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Focal 948 vs. Klipsch Cornwall recommendations?

Hi (new here) - I’m in the process of updating some vintage gear to modern HiFi (no HT now) for a listening area that’s about 800 SF with 8’ ceilings and wood floors. I’m coming from a 1970’s SX-737 Pioneer Receiver paired with Klipsch KG4’s. I’ve since upgraded to a couple of NAD C 268 Amps and some other NAD components. I may upgrade components in the future but for now that’s what I have.

I’m trying to decide between the Focal 948’s or the Cornwalls. I guess since I like my KG4’s I’m a "horn guy" to some degree, but who knows at this stage in my journey because I have a ton of learning to do. I do not want to run a sub (have a seperate HT room for that), so this is a 2 channel hi-fi set up in a living room/great room. I tend to like "warmish" sound but realize the amp can greatly influence that. I like good tight bass, but don’t need or want a house shaking sub - needs to be balanced with the rest of the sound stage.

The sound is more important to me than how the speaker looks, but I am drawn towards a more classical speaker look like the Cornwall, however I find both of these speakers attractive. I have not listened to either speaker in person yet...the closest I’ve gotten is the speaker simulator on Crutchfield for the 948.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
dogarogaroo
mofojo
2,291 posts
 
I have not heard that NAD but you may consider a tube preamp to pair with it like the Schiit Freya + although I haven’t heard it. I’ve found a tube pre does wonders for the dry mechanical sound of most affordable class D amps I’ve heard. 
I would think you want more power with the Focal or something that puts out a lot of current. Plenty for the Cornwall I would think. 
bigtex22's avatar
bigtex22
85 posts
 
I demoed the Cornwall IVs last weekend. They’re huge, so you’ll want the right space. No need for subs, plenty of bass. The dealer was running an 80W integrated amp and it was as loud as anything I’ve heard (very efficient). But they are bright with the horns, so try before you buy. 
dogarogaroo OP
3 posts
 
I should add, the two NAD amps in mono config will supply 300w each, so should be plenty for the Focals
james633
1,025 posts
 
I ran a pair of B&W 703 (hard to drive) off a 1970s Marantz receiver…. It sounded great. 

In my main system I have a $9,000 amp, a $900 amp and in my second system I have a $800 marantz receiver form 2011 and that $800 receiver (needed HDMI switching for the wife) is pushing 3 ohm speakers and the sound is pretty good. Good enough it makes me question my life choices lol. 


My point is that the difference between good electronics and great electronics is small these days but the cost is astronomical.



As for speakers it is personal. Focal and Klipsch both have pretty strong house sounds. I have demoed the Cornwall IV a few times and many pairs of Focals though not those. Me personally I would lean toward the focal house sound. It will most likely be more detailed with consistent off axis dispersion which is important for stable soundstage. I felt like the soundstage of the Cornwall IV changed at different frequencies. They were ok but not enough to get my wallet out.



This review is of the Forte but might give you some insight to the Cornwall as these are the only measurements I have seen.
https://youtu.be/IZPc1tl1aPs
chorus
976 posts
 
Iffy power and cornwalls sounds a bit too earsplitting for my ears.
Keep on shopping. Used provides more choices. Must hear in your space prior to committing 
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