Same i love them🙏😎

What equipment u use to drive them? I cant make them sound good at low volume, what do u think about it?

Great to hear!

Hi! What equipment did u come up with for these speakers? I have them now but i cant make them sound good at low volume.

Nice, thanks for sharing your experience.

Do they sound good at low volume with this setup? It seems to me that these speakers cant sound good at low volume. Do u agree with that?

@@CercaTrova13 To me they sound good at any volume

Yup, real life experience with the actual speaker might not be the same as what we see in the specs. I really like focal but its definitely not an easy speaker to tame.

On the used market, they are about $4500 cdn. Maybe wait a bit longer?

I prefer the Kanta over the 1028 because it is less harsh. Could be also break in in your case. Yes, the drivers will feel more integrated with higher power amps and after break in.

I would go with something warmer and more muscular,assuming you can save up for it. But to be fair, I never heard peachtree. I think Atoll or Hegel is something you can try.

I have no experience with your monoblocs and although there is a difference between the 1028 and 926 (which I also did a video on), my philosophy is when you really want to upgrade, don't go up just one level, jump 2 levels. If you really want the 1000 series, a 1038 would be more of a significant upgrade.

Thomas & Stereo Thank you thomas.. much appreciated. I also was thinking that.. so i have found a pair of 1038's.. and its 9300$ aud in australia.. thats around 6830 dollars american.. Thanks for your advice. Really love your reviews. