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Legacy Focus SE or PS Audio FR20

My custom-made speakers have served me well for 40 years (including several upgrades) but given technological advancement I’m beginning to evaluate new speakers. Top of my list so far are Legacy Focus SE and PS Audio FR 20 - both of which I was able to hear at Axpona. Both are at or above my price range so I’m looking for insights from users on these or other suggestions at or below the price range. Listening habits are 60% rock/alternative, 20% folk, 20% jazz. Integrated amp is 175 watt Plinius 8200, TT is Sota Nova with older model Origin Live Silver tonearm and Grado Reference 3 cartridge. I do have some high-end hearing loss so I’m trying to factor that in as well. Any help appreciated, thanks!

aheydorn
soix
9,636 posts
 

Given the music you listen to at Axpona I’d highly recommend you listen to ATC speakers. The SCM40 is excellent and should be well within your price range. Others I’d put very high on my list to visit:

  • Joseph Audio
  • Gershman Acoustics
  • Vandersteen
  • Sound Organization room (ProAc)
  • Quintessence room (Vivid)
  • Totem
  • Unity Event Solutions room (Acora)
  • Rhythm Distribution room (Marten)
  • Saturday Audio Exchange (Paradigm)
  • Quintessence room (Sonus Faber)
  • Holm Audio (Sonner)

If it’s not obvious I’m jealous and wish I could go as there’s so much great stuff there. These are rooms I’d definitely hit (among others) if I went FWIW.

harden90
5 posts
 

I have the Legacy Focus SE with a Ayon Triton Evo. I listen to jazz, R&B and Rock. I find the Focus deliver deep smooth bass on alll. The mids and the highs are my favorite on the Focus. They give deep soundstage and awesome spacing. I first heard them at Axpona also and they haven’t disappointed me since. But remember they are big  and heavy but so gorgeous. I did change the spikes to Isoacoustic gaia I.  

jpcmrc
23 posts
 

I've had the Legacy Focus SEs for years and I love them. My wife and I flew from Anchorage, AK down to Chicago and then drove to Springfield to audition the speakers.  Bill Duddleston came in on the weekend and demoed the speakers for us.  It was an amazing experience.  We drove the speakers back to Chicago and air freighted them to Anchorage.  They are amazing full range speakers (no subwoofers needed) and highs and midrange are well balanced non fatiguing. I not familiar with the PS Audio speakers for I know the Legacy's won't disappoint you.  See Anthony H. Cordesman's reviews of the speakers in The Absolute Sound.

aheydorn OP
16 posts
 

Thanks to everyone for your insights-all are much appreciated. The SEs sounded pretty great when I heard them at Axpona- really caught my ear over a number of similarly priced speakers. Looks like a trip to Springfield might be in my future- but from Chicago not Alaska - that’s really dedication!

mofojo
2,304 posts
 

Haha 🤣. As soon as I saw the title I made a hundred dollar bet with myself audiotroy would be the first responder! I won a hundred bucks from myself!! Yay. 

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