French Speakers?

I can't speak directly to the 806S speakers, but I have the 806V speakers that replaced them (also up for sale. :). They are exceptional speakers, and have some of the best clarity I've heard anywhere near their price range. That said, I agree with Phasecorrect that they may be a little lean for primarily rock/pop. They sound amazing for jazz, vocals, instrumental, some electronic music, folk, home theater, etc... but rock/pop isn't really their strongest area, IMHO. Of course, for mostly rock/pop, I tend to prefer a warmer sound, even if it's not as detailed.

I know some people at this price point will swear by the Focals as the best speakers available on a budget, depending on their tastes. I read some of those reviews before I picked these up. All depends on personal taste.

But I would give high praise to the Focals for using "trickle-down" technologies from their four-, five, and six-figure speakers to create speakers that are really exceptional for their class.

Buconero117

I guess you haven't listened to Focal speakers. I previously owned the Chorus series and now I own the Electra series and couldn't be happier. I compared them to many brands and found them most satisfying especially when it comes to voices. As someone stated above they work especially well with jazz and classical music. Focal speakers are also very revealing so if the recording is crap so will be the sound. Concerning quality, they are top notch. The craftmenship of the enclosures are made like fine furniture.

Focal drivers are also well know globally and I believe Wilson speakers still use some of their drivers.

BTW- What system do you have?

The best French speaker I ever heard was from a company called Leedt. They used a gas filled Piezo tweeter shaped liked an egg. I heard these several times at many CES shows using the original Audio Mattiere Amp and preamp. This was many years ago.

Separate or they'll start humping

My lachrymal Fifth Grade English teacher may be smiling if he/she was aware of the saturninity involved, if not apparent, in "My demise as an audiophile began"...