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Focal, B&W or Martin Logan

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers.  Current system is Lumin U1 Mini server > Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP DAC> Pass Labs XA160.8 Amp > Martin Logan Classic 9 speakers.  Room is pretty good acoustically (25' x 15'), but I have to place the speakers along the long wall making a 12x12x12 triangle for listening with my sitting position very close to the rear wall.  Speakers are currently 8" from front wall and can't be moved more than 5 or 6 inches further into the room (WAF issues), thus limiting the size (depth) of the new speakers. I listen to most all music, but mostly R&B, Country and classic rock.   

The biggest knock against the current MLs is that they don't have a lot of resolution - especially when it comes to complex music. They're great for acoustic guitar, piano or vocals.  They also lack a bit in bass, but that isn't too big of an issue as my wife would prefer I keep bass to a minimum.

Based on budget and speaker size, I'm seriously looking at the following:  Focal Sopra No. 2 (or No. 3). B&W 802D3, Martin Login 13A (or 15A).  I'm looking at buying used, so won't be able to try before purchasing.  I'm interested in hearing from those of you that have experience with these speakers.  Anyone heard them all and have a preference?

I'm currently leaning to the Focals, but only because I like they way they look. 


dfairc777a
james633
1,052 posts
 
It would be an easy choice for me to go with the Focals in this case. They are very balanced but lack low bass extension. Pushing up agents the wall might actually help a bit. If you could get the driver face out to 24” you probably would be fine. 
I having heard the 802d3 a number of times you might get some bass boom that close to the wall. They are also very bright both at 3-5k and again at 10k. Not for me but as we get older some peaks in the upper mids and highs can be nice…

the Martin Logan has too small of a sweet spot and too many oddities due to the design for me to want to mess with. They sound nice on the right music. Throw Metallica in and they come up short. 
bwguy's avatar
bwguy
231 posts
 
It never fails that every time a B&W speaker is mentioned all the negative comments come out. I am curious what other equipment was used when you all heard them. I happen to own 802D3’s with a Classe pre and Classe amps. I find them balanced, with a nice mid range and solid bass ( although I do have dual f 113 subs) I listen to indie and classic rock and like to crank them up. I have never heard them harsh, bright, colored or boomy). Most speakers mentioned on this site have their pluses and minuses, and so do B&W’s. I think the related equipment makes a big difference.
mofojo
2,315 posts
 
The measurements of the B&Ws show that they are voiced to sound detailed IMO. Spike at 5k and another at 10k on the expensive ones. They are very well made and the people designing them ain’t dummies. They are doing exactly what they are designed to do. I would just never call them neutral although I’m sure sound amazing if your tastes favor a certain sound but I would pick warm ss amps with them such as probably your classe. 

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 
@bwguy
I have nothing against B&W, great speakers. but when I compared them at the dealer with other brands, they lacked the excitement - what my ears said
dfairc777a OP
60 posts
 
I've listened to the B&Ws on McIntosh electronics and wasn't overly impressed, but that was a few years ago.  Since then I've come to the realization that other than the MC-2301 mono blocks, I'm not a big fan of McIntosh gear (could be why I wasn't impressed).  They're back on my list as something I want to hear, but hopefully on different electronics.

I don't have a local Focal dealer nearby so never had the chance to listen.  I'll probably have to drive to Chicago to demo both Focals and the bigger MLs.  If I do, I'm hopeful I can listen to used speakers on Pass Labs electronics (Probably wishful thinking).


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