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Help me decide – Revel or Focal

I have been narrowing down my list for new speakers after selling my Avalon and believe I have arrived at my final two. After months of going to all the local dealers, I believe I am close. The entire process, though frustrating since in store comparisons are difficult, has brought out my passion again for the hobby.
My question is, has anyone heard the Focal 1038 BE and the Revel Studio 2 or Salon 2 in the same room using the same electronics? I have heard both speakers separately but no one seems to have both to do a real comparison. I read the reviews and that really does not help. The Focal seems to be a very good all-around speaker but not perfect. They seem to have a minor integration issue between the tweeter and midrange that shows up in the female voice with a small lack of clarity and being a bit recessive. I am still hoping to hear the new Sopras but I do not think I want to spend the extra cash especially since the 1038s are available in a low luster finish and reduced MSRP. The Revels, even though they came out in 2007, still seem to be a very good speaker and can be purchased used ~50% of MSRP. I am reading that their replacement may be revealed at the CES in January. At first I had eliminated them thinking they were too lean and analytical sounding. The music was just not coming out. After hearing them again, I am wondering if that may just be that they are accurate but I have read this complaint all over the internet so it does make me wonder.
I have a 16 x 20 room with 10-foot ceilings and have Anthem Statement electronics. Help me decide (but please try to keep it to the Revel and Focal since I have eliminated almost everything else in this price range available in New England).
128x128cdj123
chlim's avatar
chlim
10 posts
 
Value vice, Revel. Hands down.

The previous Focals have harsh highs and Focals generally preferred to be driven hard. The new Focal, Sopra is much better in this respect. The highs blend in with the mids and bass.

Moving away from Avalon, your shortlisted speakers are a departure from ultra refinement, finesse and airy sound. Good luck.
yyzsantabarbara
4,922 posts
 
I thought I read somewhere that a new Revel Salon was going to be released near the New Year.

I heard the Focal Sopra at the Newport Show and liked it quite a bit. I used to own the Revel Salon1 and loved the bass on that speaker. However, I prefer the top end on my KEF LS50 over the top end of the Revel Salon1.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
I am hoping to hear the Sopra No. 2 before making a final decision but it is pushing my budget. I didn't think I would be stepping back so much given the baseline Avalon has been around for ages. Oh well.
ricred1
2,057 posts
 
I was called yesterday by my dealer telling me I should sell my Aerial 7Ts and purchase the Sopra No. 2s. My concern is Focal tends to be on the bright side of neutral to my ears and I prefer neutral or to error on the slightly dark side of neutral. The other concern is I haven't found a dealer that has them on the floor for me to listen to. Has anyone heard them? If so, how would you characterize their sound?
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
Hi Ricred1, I honestly have not found the 1038s to be bright. I think they are well balanced but electronics may factor into this. Also, as you get older you tend to lose a little high frequency hearing so that may play into it as well. I am having the same issue finding a dealer that has the No. 2s locally. It sound like most mid-sized dealers will get them in a few months. The only option now is to make a trip to a larger dealer which I may have to do. I am really hoping the Sopra is great and addresses my concerns regarding the 1038 which are midrange clarity and a higher level of detail. I have listened to the 7Ts and I think I would give the edge to the 1038, but have never heard them in the same room at the same dealer.
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