B&W vs FOCAL

While I have not spent much time at the higher end, of the B&W and Focal spectrum, they are both great speaker companies. I currently own a Nautilus 804 based setup as my reference system, and Focal Electra 905s as a channel system in my office. I personally prefer the B&W sound, but would never say that the Focal is a lesser quality speaker just a different sound. I don't think there is any other way to make this decision, you just have to listen and see what you prefer.

I would recommend finding a dealer who will let you a/b both speaker systems in your own room. Both speakers can sound amazing in a correct setup. It really boils down to what you like better. Make sure that they are well broken in before you make critical judgement either way. From my own personal experience Focal speakers sound unlistenable until fully run in (probably the same for B&W). I am in a similar boat. I am building a dedicated sound room in the next couple of years and will be making a decision between B&W 801d and Focal-JM Lab Nova Utopia Be. I won't make a commitment until I audition both in my room.

You are going for the hype!!! How about a Zercon tweeter. Less expensive but can sparkle.

IMO, B&W can't compete w/ JMLAB BE speakers.
Sound & Look = Too awesome :):):)

Which line from each company are you deciding between? Hard to go wrong with either, but people may have more opinions on the specifics. Nice "problem" to have, by the way!!

Love the sound of a silk tweeter, but for some reason it's considered "old school".

Berryllium, Diamond, Titanium...whatever happened to good old silk. Ive owned 2 and auditioned the diamond, if there is a tweeter war going on all 3 take a back seat to silk and tubes in my book. Last staw was a wilson sophia/ levinson demo..after lacerating my eardrum I could never listen to anything else.

I had the same problem. 802D's vs Diva Be's. I fell in love with the Divas. 802Ds had more bottom end but the divas were much more smooth and even. Even set up correctly, the 802s never seemed to disappear like the divas. I prefer a bit warmer more forgiving speaker. Would rather enjoy the music than listen for flaws in the recording.

I'm using Arcam FMJ DV-29A, AV9 and P7 to drive the divas. The sound may be completely different depending on your equip.

Just FYI, I got the chance to tour the Focal factory and EVERY cone is handmade and individually tested. There is more inside the Be tweeter than the literature shows. Internal build quality is second to none. I'm not in the biz or anything, just happen to be a hobbyist in the right place at the right time.

E-mail if you have specific questions.

What would you be driving them with? Solid state or tube amps?