AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Manufacturers Forums > Focal Speakers

Focal Speakers The Spirit of Sound

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-30-2015, 12:05 PM
Jagman Jagman is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 205
Default Focal 1038be and Aerial 7T

I've spent about 6 hours on 4 different occasions auditioning the 1038's. My overall impressions are very positive. They are very dynamic, fast and lively speakers. They are on the opposite end of laid back. Still, they are very musical and fun speakers. All things that I really enjoy in a speaker. During each listening session however there has been a few times where the highs were a bit bothersome to me. The speakers are demos and I would consider them pretty broken in. My concern is that they would become fatiguing over time. The other concern is that the real deal on these is in the black ash low luster finish vs the other gorgeous finishes offered.
My short list speakers up to now have been used Bowers 802 Diamonds, 803 Di's, Wilson Sophia and Sasha. The new options were Vandersteen Treo's and Wilson Sabrina's. I have ruled out all either due to cost, (Sabrina's, Sasha's), or preference, (Treos, 803D's), with only the pre-owned 802's left.
Added to my final list are a pair of new Aeiral 7T's. I have violated a rule of mine by adding them to the list; I've not heard them. Still I'm interested and more than a little tempted to take the leap of faith based on glowing reviews, the overwhelming opinion of how musical and non fatiguing they are, and I'd be lying if If I didn't admit I've also been seduced by what I consider to be the most aesthetically pleasing speakers I've seen. Plus, their size, while still being a solid full ranger fits the shared family room where they would reside perfectly. I also admit than their longstanding position on Stereophiles recommended speakers list has my attention. But again I haven't heard them. I'm posting this in the Focal forum in hopes of gazing a more clear perspective as it relates to the Electras and the 7T's before I make a decision as soon as this coming week. I appreciate any input.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-30-2015, 12:26 PM
Masterlu's Avatar
Masterlu Masterlu is offline
AA Founder, Legend AV Owner



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: South FL & Cape Cod MA
Posts: 78,466
Default

Tim... Walt... Joe... Brian... Charles... feel free to chime in on your experience with 7T's
__________________
Ivan
FLORIDA
MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
CAPE COD

MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-30-2015, 01:54 PM
scirica's Avatar
scirica scirica is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: DFW Metroplex
Posts: 3,788
Default

Yes, the Aerial's have glowing reviews and a great recommendation level on Stereophile. However, having spent some time with you in "audition mode", I can't imagine that you would buy a speaker without listening to it. Heck, I came close to buying a pair of 7T's before I settled on the Bryston Model T's...But only after I auditioned them on two separate occasions.

The good news is you are working from a phenomenal list of choices and I'm sure you will be happy when you make that final decision!
__________________
Analog: VPI Classic Direct (12" Fatboy) with Ortofon A95 cartridge; Ortofon ST-80SE Transformer; McIntosh C2500.
Digital: SilenZio Gen 3 High Performance Media Server; Esoteric K-03X.
Supporting System: McIntosh MX122 A/V Center; MC205 Amplifier; Bryston 14bSST2 Amplifier; PS Audio P10 Power Reconditioner; Revel Salon 2 Mains; Revel Voice 2 CC; JL Audio f113v2 (2); JL Audio CR-1 Crossover; Focal IC1002 Surrounds
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-30-2015, 03:49 PM
Jagman Jagman is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 205
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by scirica View Post
Yes, the Aerial's have glowing reviews and a great recommendation level on Stereophile. However, having spent some time with you in "audition mode", I can't imagine that you would buy a speaker without listening to it. Heck, I came close to buying a pair of 7T's before I settled on the Bryston Model T's...But only after I auditioned them on two separate occasions.

The good news is you are working from a phenomenal list of choices and I'm sure you will be happy when you make that final decision!
Thanks Steve. Enjoyed hearing your Model T's! That of course makes sense. Wish there was somewhere I could hear them. DFW is such a weird high end audio market. I know it sounds strange, but by every description they too sound like my kind of speakers without perhaps the exaggerated treble.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-30-2015, 08:32 PM
joey_v joey_v is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: DFW, Texas
Posts: 2,179
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by scirica View Post
Yes, the Aerial's have glowing reviews and a great recommendation level on Stereophile. However, having spent some time with you in "audition mode", I can't imagine that you would buy a speaker without listening to it. Heck, I came close to buying a pair of 7T's before I settled on the Bryston Model T's...But only after I auditioned them on two separate occasions.

The good news is you are working from a phenomenal list of choices and I'm sure you will be happy when you make that final decision!
Bingo.

Best of luck my friend
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-01-2015, 09:29 PM
JGM411's Avatar
JGM411 JGM411 is offline
Member


 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Carlyle IL
Posts: 710
Default

It has been a few years since I made my decision to buy the Aerial Model 7T and there is not a day that I am disappointed. There is a rare day when I don't listen to them and smile.

