I don't like my Focal speakers...I love them!

[Scott Brown]

Catching up on the Tom Tom Club blogs at the weekend, and in particular reading Dave Burke's post on his wonderful listening room, was just the prod I needed to update folks here on my speakers now that they have settled in.

Just over a year ago, James and Henry man-handled 2x85kg of Focal Scala Utopia into place. At first, they sounded a bit thin, but after some careful repositioning, we were rewarded with a full and satisfying sound with wonderful bass extension (the Scalas have a frequency range covering 27Hz-40kHz).

So what do I think of them one year later? Well, I don't like them, I absolutely love them!

I have read elsewhere that some find Focal speakers harsh and a poor match with Naim amplification. For me, it is a match made in heaven and I thoroughly enjoy my time listening to the Scalas. They are incredibly musical. At first I was using a NAP300 to drive them and I was not dissatisfied but upgrading the amp to a NAP500 brought improvements in bass control and tightness that still make me smile. I often invite like-minded friends and relatives over just to see their reaction as I crank up the volume until solar plexuses begin to resonate without even a miniscule drop in clarity or quality.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Scalas, and to my ears, the new bass unit in the V's does provide improved power handling and enhanced control over its predecessor. However, for me, it is the midrange that truly sets these speakers apart. Focal engineers have succeeded in bringing together the low and high frequencies with equal energy, and in doing so, the listener is presented with a sound that is seamless, magical and wonderfully musical. I catch myself revelling in the height and breadth of the sound they produce.... while always being intimately connected to the music.

I seem to be spending more time listening to music than ever before...so much so that I just completed another upgrade...a new, more comfortable reclining sofa!

Closing thought:

Focal's new Sopra speakers build on many of the design features developed for the Utopia range. I understand that these also were developed with Naim amplification in mind. Based on my experience with the Scalas, the Sopra's should be well worth a listen.

[Dave Burke]

Hi Scott, glad to hear the Scalas are working well in your room. I have only heard Focal speakers at shows, where often the room and set up are far less than ideal - looking forward to hearing yours next month.

All the best,

Dave.

[Scott Brown]

Dave,

I am looking forward to your visit too. I have just sent you a PM.

Best wishes, Scott.

[Tom Tom Audio]

It's going to be a great day chaps, your hospitality (and lunches!) are legendary Scott.

Cheers
james@tomtom