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Focal/JM Labs Nova Utopia Be

I'm going to be acquiring these speakers next week as replacement to my Dynaudio Countour S3.4s (a significant upgrade to say the least). Provided the size of the speaker and the low frequency response, I am wondering if any owners or previous owners of similar speakers have experienced any difficulties incorporating beasts such as these into a moderately sized room. My system resides in a 20' x 13' room with the speakers/electronics along the short wall. The corners, first reflection points and rear walls are acoustically treated. Additionaly, the stated nominal impedence is 8 ohms with the minimal impedence dipping to 3.6 . Would it be advisable to utilize to 4 ohm taps of my Mac amp rather than the 8s? Thanks in advance. New speakers is always both an exiciting and daunting venture...
adamg
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Yes if you are using a tube amp then I found that that 4 Ohms worked best . I own Focals which claim 8 Ohms nominal but admit lowest impedances of 3.8 Ohm believe. My complete guess is that your average impedance is closer to 6 Ohms. I simply tried both taps on my amps. I suggest you do the same, but I think you will like the 4 Ohms output. It sounded fuller and more dynamic to me.
focalfan
53 posts
 
if you are looking at these novas be, you should consider the new stellaems... an absolute marvel in speaker technology... a direct decendent of the large g.u, this "petite grand utopia", has all of the attributes of the g.u in a smaller( but still formidbable size) foot print.
but , still ,the novas were /are very good as well. the stellas just take off from where the novas ' perfromance ended.
adamg OP
89 posts
 
Thanks Focalfan and Mechans. I'm certain that the Stella's are superior to the Nova's in every conceivable manner. However, provided the current retail cost of the Stella's ($95,000 here in Canada), the Nova's at 1/4 the price are certainly the more economically effective solution.
auxetophone
114 posts
 
You should always try the taps one up and one down from the speaker's impedance by ear, unless the amp manufacturer specifically warns against it. Very often the sound is markedly better on one tap than the other, and you want to know about that firsthand.
lubes3
35 posts
 
I'm considering replacing my Wilson W/P8s with Focal Novas. Pricing on the Novas has come way down since the new series of Focals has been released. The Wilsons sound pretty good in my room, but don't go as low as my old PBNs. They are also a little tilted in the mid bass and top end.

My room is similar to yours w/dimensions of 20' x 14.5' x 8'. With a large open door to the living/dining area about 4' behind the listening couch.

Any comparisons or comments? How do the Novas work in your room?

Regards,
Brett
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