[Jonmartin]

Originally Posted by Lou--

I have Focal 826W and really like the sound. They are very similar to the 836W with just a little less bass extension... not a problem as I supplement the bottom end with a REL R528 sub.

I was driving my Focals with McIntosh C48 and MC352 amp, which is a fairly good match. I have since switched to a Prima Luna Dialogue Two using Tung-Sol KT120 tubes, and I much prefer tube amplification with the Focals. The treble from tubes is just so sweet, and there is no degradation in bass with tubes (Focals are quite efficient to drive).

I also own Totem Sttafs which I haul out from time to time, but I always go back to the Focals. The Focals are cleaner, with more realistic timbre and a more holographic image. The Totems are more relaxed, and initially sound warmer, but after listening for a while I always start to miss the realistic presentation of Focals.

Focals are definitely revealing enough to benefit from good Power Conditioning. I wasn't much of a believer in expensive power conditioners and cords 'til a friend of mine brought over a Shunyata Talos with Cobra cords. After listening for... oh, about 20 seconds, I knew I had to get some Shunyata gear.

I listened to a bunch of different speakers including Linn, B&W, Martin Logan & PMC before deciding on Focals. Of these speakers, I liked PMC but only the higher models which were quite a bit more money than Focal 826W.

I have since listened to the 1028be compared to the 826W, and I am not sure which I prefer. The 1028be is a bit smoother, but there is something about the beryllim tweeter that just doesn't seem right... at least to my ears. My friends much prefer the beryllium tweeter so I guess it is personal preference.

If there is one flaw with the 826W, it is that sibilant vocal recordings can be "pronounced". I can hear the same sibilance in recordings on my Totems, just not as sssharp. The good thing about the "pronounced" tweeter is that classical and instrumental recordings sound great, with exceptional air around the instruments. So I guess it is a balance. All in all, I would say that the 8_6W are great value for the money, and compare well to much more expensive speakers.

Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Lou

I agree with this I have the 836W's that I replaced my old Electra 936's with. They're amazing speakers for the money.