My previous speakers were Infinity IL-50s and I always considered them to be excellent in the mid/vocal range. I think now I'd describe them compared to my Focals as lacking detail in the highs and punch in the lows. It's interesting to me how a completely different sound changes ones idea of what they like. I'd suggest being open to all available options even if they are not known for a particular aspect like the midrange.
Having said that, you may night like the sound of the Focals as their tweeters are not necessarily smooth and seem to be a polar characteristic for listeners.
When I was trying to figure out which speakers to purchase I took in my "low rider" CD that is an excellent recording but has truly deep and powerful bass line. I wanted to see how the Focal 836v compared to my Infinity's that had built in powered 10 inch subwoofers. As expected, the bass line wasn't as strong, but I was so taken with how wonderful it sounded overall I almost forgot to notice the lack of bottom end. Now, it's one of the few recordings that I use a subwoofer because it's just more fun with the added punch, but really sound fine without it.
Don't exclude any speaker without taking the chance to listen to it if you had an opportunity. I didn't listen to nearly as many speakers as I could have and so far have not found anything I like better, but I may have been a little lucky in my nearly impulse decision on what to purchase. Sometimes you just know when you like something and for me it was my Focals.
Having said that, you may night like the sound of the Focals as their tweeters are not necessarily smooth and seem to be a polar characteristic for listeners.
When I was trying to figure out which speakers to purchase I took in my "low rider" CD that is an excellent recording but has truly deep and powerful bass line. I wanted to see how the Focal 836v compared to my Infinity's that had built in powered 10 inch subwoofers. As expected, the bass line wasn't as strong, but I was so taken with how wonderful it sounded overall I almost forgot to notice the lack of bottom end. Now, it's one of the few recordings that I use a subwoofer because it's just more fun with the added punch, but really sound fine without it.
Don't exclude any speaker without taking the chance to listen to it if you had an opportunity. I didn't listen to nearly as many speakers as I could have and so far have not found anything I like better, but I may have been a little lucky in my nearly impulse decision on what to purchase. Sometimes you just know when you like something and for me it was my Focals.