JM Labs Electra 937Be vs.Diva Utopia Be vs. Mezzo

yeah thanks for that post. I have been reading the tech info at the Focal site and it's quite interesting. But I'm not sure what the Utopia series adds specifically from the Electra. For example, how do the different crossover points affect the sound between the two series? I'm really new to all of this, but I want to make a good investment--one to which my ears can also eventually catch up as they get more discerning. Another issue is the location of the drivers. The bass drivers on the Diva are located low and in the back of the speaker, whereas the Electra 937s go straight at you. I'm going to have to locate the speakers in front of a concrete half partition which splits my small studio apt into a 8 1/2 x 11 foot listening space, but one chock full of books, shelves speakers and wall adornments, so plenty to deaden out the sound if it becomes too boomy. I also want to buy in the eventuality of moving to a larger space in a couple of years or sooner, so I don't mind going with a floorstander.

the info on the focal website suggests that a lot of the technologies used on the Utopia series are duplicated with the Electra Be. namely, the gamma structure, focus time, OPC, W cone, and of course the Beryllium. The main difference seems to be with the Focus Ring and Power Flower magnet technologies and perhaps degrees of the other commonalities. I was only wondering how these might translate sonically. Other issues include cabinet structure and quality and the WBT vs. Focal binding posts. If anyone has any thoughts about all of this it will help in my decision. I do trust my ears, but more than my ears, I trust where my future ears might be in audio space/time and what they might be hearing that I don't right now. I'd like to plan for that eventuality, which is why I'm inquiring with sophisticated ears reading here. Thanks in advance.

I had many of the same questions comparing the pre-BE Electra 906, 926, and 936 with the 907 BE, the 927 BE, and the Micro Utopia BE and Diva. I had several at home, and fair listens in the shop for others. Only the quickest of listens to the 937 BE however, because it was way too big for my short list.

In absolute terms, I had no doubt of the superior sound of the Utopia BE models I heard, for their seamless coherence and high treble refinement,compared to their respective Electra Be counterparts. However, I say that as someone who doesn't look for a great deal of bass weight. How superior? Well, I'd call the difference substantial, even striking, yet subtle, if that's not totally inconsistent.

I wouldn't argue with someone who felt the 937 BE, or even the 927, was richer and more satisfying than the Micro Utopia Be for example, for given music in a given room, though my personal choice would be the latter.

If you want to talk about value for the dollar, diminishing returns and such, well that's another matter.

i have a pair of divas. it takes a lot of trial & error with cables to achieve coherence. Resolution is truly amazing but very sensitive to changes in the chain.

As an owner of 926s, I agree with Glai that these speakers are particularly sensitive to associated equipment. I have been very surprised at how I hear every change I make, even a single cable in the chain.

I feel certain that in some cases, people haven't liked JM Labs because the rest of the chain didn't jive with them. You do have to tweak and experiment some to get what you want. Having said that, you can tailor the sound to your likings very nicely. Just something to keep in mind. Arthur

Hi Panderso, Bill here. We talked before. I was all set to get the Micros in November, and then I had a change of heart after one last audition. I decided to go for more bass extension. I pondered it over and realized if I had more patience, I'd have the Divas or the Altos used, so I thought it a better option than just buying the Micros at that time. Tough decision, though I'm happy with it. Then I heard the 937 and was shocked at how good it was, especially when compared with the 927, which I hadn't liked if you recall. I think I agree with you though. the cabinet construction and build quality of the Utopia series is pretty unbelievable. I think I'll stick with my original plan and patiently save up for one of the other two.

Glai and Arthur, what cables did you settle on and which did you eliminate in your setups? Where are you at now in terms of your listening and which matches do you think don't work at all with these speakers? thanks for following up.