Focal Aria 926 replacing Linn Keilidhs

[Lunchbox171]

Hi there, I though I'd follow up from my previous thread regarding my modified aktiv keilidhs with OW1 - 92 tweeters. Basically the upgrade to the keilidhs produced great results and I enjoyed listening to them and were loads better with the new tweeters, however I always felt they lacked midrange and still sounded a bit restrained......so I stumbled upon some Focal 926 3 way floorstanders by chance and bought them blind as they were superb value (i know this was stupid but hey)...a complete punt. Well, I have to say that the 926's are a complete game changer, they are streaks ahead of the aktiv Keilidhs, giving a huge and beautifully clear soundstage. Many reviews mentioned an underwhelming bass response but I totally disagree as the bass is amazing. I'm currently using a Linn Majik dsm and Akurate 4200d power amp and I an so impressed with the cynergy of Linn and Focal.
If you like clear and detailed top and mids with great bass then I'd highly recommend auditioning the Focal Aria range. Also they are finished to the highest standards and look fantastic, even my wife like them with the grills on.
Cheers

 

[Lunchbox171]

Just a photo of the gear on situ...

 

[bigfish786]

You will be generating a lot more bass as the speakers are very close to other objects. My 826v were more bass heavy when I had record boxes by them.

 

[Lunchbox171]

For sure, not ideal placement but this is all I have. I actually reduced bass performance via SO2, it was too much uncalibrated.....bloody love it though, listening right now!

 

[Jazid]

This may be confirmation bias, I have no love whatsoever for Linn speakers, but do admire Focal which are unfairly (IMO) criticised in the hifi forums. Frankly I'd prescribe a doctors appointment if you didn't feel as you do, that's a wise jump in the dark

 

[Nopiano]

For sure, not ideal placement but this is all I have. I actually reduced bass performance via SO2, it was too much uncalibrated.....bloody love it though, listening right now!

That’s a perfect scenario for Sound Optimisation to counter the less than ideal placement.

 

[JANDL100]

Yup, nice one.
Linn speakers. There really should be a law, a crime against music.

I recall going to a dealer dem, a whole bunch of possible contenders. "What about those?" I said after a while, pointing to some smallish floorstanders. Linn. "Uh, you won't like those." he said. He was right.

It's interesting that the Sound Optimisation has worked well for you in sorting out bass placement issues.
These days I dial everything (multiple headphones, speakers in 3 systems) in with pink noise, a simple sound analyser app for speakers, digital eq and final tweaking by ear.
Results can be surprising.

 

[Jezzer]

Glad you’re enjoying your new speakers @Lunchbox171 . Totally agree with @Jazid wrt Focal being unfairly criticised on forums. I’ve owned a fairly large number of speakers through the years (four pairs in the last four years alone) and my current Focal Kanta No 1s are up there with the very best.

 

[Iceman 16]

I have owned Focal speakers like the Electra 1028be’s for several years and they sound very good when partnered with the ‘right’ amp and source components. I still own the Aria 906s as front speakers for AV.

 

[AndyCC72]

If you're limited to placing the speakers there, surely an amp with DSP would be a great option?

 

[Lunchbox171]

If you're limited to placing the speakers there, surely an amp with DSP would be a great option?

You're probably right, however I have so many amplifiers that I just want to use what I have at the moment until I have a big sale and then an upgrade may happen, however I am very happy at present with the current set up.

 

[Bogart]

I know you say you will stick with your gear for now but this at £1795 plus s bit of wiggle would sort you out a treat.
https://yorkshireav.co.uk/products/...is-3rOr_OFDEtbENERxB_8SCKB1AHPFRoC5CQQAvD_BwE

 

[Lunchbox171]

I know you say you will stick with your gear for now but this at £1795 plus s bit of wiggle would sort you out a treat.
https://yorkshireav.co.uk/products/open-box-lyngdorf-tdai-1120-streaming-amplifier?currency=GBP&variant=43170729033859&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6BCF09CQK6USuviZs7Je8cis-3rOr_OFDEtbENERxB_8SCKB1AHPFRoC5CQQAvD_BwE

Interesting, I wonder how it would compare to the 4200d as quite a bit less.powwr and hence control possibly?? Also I'd be loosing quite a few inputs. Thanks for the idea but think I'll keep what I have as its sounds v good.