in price. I also love the viewer system of the day. You are the best!
If those binding posts are like the ones Pass Labs use you carefully unscrew the cap completely off, poke out the plug from the inside of the cap, and then screw it back on. Desmond Harrington at Pass Labs taught me that one after I bought my X5.
Steve you forgot to compare Theva to ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62! I was waiting for this :) Thanks you!
Great review as always. I've been a Focal fan ever since I first heard Utopias at the Stereophile show in SF in 1995. I wasn't alone, as I shared the room at the end of the day with a couple of guys you'd know, a Cheapskate and MMFer who knows his Scotch. I finally sprung for Focal's 3 years ago, and couldn't be happier. Focal has had a problem getting the right balance on their more budget minded speakers. Bright, lean, thumpy - you name it. I'm delighted to hear they may have finally cracked the code. One thing about the Focal sound is that they invite you in. And once you're there, you really don't want to leave. I hope that they have indeed finally got it right, because it's a sound a _lot_ of people would love at a great price point!
Gaaad, the first Peter Gabriel solo album in the background ! 😊👍
You have to remove the binding post. Then use pliers. Pull out the plug. But remove the binding post.
Acoustic guitar on the B&W 607 sounded "too thin." "Because it sounds so thin the 607 it doesn't have any warmth or body to the sound..." etc etc. Yet the B&W 607 was one of his speakers of the year for 2020. Hmm...
To remove plug you can use a standard wood screw and screwdriver. Carefully twist the screw into the plug and back then back the plug out. I saw this on CZcams lol
Im a focal dealer and yes those banana plug covers are very hard to get off. We use the thinnest flat tip micro screw driver to wedge into that cover and lever it out.
Another great review Steve 👍
Roughmix is one of my favorite albums!
Dick Hyman is one of about three or four musicians still alive who played with Charlie Parker
Looks like it's well engineered. Easy relaxed sound seems like a good compromise. Interesting thoughts on the low volume, late night listening.
I started to look at Triangle Borea BR03, then went to ELAC Debut Reference DBR 62...I now found Focal theva n1, and since I already have Focal Shape in my bedroom, Im sold :) thank you
Have a pair of these coming tomorrow. Was looking for a forgiving and easy to listen to pair.
And, are they good, How do they sound for you?
@@wimvanmossevelde218 I wanted to like them but have moved on to another pair (Wharfedale Denton). The Focal's actually did have some liveliness to them, but I just can't do the metalic tweeters.
Nice review Steve. Nice speakers, I don’t think I’ll be changing my RP600M’s for them as they may sound too rounded on my tube amp… Warm overkill🤔. Keep up the good work with the best Audio Channel out there 👍🕺🥳.
I doubt this Theva will be a significant upgrade. It would be best to go up in range. I wholeheartedly recommend the Closer Acoustics OGY. They’re a huge upgrade from the RP600M. Extremely transparent with more focused bass and work well with tubes.
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q Thanks for the advice🥳 Just checked them out on Jay's iyagi’s channel and he obviously really rates them. Come on Steve, where’s your review of the OGY’s?!😄. Impressive speakers with an impressive price I would imagine as that’s one thing I’ve not done yet it look at the price of a pair🙈. Oh well, I can’t hide forever…
@@grantfraser3156 What price did you have in mind? The OGY are far from the most expensive speakers out there. But this Hi-Fi hobby is predatory consumerism. The urge to upgrade is induced by these “reviews” which are overwhelmingly positive. There are different ways to go about it. The vintage route can be extremely affordable if you’re patient. There’s no shortage of cheap A/B amps and old speakers. Everyone is rushing towards JBL, Klipsch, Pioneer and Marantz so run the opposite direction to save $$$. Nobody gives a flying care about Ruark and Castle speakers for example. So they’re cheap as dirt. But reviews are practically non-existent and things will break down on you. Buy refurbished or ensure that you have a repair shop nearby. I personally didn’t love the RP600M. I found the midrange to be muffled and confused. But I could live with the cheaper Q Acoustics 3020 which sound lovely in the midrange. I bought the OGY speakers because cmon’ single drivers have to be good at midrange! But after hearing a decent pair of used Castle speakers I was thinking « Darn! I could have saved a 1000€ ».
