2. speakers
  3. 164422-122117

Focal vs dynaudio

Hi folks.  Here once more to discuss the “Ford vs Chevy”
i currently have focal 1028be speakers which I’m relatively happy with.  Looking tp go a bit further and here are my 3 options..

Upgrade my nad m32 to a pass labs x150.8 and m12 combo $4500 difference.

swap out the 1028 be for 1038 (whenever a pair becomes available) 7500 ish

swap out the 1028s for dynaudio contour 60/60i.  7500 ish
I’m currently enjoying the nad due to its huge list of features (we live in a digital world now). And I have 2 Jl fathom 110s which need the onboard xover hence why I’m staying with the preamp portion.  I listen 80 music 20 movies and overall want a fuller warmer larger sound.  
One thing to also keep in mind the tweeter on my right 1028 has a hair line fracture in it.  Unsure how it happened but I have my suspicions.  (Cd skipping with a loud abrupt pop when trying a different source... Wondering if the soft domes are a bit less susceptible to damage?  Didn’t take much and it’s only 1...  let’s here your thoughts!  Room is un ideal 16’wx19.5d


dadjokesftw1
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
op

not ford vs chevy -- more like citroen vs volvo :)

more seriously, listen to scott at verdant - his advice is solid

focal is warm mids but with plenty high end energy, dynaudio more neutral, bit cooler presentation, also with clear extended treble

need strong and lovely sounding amplification (expensive) to get the best from these speakers
daros71's avatar
daros71
118 posts
 
Here you can find a few other people which had exactly the same experience i had with the Contour 60. Good luck
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/okay-how-important-is-speaker-break-in-dynaudio-contour-60i
jmlm
42 posts
 
In my experience Focal has a faster but leaner, dryer sound than Dynaudio.  I heard the 60i at my local dealer recently and was impressed.  
Very coherent, even tonal balance.  I am curious if anyone has compared it to the discontinued Confidence 4 with the older tweeter model, which is now less expensive here used than the 60i retail price.
nitewulf
422 posts
 
Don't.

I am a Dynaudio fan, but Focals are more enjoyable. I will throw a wrench and say you should audition the Totem Sky Floorstander as well.
ejr1953
916 posts
 
I snagged one of the first pair of black Focal Sopra No2's that arrived stateside, after listening to a number of other speakers, including the then Dynaudio Confidence D4 model, which I thought were excellent.

I am driving my Sopra's with an amp that is "smooth" sounding.  I've heard the Sopra's driven by amps which tend to sound a little shrill and the result was not at all pleasing.

I might recommend that you consider a pre-owned pair of Sopra No2's, instead of the 1038's.  I find the Sopra's sound really good at all volume levels, are just as impressive playing natural sounds (classical, acoustic jazz, bluegrass, etc.) as they are cranking out rock and roll.
More to discover