Focal 826-D Alternatives

[sawacs]

Two years ago, I acquired the Focal 826-D speakers, but I've now embarked on a quest to explore alternatives. In hindsight, I realize I should have conducted more extensive research before making my purchase. The piercing highs of the Focals have become unbearable for me, prompting the need for a replacement.

Here is my current system:
X4700H
2 Focal 826-D's
Focal Center Channel
2 SVS Sb 2000 Pro's
Emotiva XPA-3 Gen 2 Amp


So far, I have narrowed the list down to Wharfedale Evo 4.4's and Polk R700's.

I would appreciate recommendations for speakers that offer a smoother high-end response, unlike the harsh highs of the Focal speakers. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Chrispy]

You in the US? Might consider Philharmonic Audio? Ascend Acoustics?

 

[Putter]

Having just read about warnings about spending money changing speakers to fix EQ problems, I wonder if you've tried some simpler solutions like angling speakers pointing away to reduce treble or have you used the Audyssey calibration or the graphic EQ option. If you just want new speakers that's fine too.

 

[Chrispy]

With the Denon are you using the Audyssey MultEQ Editor App ($20 extra!) to help out some?

 

[Jaxjax]

Can the top Atmos driver be turned off .?
As suggested , I would try to EQ if you haven't already j

 

[sawacs]

I am using the Audyssey app for calibration but I have not tried to implement any eq corrections using app. I need to learn a bit more before trying to edit things.

Regarding the speaker angling, I have tried that with no luck.

I will give the EQ a try first.. definitely cheaper than new speakers. Would you guys recommend something like a mini DSP to get started?

Thanks!

 

[Chrispy]

I am using the Audyssey app for calibration but I have not tried to implement any eq corrections using app. I need to learn a bit more before trying to edit things.

Regarding the speaker angling, I have tried that with no luck.

I will give the EQ a try first.. definitely cheaper than new speakers. Would you guys recommend something like a mini DSP to get started?

Thanks!

I'd learn to use the editor app for Audyssey first, you can likely get a house eq curve to improve on things now. Perhaps getting a measurement mic and REW to see what's going on as Audyssey doesn't show actual results. A miniDSP unit for sub integration might be a thought if you have more than two subs.

 

[Penelinfi]

Don't forget you could try to see if the room is contributing to high frequency reflections

 

[napilopez]

Definitely try EQ first.

Focal speakers do tend to have a broad dispersion increase somewhere around 3-8khz, depending on the speaker. This can come of as detailed for some spaces/listeners/music, or harsh for others.

I haven't seen a spin for the 826-D, but Amir has measured the 816 towers:

While I measured the smaller 806 Bookshelves:

(These match anechoic measurements on soundstage network, FWIW)

Both of these speakers show a bump around 7-8 khz, so i think it's safe to say the same will be present in the 826 to at least some extent. Amir used a ~3d B, Q=1 filter at 8khz. I would try inputting something similar in Audyssey and adjusting from there.

Because this brightness on Focal speakers is usually a property of their directivity rather than the on-axis response, you may not be able to EQ it all the way to your liking without hurting some other part of tonality, but definitely give it a go. Many focal's actually have a slight downward slope, seemingly to mitigate this brightness. The Chora 806 seems to have this tile built-in, but 816 still looks pretty bright on axis, so you'll have to experiment a bit.

 

[sawacs]

I ordered a UMIK-1 mic and downloaded the REW software. Will start by analyzing the room first then play around with the EQ. My concern is the Audyssey APP will correct too broad of a frequency range.

Also, I have stands arriving tomorrow for a pair of Wharfedale Evo 4.2's I am using in my office. Will probably place those in the living room next to the Focals and see how they perform. The Evo 4.2's are incredible speakers!

Cheers!

 

[Chrispy]

I ordered a UMIK-1 mic and downloaded the REW software. Will start by analyzing the room first then play around with the EQ. My concern is the Audyssey APP will correct too broad of a frequency range.

Also, I have stands arriving tomorrow for a pair of Wharfedale Evo 4.2's I am using in my office. Will probably place those in the living room next to the Focals and see how they perform. The Evo 4.2's are incredible speakers!

Cheers!

You can try the Audyssey MultEQ-X software for finer adjustments, too.

 

[valerianf]

Don't you have a treeble adjustment on the Denon?
It could quickly gives an idea about your issue.