Focal 1038be II. Vs. Klipsch Cornwall III
 

I know a stretch, but has anyone heard a side by side comparison?
For almost double the price, is the Focal THAT much better???

I think you will find these are very different speakers. It has been awhile since I heard the Focals and I am not positive I have heard that version of the Klipsch. My guess is that they are directed at two different end users. Not sure which wauy you would lean.

I will say the top of the line Focals hold their own with most any speaker.

I heard a pair of Sopra 2's last year and was blown away. With that said, I listen to a lot of rock music and enjoy the sound of Cornwall III's.
Really tough choice.

Back in the 70's and 80's, I was a huge Klipsch fan and Cornwalls were very well respected. A good friend has Cornwall II's, and when directly compared to my Focal 1028BE II's the Cornwalls finish a distant second in my opinion. Although few speakers can match the efficiency and shear output of the Klipsch, the Focals deliver a more realistic and full range sound. Of course, both speakers are dependent on upstream electronics.

Good stuff! Thanks. I literally go back and forth daily on what to buy. Yesterday, I added the McIntosh XR100 in the mix.

Imagine Klipsch owners have a different opinion.

That might be true. I still own a pair of Klipsch Heresy II that I bought new in 1986 and have Klipsch speakers in my home theater system. I'm very familiar with the Klipsch sound and performance and am in no way biased in my comparison. If someone is looking for a true full range and tonally accurate speaker, the Focal 1038BE II will not be seriously challenged by the Cornwall III in my honest opinion.