Lastly. What are you even doing? There are far more engaging experiences than being alone at home listening to a record. And better gear won’t make you feel like a much happier person.
Steve: Very excited to see you will review the Naim Nait 50 real soon!
Me too! Thanks for watching.
I am surprised. Thank you for the review.
Thanks for doing bookshelf speakers, great stuff ...
Lovely, these remind me of several other physical designs with the ovals around tweeters.........like the color of these shown in the review.
Got it, it's easy to listen to😮Does this mean it's not a typical bright sounding Focal speaker? Also, how does it differ from its predesessor, the Chora?
Just a thought. What if you unscrewed those binders all the way off and then poked the caps off from the other side/inside (?)
Steve, I like your videos, I'd watched lots of them, thank you for sharing your expertise Regarding the Focal binding posts, the easiest and probably the only way to remove the plastic caps is with a pocket knife, I found the solution on a forum and it worked for me. Cheers!
I tried a lot of different techniques to remove the plugs, and could not. I've reviewed hundreds of speakers, this was an exceptionally difficult task, it's my job as a reviewer to mention that. Thank you so much for watching my video.
Great Viewer System!
No doubt, I enjoy your reviews a lot. I just subscribed! I'd love to hear your comparison of the Focal Theva with the Zu DWX. BTW...when you play your music are you using vinyl? And lastly, what is your top low-volume speaker? Thanks.
Typical of Focal speakers, many cant get those bungs out on the Choras and Arias. What isnt typical about the Theva is the sound signature, many say Focals are bright sounding, very detailed, potrays a huge soundstage and excellent at low volume listening. Seems like Focal has toned down their new line ups by quite a bit. Gone is that airiness and sparkle heard on the Chora but you get a more balanced sound with this new Theva.
I'd rather they didn't do that. Audiophiles are weirdos and a lot of Audiophile speakers are super dark and dull. A rimshot or a trumpet should blow your head off. Can't handle it? Wrong hobby.
@@Audfile but then again, Luther Vandross shouldnt sound like one of his nuts got bitten off by a dog or Mariah Carey got struck with flu.
@@Audfileso there is only one taste in this hobby the rest should get lost?
Let me start by saying thank you for the channel!
I need your help and hope for an answer.
I have just moved to a new apartment and need help in setting up a music&movies sound system. I have bought a Denon AVR-S660H receiver (I realize a stereo amp would offer more high quality sound, but I need to connect a turntable, a TV and a PS5, hence an AV receiver) and am now deciding on the speakers. My room is approximately 15 by 16 feet. I am deciding between Focal Theva No1 (718€) and Elac UBR62 (609€) for now. Frim what I have researched, Q Acoustics are a solid budget option (3020i, 3030i). Another option would be the new 5020i from Q Acoustics. A subwoofer is not an option, at least for now, as I don't wish to disturb my neighbours. That being said, I want some low end, of course.
I realize my rant is all over the place, and hopefully someone can help!
Keep on listening and greeting from Vienna, Austria!
They look exactly like my choras. I really doubt if they sound any different.
Rear port is welcoming as my toddler already pulled out the sound deadeners from one of the speakers
Rubber surrounds on Theva I assume. Other manufacturers still use foam or some esoteric woofer surrounds?
Sea Change is mellow Beck, beautifully recorded.
Great review Steve! I have to ask - it sounds familiar to your Triangle Genese Trio review - how would you think about the main differences one can expect between the two?
Sorry, please understand, I had the triangle for a week or so, it's not burned into my memory.
Steve
Can you review the Korg Nutube B1. Designed your buddy Nelson Pass and one of the most popular diy projects in the last few years. As a baseline for your other reviews including this one it would be really useful.
