Focal Scala V2 vs B&W 802D3?
 

I currently own the 802d3, which is paired with Mcintosh 601's. The 802D3 image really well and really can disappear. Female vocals are pretty amazing, and in general higher frequencies are quite good. However, I am looking for something with even more realism, identity, and even more precise imaging focus with greater depth. the 802d3s seem to be lacking in 3d soundstage. I also have a pair of REL 25's that take care of everything below 36 hz so i will be incorporating those as well. I have pretty much maxed out my sources and cabling etc, as you can see in my signature, so I feel now i need to upgrade my speakers.

I am looking to possibly upgrade speakers in the next 6-9 months, and was looking at the Focal Scalas vs SF Cremonese.

I am looking to integrate these speakers as part of my home theater as well (I have a 2 channel/7.1 hybrid system, don't have the space for 2 separate rooms). My center channel is the HTM1.

Suggestions? I've been told that my room is too small for the maestro.

My room is 19' x 21' x 8.

IMHO, SF cremonese is better sounding speakers than scal V2,more bass,more rhythm,sweet sounding.
I have scala V2, I find Bottom end is lacking,mid tones/voices are wonderful;however ,at higher notes it makes me get up and move around
I am also considering a cremonese up grade when fund become available

sami

Thanks !

I have a 19 x 21 x 8 room. Would this room be too small for the cremonese?

don't move away from your first choice that easy, listen to these speakers yourself before deciding.

The 802D3s are pretty damn good. Not sure's it's worth spending more money on something maybe 5% better.

Better jump on the cremonese on audiogon from a guy in Illinois. Ain't gonna see that for a while.

in my opinion the cremonese just a side step with a different flavor

Have you heard your 802 D3s with other electronics?
Instead of changing speakers, you might be pleasantly surprised with an amp change.
(I hope the McIntosh lovers won't be too much offended :D).

Kef Blades, this speaker's people comparing with $70,000 speakers!

Mcintosh MC2301?

+1

Agreed. Even within tube changes in the preamp, I am sound that is remarkably different on the 802D3.

A pair of MC601s sound GREAT with the 802D3s. Few of my friends have the same setup.

Thank you so much for the replies!

I think everyone has very valuable inputs here. I really love the 802d3, and my dealer is offering me pretty good trade in value for a pair of either the new focal scala coming out or the cremonese.

Certainly thought about pairing differently amplifiers, I especially LOVE the boulder stereo amplifiers but for the money I feel that a new speaker would elevate performance a little more? I did listen to the cremonese at axpona this year and was blown away with the peformance.

thank you for the help! Such a fantastic resource !

I have heard my 802d3 with Levinson, classe, moon, boulder, and audio research.

By far and away the best was boulder. So transparent and neutral, lets the music do its thing and speakers disappeared. Joey, you have a spectacular amp!

Hello,


for my taste the SF are NOT so good like the Scala. sure is very different sound but Focal Scala now with the V3 is much better.

B&W802d3 - Scala V2: not so easy......I will say B&W only are really new and the Scala V2 no more on the edge.....
The Scala V3 can be a good speaker but before listen!