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Focal Utopia Scalas V2 - A New Owner's Initial Thoughts

All,

Well the title of the post isn't very attention grabbing...unlike the Scalas themselves. I ought to write a fuller description than what follows.....but if truth be told, I have found it hard to tear myself away from the sounds these speakers have been making since James and Henry installed them on Friday... even to write this short summary.....!

After installation, we sat down for a listen (NDS, NAC552, NAP300). I don't think James expected to stay for so long but one tune flowed into the next. I think even James was surprised at how big an upgrade the V2's were over his well run-in demo Scala V1's straight out of the box. Although they are far from being run in, these speakers are quite simply astonishing....mesmerizing in fact.

I have heard others talk about "bigger windows on recordings being opened" or "more layers becoming apparent" or even "veils being lifted" but I had no idea what they were talking about until Friday. It was an emotional afternoon. I still find it hard to believe that such scale and control is possible.

It has been a long journey to find the right speakers for me. Needless to say, James was fantastic (and patient) throughout.  The care and attention he and Henry paid during the evaluation process and final installation really are world-class.

If anyone is interested, I will try to do a better write-up in a month or so when the speakers are broken in. Meanwhile, here are some photos of the Scalas in situ.

Best wishes,
Scott.

Views: 3765

Comment by Dave Burke on March 10, 2014 at 18:55
Looks fantastic Scott, and I'm sure sounds just as good. I see you have treated the room to improve the acoustic environment - James mentioned this to me as I am considering it for my new listening room.

I'd certainly be interested in a more complete write up once it has all settled down a bit.

Thanks for posting.

Dave
Comment by Scott Brown on March 11, 2014 at 9:41

Dave,

thanks for the comments. I have promised James a post on room treatments too. They really made a difference to my room. I bought a package from GIK acoustics and highly recommend them. If you want more details, just let me know.

All the best,
Scott.

Comment by Dave Burke on March 11, 2014 at 20:50
Yes, I'm also talking with GIK. Once I have the build of the room complete, I'll add some of their soffit traps in the corners behind the speakers, and some diffusion on the rear wall then fine tune other reflection points from there. The music room build will certainly be featured here!

Dave
Comment by Tom Tom Audio on March 11, 2014 at 20:58
Suffice to say I don't think anyone present will forget last Friday sfternoon at Scott's. This was a truly momentous occasion and the music played through these new Scalas has truly left a indelible mark.

I honestly feel we all achieved something way beyond any normal concept of a 'hi-fi' upgrade that day, and our reactions were testament to this - it was truly emotional.

Thank you Scott for letting us share this journey with you and for your invaluable input into the evaluation process, there can be no greater reward in this profession than your reaction to the new system.

Over the years we have been helping you with your system you have always welcomed us into your home as old friends, and your spirit is as generous as your hospitality.

Cheers
James
Comment by Tom Tom Audio on March 11, 2014 at 21:22
I'm looking forward to helping you with your new listening room Dave which is promising to be a truly fascinating project.

We use and highly recommend the GIK room treatment products and I have always found them generous with their time and advice.

Their effectiveness in Scott's room is clear to hear.

Cheers
James
Comment by Dave Burke on September 7, 2015 at 22:15
Just re-reading this... How are they sounding after 18 months Scott? Just asking... No reason... :-)
Comment by Scott Brown on September 8, 2015 at 10:39

Hi Dave,

Nice to hear from you! I think the Scalas sound fabulous....especially now they are on the end of a NAP500. You are more than welcome to come and have a listen.....and you've given me the prod I needed to refresh this post or start a new one to give an update on how things are sounding now everything has settled in! Hopefully I'll have time to do that at the weekend.

Comment by Dave Burke on September 8, 2015 at 20:07
Thanks Scott, I'd love to have a listen sometime. I spoke to James earlier and he is looking at dates that work for all of us. I also feel it's time to update my story, so like you will be posting more when I get a moment.

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