Yeah Rough Mix is awesome!
Thanks Steve for the intresting video. I am an evening listener, quietly. You said, it is not the best. In wich way? And wich speaker is the best quiet. What would you recommend. Thanks, Wim from Belgium
The Townshand/Lane album is a very,very nice album.
Steve love Rough Mix. Great album and the bonus CD has extra cuts. Enjoy everything Pete Townsend does. RIP Ronnie Lane. ❤
Hello, which Focals would you get to the 1000 dollars range to connect with this amp Yamaha A-S201. Thank you in advance :)))))))
As newbie to the audiophile metaverse, are these speakers easy/hard to drive with an AV Receiver (I have a Sony STR DH 790)? Thanks for your great review!!
Compare it to the Vestia?
+1 for this!
13:24
In that case, what speaker would be recommended, what would be "that kind" of speaker? Around that price, of course.
Lucky we have Steve.
Thanks for rough mix dude❤
I prefer front ported speakers for ease of placement. Why have all these companies switch to rear port?
Smaller front baffle.
Agreed !
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliactheses are plenty large enough tho to include a front port
this is a fun idea: create an end-to-end French stereo system and assess the ethos of it.
The answer is Cabasse Rialto. It’s all you need: Active speakers with streaming.
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q active speakers sound horrible - so - no Class D for me
@@JamesJoyce12 No worries. France has so many Hi-Fi manufacturers: Atoll, Cabasse, Devialet, Advance, Jadis, Micromega, Apertura, Atohm, Davis Acoustics, JMR, Triangle, Elipson etc… To be frank I am so tired of hearing about the same American brands over and over. Every time Schiit, Klipsch or ELAC releases a new product it gets celebrated like a miracle. It’s similar for Focal, but they have a bajillion marketing dollars no doubt. The French only buy Focal when it’s on sale (and it’s frequently on sale). The value just isn’t there. Your challenge is hardly a challenge at all. You could easily get all of your electronics from Atoll and buy Focal speakers. Or just get everything from Elipson.
Oh, you got the "new" Naim Nait 50 in for a review? That's going to be interesting. I love the "Naim sound" - though I think their products are a bit overpriced.
Hi. Steve and others. I want to develop home theatre for medium sized room of 14*14 which is living room. Usage 50-50% music and movies. I am confused between focal theva N1/N2 vs Genelec G3. Please guide me which is better for music?
any amp recommendations for this pair of speakers? cambridge audio/marantz/nad?
The the Buchardt isn’t really a fair comparison . Apples and Caviar. I love the Theva and the previous Chora . What beauty at a bargain .
How many 6-in two-way bookshelf speakers does the world need?
As many as possible as long as they gave qualities to appreciate. I have have 31 pairs of 8 inch 2 ways alone in my collection , as well as very thing else I've collected, I have 74 pairs of speakers of all types and manufacturers,
@@jasontimothywells9895what. That’s really ridiculous !
@@chinmeyswaywhat's ridiculous is someone passing unwaranted judgment on someone else's hobby.
@@chinmeysway I know , 🤪 but I have my father's gear and both my grandfathers gear as well since they have passed . I have a beautiful museum of all mostly mint gear from the 50s to the early 90s .
@jasontimothywells9895 amazing! I have 3 pair & that feels like overkill. Oddly, though, I envy the vast amount of experience you must have in hearing so many different speakers.
Looks like a slight upgrade to the legendary chorus which may be at. Light discount and worth. Look made in France
please help me decide on these two standmounts
Totem element fire V2 or Dali Epicon 2 ???
Would you recommend these to someone who is new to speakers and wants a good "buy enjoy and forget about buying another pair" pair of speakers?
Yes I would
As I recall, you had the same problem removing the banana plug caps from the binding posts on the Chora 806s:
czcams.com/video/8XnsNs-F0cI/video.html
I have encountered this, too, and have been successful using a teeny flat-head electronics screwdriver to pop them out. Sometimes I've had to *delicately* tap on the screwdriver with a wee hammer to get under the plastic.
