Professional Monitors

Have you experimented with a seating distance further away from the monitors? I am assuming that 8 feet gives you optimal performance? Bum deal about them going out of business. I never had the opportunity to experience of their models, which is a shame since they seem to have a great reputation.

The Solo's do look like a great deal. I just wonder if it is too good to be true. I'm curious about how they would perform off axis. I just bought a home last fall and have 3 seats in the room right now. The width won't allow more so I will probably tier a couple more behind what I have. I know that Focal recommends that the tweeter be at ear level. From the experience I have had with the Electra BE line, this is an issue. I will always be in the "sweet spot" so it's really not a huge concern for me, but I just don't want it to be horrible for those off axis.

I sent an email to a Focal Professional rep. to see if there is anywhere remotely near me that I could possibly go have a listen. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Gb_ksu,

They do look like a bargain. However, this reflex port design in a very small box speaker (6.5" woofer) will be unlikely to give you accurate bass. (i.e. you can't have your cake and eat it....great value will come at a little compromise)

I haven't seen measurements of the Solo6, however the bass design appears reminiscent of the Chorus 706, except Solo6 is an active design.

If I was buying the Chorus 706 then I would be concerned about the THD+N from 50 to 250 Hz from this small woofer and reflex design. (in percentage terms the THD+N distortion is around 20% in the bass up into the lower mid range)

The Solo6 may be a different animal (much better perhaps?), however, as they say, if it looks to good to be true...

I'd definitely investigate these first.

Shadorne,
You make a point about distortion. I have not seen any graphs concerning their distortion, so I can't say one way or the other. I would think that given the intended use of the product that distortion would be low over their capable range. Doesn't make sense to me that a monitor designed to aide in professional music recording that had high distortion would be accepted. Especially in a range an instrument would play. I could see it if it was below 50 or even 40 Hz because there are not a whole lot of instruments that play that low.

Again these are all assumptions on my part, so please don't feel that I'm trying to discredit your post. I have contacted a gentleman that works with the company that handles the North American distribution for Focal. I will try to see if he could possibly give some insight to this question. I will let you know if I get some answers.