I usually prefer Paradigm. But over the past year or so become somewhat enamored with Focal (made in France models).

As I expend more time listening to and learning about classical and jazz (acoustic), I'm increasing inclined to set up a music / stereo only system (pre-amp, amp, cd transport, apple tv, speakers). It would be in a small-ish room though - not ideal but all I can manage. Say, 12x12x10.

I'm torn between used higher end components vs new lower end components - IOW, I'm stuck by the confines of my budget.

My inclination would be for new Focals (or Paradigms). But wondering about an 20 year old, used Zingali bookshelf w/ stands - Italian brand made in Italy. I've never seen Italian speakers before (just US, Canadian, British and now French; well Japanese but prefer one of the former). The brand seems well regarded but for comments about being "near-field" and perhaps lacking of soundstage. But may be suitable for my room. They sound like the excel in accuracy and efficiency.

Any experiences or thoughts on this brand? If not, I will probably play it safe and stick w/ new Focal (about the same price range for entry stand mounted model).

I bought a pair of Focal headphones several years ago, and they are spectacularly good. After a while with the headphones, I bought a pair of Focal Aria 906 bookshelf speakers. Also really excellent for their small size and price point (which is expensive but not audiophile bonkers).

No experience with Zingali.

Focal are very well known within audiophile circles as an incredibly expressive speaker, but you have to match components well with them. They can be incredibly unforgiving with the wrong pairings. Naim gear has always performed admirably with them, because of their so-called PRaT factor. I've owned Naim separates as long as I can remember. I'm on the 500 series right now, and have owned a pair of Sopras, which were divine. They're certainly not everyone's cup of tea. Your room will also be a factor. Music listening types are also going to matter, but Focals are good at reproducing just about any genre in a very entertaining, realistic manner. They are really great all-arounders in that regard. Classical will blow you away; some EDM/techno stuff, too. You like Zeppelin? Bonham's kich drum, snare and ghost notes from the hi-hat in the studio setting will make you feel like you're somewhat there. Great speaker brand. I've since moved on, but their higher end models will stun you and ruin you from mid-tier speakers ($5K or so). It's a blessing and a curse.

quote:

Originally posted by maladat:
I bought a pair of Focal headphones several years ago, and they are spectacularly good. After a while with the headphones, I bought a pair of Focal Aria 906 bookshelf speakers. Also really excellent for their small size and price point (which is expensive but not audiophile bonkers).

No experience with Zingali.

Yes, I'm happy with the Focals I have. I'll probably stick w/ Paradigm or Focal; the Zingali seems a little exotic for me unless someone here has first hand experience with them.

quote:

Originally posted by jsawyer09:
Focal are very well known within audiophile circles as an incredibly expressive speaker, but you have to match components well with them. They can be incredibly unforgiving with the wrong pairings. Naim gear has always performed admirably with them, because of their so-called PRaT factor. I've owned Naim separates as long as I can remember. I'm on the 500 series right now, and have owned a pair of Sopras, which were divine. They're certainly not everyone's cup of tea. Your room will also be a factor. Music listening types are also going to matter, but Focals are good at reproducing just about any genre in a very entertaining, realistic manner. They are really great all-arounders in that regard. Classical will blow you away; some EDM/techno stuff, too. You like Zeppelin? Bonham's kich drum, snare and ghost notes from the hi-hat in the studio setting will make you feel like you're somewhat there. Great speaker brand. I've since moved on, but their higher end models will stun you and ruin you from mid-tier speakers ($5K or so). It's a blessing and a curse.

I'm probably not in your league in terms of critical listening, music appreciation and/or budget. I'm probably at the mid-end of entry; best case, bottom end of audiophile. For speakers, I'd probably look at the Theva, maybe the Aria if at a considerable discount. Aging ears, small room, sub optimal acoustics. But I make do with that I have.

I run in audiophile circles to a degree. They are known, but not well known. Don’t know anybody who has one or who has heard one. Not something I’d pay a ton of $$$ to find out about.

ETA; Own a 7.2.4 mostly Focal system for home theater.

Thanks. I guess that’s it then. Focal it remains.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Thanks. I guess that’s it then. Focal it remains.

Good decision! Focal are consistently very well measured and reviewed.

Audiosciencreview.com is an objective site that abhors snake oil!

Focal is well regarding in all audio industries... pro monitoring, auto, and home. It is a solid choice if you like their signature. I wouldn't object to them in my home. I'm not familiar with the italian brand you mentioned.

But you really should stop messing around and just jump straight to Dynaudio. Most people find Dynaudio more neutral sounding than other well-regarded brands like Focal, but I just think they're the bee's knees, and they are commonly seen in production studios.

Back in my younger days I used to scrounge junk yards for volvos as a few of their models had the option of a Dynaudio speaker system. I picked up a LOT of bare drivers for cheap over the years... enough that I made a lot of different home speakers out of them. Good times.

Are any of you familiar with MISCO speakers ? Made in the US .

I would be worried about 20 yr old speakers needing updating. Time is not kind to speaker components.

Whats your budget?

I used to truly enjoy high end speakers/sound. Since the onset of tinnitus, I an now quite happy with "Theater in a box" systems. Their sound is better than my ears.

Finishing a new studio now. If there is one thing I could tell you from doing this for work, and pleasure, for over three decades, and you’ve heard it before..buy once, cry once. I can tell you what you will do. You’ll say to yourself, spend less, get this other component, synth, speaker, whatever it is. What you’ll find is that it will never truly satisfy, you’ll sell that shit, and buy what you had original intended to buy. So just do it right the first time.

My studio, I had to put a lot of stuff on 0% credit. Got 48 months on some big ticket items. It’s out there if you hunt. Makes doing this 1000X easier.

Focals are very good speakers. Their customer service is top notch (wife blew tweeters one day) I was running a set of Sopra 3’s for many years but as my components changed so did synergy. I’ve since moved to Magico S5 mk2

Focals “house sound” is a bit warm, some find the beryllium tweeter bright, I never did, so as mentioned prior component pairing is important. Lots of great equipment on the secondary used market for fraction of new cost. I think I’ve only purchased three components brand new

Use online reviews with a HUGE grain of salt. Rarely does one find a negative one. Often the reviewers are paid by the company’s to review…. Easy to know how that will go at final edit. If you have a brick and mortar store to go reference equipment is best and they will be the most knowledgeable. Some will allow home demos so you can hear what everything will sound like in your space

If Scott Walker is close, I can highly recommend them. I purchased my Magicos through the DFW location. They were “last years model” and store demos at 60% off msrp

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