Thanks again for the review!
I know your doing a review of the speakers but how does that classic naim nait 50 sound 😁 I hooe they do the same for the olive series 😁
Steve, what is the best stand mount at low listening level speaker in your opinion? Appreciate your experience.
Go with single driver speakers without a crossover. You won’t have to push the volume much to get the full potential of the speakers. Closer Acoustics OGY. Easy!
On the more affordable side, you could go with bright speakers. So the Klipsch R50M should do the trick.
Why do you mention that they are manufacturing in the home country?
Because most entry-level models and even mid-level models of European speaker manufactures are made in China.
Needle nose pliers are the tool of choice.
I tried those too.
Compared to the Heco, Dali, Sonsus, Martin Logan X100
When pulling the caps , use a stainless steel dental tool , the kind the has bends and goes to a sharp tip , the ones that hygienist use to poke and scrape your teeth , use the sharp tip and pull the cap out ,
Yeah,that's just the kind of audiophile accessory I keep around the house-when I'm not using it to tidy up my teeth,that is! 😅
@@charlesdavis5542 well I do my own dental work , but I keep plenty around and use them for soldering.
are u implying borea 03 and rp600m,,, both more dynamic,, and faster,,, maybe
I love this Beck album...dreamy.
Good or bad combination with my Denon 600 ?
Good
Love focal
Nice Steve
Take nut completely off and grab the cap with some small pliers. It sticks out when nut is off.
I tried that!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliacsee my comment t
Completely different from the Chora review?
You mean my Chora review from 3 1/2 years ago? Well they're not the same speaker, but they both share a big soundstage and a warm tonal balance.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Hi Steve, yes, that review. I see that lifespan of Chora range was shortest ever and, according to this review Theva is much better. I have preChora range of Focal named Chorus and I see similarities with Theva sound especially because of piano description. I had both Chorus and Aria at home listening and I opted for Chorus. Aria was too thin in my room. I see the main difference in port which now at the back. But upper range Vestia still has front port. I heard a rumor that successor of Aria range is coming soon… and finally, I am happy because you responded. All the best to NY and to Steve (and of course Mrs A, and Herb)! 😃
You should try them with a tube amplifier, I found that Focal sounds better with tubes, not really sure why but every Focal speaker I have listened to sounded better with tube amplification. Just my humble opinion 😊
I think that all french speakers love tube amps. I have Triangle and they are amazing with valves. Cabasse, Focal, Triangle, they are all on the bright side and tubes are there to tame those beasts.
Spoiler alert ! Naim Chrome bumper anniversary amp in the stack !
Great review! As a very proud owner of Focal’s entry level Chorus 726 Towers, I am as enthralled by the crisp and clean detailed sound now as I was 4 years ago. Even though these are entry level, they were made in France. I’ll never sell them.
That thing looks like a Theva of my money
Steve, you really need to proof your videos before they post. Go back and check the Theva/Meta comparison as it appears you got the vocal comparison backward. There's a similar issue in the B&W comparison as well.
No Larry, my statements are correct in the video. Maybe you're just misunderstanding my views of the speakers but the order is absolutely correct.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Definitely not trolling because i think you/your channel is excellent but i think Larry might be correct. At about 11:00 you say the Keff are…clearer…etc than the LS50.
Nearly a grand for bookshelf speakers with chesp vinyl finishes...
Hard pass
4.6 ohm minimum impedance equals _8 ohm_ nominal??? That doesn't even meet the criteria for a 6 ohm speaker...
They gave you the information, I think that's enough for you to figure it out on your own.
Scalpers or Swiss Army knife will do the job
Put the razor of small and thin but firm blade in the gap between the cap and metal and move up and down. It will out in a second
how would you compare it to the triangle bro3?
Hey I’ve got an idea; why don’t you review and compare speakers that play music vs speakers that are for show, with exaggerated sound and produce unrealistic information. You know, something you would hear at an acoustic non-amplified venue and sound natural.
