Focal 1028be - any experience?
Joey_V
Posts: 8,552
So I'm trying to narrow down the family room system. My problem is that I cannot fit anything in there beyond a 12" width. Not that it will against a corner but it will just throw off the balance of the room.
So as much as I'd like to bring my 802 Diamonds to the family room from my stereo room, I think I have to be more realistic.
The strads are going into my stereo room - no question. That's a done deal for me.
The 802 would have to go to the game. Something else has to go to the family. I was thinking of the 1028be. It is really a good size, it digs deep and it is easily powered since it is close to 92db/1watt efficiency.
I thought about getting a pair of 804 diamonds and although that's a good size and fit, I just want to have another manufacturer at my house.
I have heard the 1038be, it is really nice and one of the better speakers I've heard. I have not heard the 1028 but there are a few things I like about it. For one, it is shorter than the 1038, I think 43" instead of 49". Makes a difference if the seat is 13 feet away and the couch is a low couch... Tweeter is lower to ear level. Also, I think the look is killer... Very compact and just oozes good design.
The dealer offered me a demo pair of the Focal Scala 2 but I just can't fit it anywhere and it costs almost a pair of strads. The wife put her foot down and no to two pairs of hyper speakers.
Plus the Scala are 15" wide and very deep. It will stick out. Only thing I could do is move the slightly smaller 802 diamonds to the family, Scala goes to game, while strads take the stereo room. But it is a downhill spiral... I keep measuring to see if I can fit the 802 in the family room but I know in my heart that it will be tight.
So as much as I'd like to bring my 802 Diamonds to the family room from my stereo room, I think I have to be more realistic.
The strads are going into my stereo room - no question. That's a done deal for me.
The 802 would have to go to the game. Something else has to go to the family. I was thinking of the 1028be. It is really a good size, it digs deep and it is easily powered since it is close to 92db/1watt efficiency.
I thought about getting a pair of 804 diamonds and although that's a good size and fit, I just want to have another manufacturer at my house.
I have heard the 1038be, it is really nice and one of the better speakers I've heard. I have not heard the 1028 but there are a few things I like about it. For one, it is shorter than the 1038, I think 43" instead of 49". Makes a difference if the seat is 13 feet away and the couch is a low couch... Tweeter is lower to ear level. Also, I think the look is killer... Very compact and just oozes good design.
The dealer offered me a demo pair of the Focal Scala 2 but I just can't fit it anywhere and it costs almost a pair of strads. The wife put her foot down and no to two pairs of hyper speakers.
Plus the Scala are 15" wide and very deep. It will stick out. Only thing I could do is move the slightly smaller 802 diamonds to the family, Scala goes to game, while strads take the stereo room. But it is a downhill spiral... I keep measuring to see if I can fit the 802 in the family room but I know in my heart that it will be tight.
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
Comments
-
The Be is some of their better stuff so you can't go wrong there. I'll tell you again , I was pretty impressed with those Aria 948's.2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
-
After I posted this, I knew you'd mention the Rosso Skip. Will try to stop by.
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
-
I wouldn't have mentioned it if not for that tight space. If it really is that tight, you won't want a rear port. Front port or no port is the way to go.
Yeah the 1028be are bottom ported. Sorta like the lsim705Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
You sure bottom ported would work in that space? It's still throwing all that energy into a small space that will kill anything positive the speakers are capable of.
I'm really going to measure out and see what can be done in the space. It was an error on my part when I drew out the plans and fitted the fireplace in that corner with the tiles on the floor... and the size of the credenza was also an error. I should've gone with something smaller.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
Unfortunately, my recommendation is a rear ported speaker as well which makes it a moot suggestion for your use.
I will agree with Skip fully though as you are still going to get some weirdness on the lower end even bottom ported. Sealed or front ported seem to me the only way to go..."Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip -
What did your bud think of the Aria's vs. the upgrade to the1038be?
2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2 -
1038Be was no doubt better than even the Arias. I enjoyed it very much as well. Took me by surprise since I'm very pro BW 802 Diamond but when I heard it, I could not say much that the 1038BE lacked. The only thing I did not like about it was the height/size (much bigger in person) and the fact that the tweeter was a little tall.
I find that the 1028BE is a good compromise in height, tweeter positioning for medium sized rooms, and overall compactness while having the balls for bass.
A little warmer than the 802 Diamonds overall, probably not as clean a midrange because of the lack of the marlan head, but those Focals are very good speakers.
My dealer came back with a demo pair of Scala V2 in all black... the deal is about as good as it gets for the Scala, about half of the retail (33K). And man, I am sure that speaker would be killer and would most probably beat out my 802 Diamonds to my ears. But the problem is room/space... and the fact that Strads are coming shortly...Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
Unfortunately, my recommendation is a rear ported speaker as well which makes it a moot suggestion for your use.
I will agree with Skip fully though as you are still going to get some weirdness on the lower end even bottom ported. Sealed or front ported seem to me the only way to go...
Hmm.. good points you two.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
