Focal Kanta N1 Bookshelf Speakers - Gauloise Blue

Clipdat
Clipdat Posts: 12,949
edited August 2022 in 2 Channel Audio
Look at these Focal Kanta bookies looking absolutely stunning in gloss "Gauloise Blue"! Awesome color combo with the gloss black. Love them!
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https://tmraudio.com/speakers/bookshelf-speakers-monitors/focal-kanta-n1-bookshelf-speakers-n-1-black-gauloise-blue-pair/

https://www.hifinews.com/content/focal-kanta-no1-loudspeaker

Another solid deal here as these go for $8k msrp new, and are selling for $4,434 shipped. Maybe because the blue color is less desirable? I don't know, but I want them!

I've actually heard these before at a local shop powered by a Naim streaming integrated and all Nordost cabling. Sounded absolutely incredible. Truly a sound you could listen to every day and never get tired of. Great sounding speakers!

I know we have at least one member here who loves his Kantas @stangman67 - anyone else have any experience with the line?

Comments

  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,200
    @Joey_V has (or had) the floor standing Kanta N° 2, if memory serves. 🤷‍♂️

    It’s a brand I’ve wanted to listen to for a while, but I haven’t found the time yet.
    Alea jacta est!
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,746
    Yeah I think Joey had the towers in this color
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Very cool Drew!
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    Unfortunately the crossover Focal chose to put into this $8k/pair speaker is downright embarrassing. We should not be seeing sand cast resistors and electrolytic caps at this price, imo. Not to mention cheap generic internal wiring.
    6c2j31t4rba9.png


  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,746
    Look at that beefy iron core inductor though!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,145
    Embarrassing is an understatement. That would be a great candidate for an x-over component upgrade though! I never did look at the crossover in my Focal's. Probably would have improved the imaging, or lack thereof, shall I say. I forget which model they were but it wasn't these.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,746
    Unfortunately with focal you have to be unloading your bank account to receive entry level nice components... Solen grade caps, nicer resistors etc
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,145
    I'm thinkin' (off the top of my head) that a decent x-over upgrade for that would be in the 2-3K range (parts only). IME, well worth it, especially if they are already basically half off of retail.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,746
    Depends on the values and if it could be kept internal but 3k would be a worthwhile investment for sure
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    Someone with more money than I have should do it.
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,570
    I had the Kanta 2 in that same blue. It looks a little paler in person.
    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
  • Just curious. Can you only listen to music played on Pelham blue Gibson guitars with those speakers?
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,746
    That's actually written in the manual
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.