"speakers that play" "something you would hear at an acoustic non-amplified venue "?
How would you implement speakers to sound like a venue? Yamaha tried it & failed with their 1983 Digital Sound Field Processor.
@@TriAmpHiFi. Well, you could try speakers that don’t exaggerate and don’t give artificial sound.
@@TriAmpHiFiHave you ever listened to Chartwell speakers?
@@Michael-bj4sz Not falling for it.
Yes I have
"Stand mount". Speakers that require as much floor space as a real speaker and make you pay for sturdy enough stands to make them sound good. And then a sub which adds cost and space requirements.
While the Theva No. 3 cost far less than that total out of pocket above, same floor space, is more efficient, and for most people would not need a sub! And sounds like a big speaker.
I don't understand the current fascination with stand speakers for more money and less performance than a floor standing box from the same company even.
Hey Glenn,
I get the impression you don't vacuum much.
@@TriAmpHiFi Guess I missed that spec when reviewing speakers.
@@glenncurry3041 The spec is speaker enclosure volumes & the debate is whether stand mounts take up less space than towers. I take a different opinion and my retort was "I get the impression you don't vacuum much." 🔈🔉🔊
@@glenncurry3041 The fact that you missed it proves my theorem you don't vacuum much.
Cats! Mine eat floorstanders for lunch. I have learned to live with a stand mount, surrounded by dinosaurs and angry nuns. It seems to give them pause.
Lol... Theva means "keep it" in my native language Marathi.
I just never have any desire for focal, they just look drab and sound meh, especially with naim.
👍👍👍😂😂
Only good? Not great??
Based on everything I said in the review, what would you think? Good or great?
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Ehhh, kinda good, but not blow-yer-socks-off great.. 😁
Right! Good, not great.
For $1,000 I’d like real wood
I agree
Steve screw nut completely off binding post then push threw opposite side to remove plastic Fitting 😃 philips driver
Ah, good idea.
@@audioeeze8396 been there b4 😃
was just about to suggest same. I doubt that they're captive - they are _not_ on my Kanta's.
So the entry model is overpriced due to the high labor cost in France vs cheaper labor markets. That is not a good thing in my book. Kef has their own factory in China. I wish they built their Reference series in China, so I could afford them. The quality control is still there for the R series.
Open the speaker and you will find cheap components, poor wiring and metal connectors
lol you have to pound em on the edge of a counter.
Ha!
How can you be The Audiophiliac and not able
tp remove Plugs from Binding Post?
Wouldn’t think being unable to remove plastic disqualified him from being an audiophiliac
$ 5.00 Crossover. Sorry.
Focal uses Bottom of the line Crossovers.
Articulate / expound/ be specific if you’re going to say stuff like that, otherwise it’s just annoying / unhelpful
@@chinmeysway Focal Uses Cheap Parts on their Speakers. I've watched Danny at GR Research take them out of Focals. For the price you pay, it's Junk. Get the Picture?
What do you own….?
To be honest Danny says everything is cheap crap except for his own gear.
Who’s Danny ? By the way what do you own?
Steve, you have probably taken a view already but if you have not and this
goes for anyone else that is interested in speaker comparisons I highly
recommend taking nine minutes of your time to watch the video that Harbeth
have done on this subject.
Harbeth TechTalk | How to compare loudspeakers under dealer demonstration conditions.
That was a good one ☝️ and Made in France 🇫🇷. As the Audiophiliac and as a New Yorker that you are; and lastly as the 6th anniversary of your admirable CZcams channel getting closer; I was contemplating on an idea 💡: how about a well thought video scenario for the anniversary occasion representing all the manufacturers residing in New York and cherry 🍒 picking their products for your review. There are all kinds of interesting manufacturers from super popular to super under the radar small ones. It’ll probably be an AUDIOPHILIAC STATEMENT from a genuine New Yorker to the world 🌎. So; what do you think Steve? 😊