Prior to my decision to buy Aerial Model 7t, I listened to Focals 1038, Wilson sophias, and several of the Vienna series of speakers.

I kept going back to Aerial. I purchased my first high(er) end stereo system back in November 1979 while attending the University of Illinois. While I was auditioning new speakers and a new stereo, I returned to the audio dealer who sold me my first system which was abou five years ago. My oldest kid was a student at UIllinois and on a whim, i went to visit his store.... 30 years later. My long time audio dealer told me that the Aerial model 7t's were the best sounding speaker he had ever heard for a speaker under $10K.

And they keep getting better. Michael Kelly is a great speaker builder.

Aesthetically, these speakers are outstanding!!!! I am a woodworker and the fit and finish on these speakers are superb!

Good luck with your decision. If you choose Aerial 7t's I couldn't imagine you being disappointed.

all the best
__________________
Joe



mc275VI 50th anniversary edition, c2300, rega p5, aerial acoustics 7t, Bryston BDA-1 dac, yamaha cdx550, dual 1237 turntable (not in use)

Last edited by JGM411; 09-01-2015 at 09:33 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-01-2015, 09:45 PM
Jagman Jagman is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 205
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JGM411 View Post
It has been a few years since I made my decision to buy the Aerial Model 7T and there is not a day that I am disappointed. There is a rare day when I don't listen to them and smile.

Prior to my decision to buy Aerial Model 7t, I listened to Focals 1038, Wilson sophias, and several of the Vienna series of speakers.

I kept going back to Aerial. I purchased my first high(er) end stereo system back in November 1979 while attending the University of Illinois. While I was auditioning new speakers and a new stereo, I returned to the audio dealer who sold me my first system which was abou five years ago. My oldest kid was a student at UIllinois and on a whim, i went to visit his store.... 30 years later. My long time audio dealer told me that the Aerial model 7t's were the best sounding speaker he had ever heard for a speaker under $10K.

And they keep getting better. Michael Kelly is a great speaker builder.

Aesthetically, these speakers are outstanding!!!! I am a woodworker and the fit and finish on these speakers are superb!

Good luck with your decision. If you choose Aerial 7t's I couldn't imagine you being disappointed.

all the best
Thank you Joe. I appreciate your input. It's really between the Focal 1038be's and the 7T's and I'm going to decide tomorrow! There's a lot I like about the Focals. The treble hasn't been harsh anywhere close to all the time, just occasionally with certain recordings. Harder is that haven't heard the 7T's, but continue to get rave reviews from owners. I do love the look of them and in the past have enjoyed very musical speakers. I don't want to give up high resolution and definition though. I hear no worries there with the 7T's.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-01-2015, 09:56 PM
jmw31's Avatar
jmw31 jmw31 is offline
Joe W
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 436
Default

Absolutely love my 7Ts after more than a year. They just disappear with most recordings. Seamless sound from top to bottom. Very involving. Sound great with tubes or solid state. Sing with my combo of CJ ET5/Bryston 14SST2. I also found them easy to place in my room.
__________________
[list] Analog: VPI Prime Signature Turntable in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, Digital: Aurender N10, Holoaudio KTE May, Oppo 203, Preamplifier: Luxman C-10X, Parasound JC3 Jr, Amplifier: Luxman M-10X, Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4, Power Management: Audioquest Niagara 5000, Cables: Nordost Tyr 2, Wireworld Eclipse 7 & 8, , Rack: Core Audio Designs plyKraft 3L (x2)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-01-2015, 11:00 PM
mchydro's Avatar
mchydro mchydro is offline
Senior Member


 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 1,051
Default

This is all exciting for me to hear. I will be an Aerial Acoustics speaker owner pretty soon. It's great to hear consistently good reviews.

Also, from what I've read about Focals, they sound like fantastic speakers as well. Good luck with your decision!
__________________
TAD Reference One MK2 Loudspeakers, Esoteric Grandioso M1 Monoblock Amplifiers, Esoteric Grandioso C1 Linestage Preamplifier, SilenZio Music Server, Shunyata Everest 8000 x 3, Omega XC x 3, Omega QR x 2, Furutech GTX-D NCF(R) AC Receptacles

Last edited by mchydro; 09-01-2015 at 11:04 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-02-2015, 10:04 AM
aclearspot's Avatar
aclearspot aclearspot is offline
Senior Member


 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: San Francisco Bay
Posts: 312
Default

Soooo What speakers are you buying ????????
__________________
Main :Canton K3, Mac C2500 / MC452/ MCT450/ MR88/ Aurender N10 / BRYSTON BHA-1 /Add-Power/Shunyata /WireWorld / VooDoo Cable
Office :Kef LS50 / Nad C368 / XA5400ES / Carver TX8r / Olive 04HD / Nordost / VooDoo
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:52 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video