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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
ricred1
2,058 posts
 
Cdj123,

I'll just agree to disagree regarding the 1038s compared to Aerial 7Ts. Everyone has a preference and I prefer the 7Ts. I'm going to the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest next month and hope to get an opportunity to hear the Sopra 2s. New speakers are often hyped to be the best speaker in the world; therefore I need to hear them with my own ears.
cdj123's avatar
cdj123 OP
57 posts
 
Ricred1, I think that is what makes this hobby fun. Lots to choose from and lots of opinions. You have inspired me to give the 7Ts another listen....maybe today or tomorrow at a local dealer that has them on the floor. I did own the 10Ts for many years and enjoyed them. I agree with you regarding speaker being hyped and time will tell if the Sopras fall into that or if they are a solid offering. There is one review that I have seen on Hifinews.co.uk. They really liked them but said they are sensitive to placement. We wont start talking about the merits of reviews!
ricred1
2,058 posts
 
Cdj123,

I respect your opinion and if you prefer the 1038s that's great. I submit that each component, including cables impacts the tonality of a good speaker. I've gone through several changes with my Aerial 7Ts. My "system" sounds better than ever. My point is, maybe I didn't hear the 1038s in the right "system."
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
My dealer has both. Revel is my vote.
bill_k
920 posts
 
I haven't heard the Revels but did audition the Sopra 2 speakers. I would describe their sound as being very impressive, with outstanding extension, dynamics and imaging. What I didn't like was that I found them to be a bit analytical in their overall presentation, lacking the smooth natural warmth that I find in some other speakers. And this was with D'Agostino electronics which are known for their non-analytical balance. I would imagine that the Sopra speakers will be a great seller and appeal to many users, just not to my preference. To each their own, we're fortunate these days to have so many good speakers to choose from.
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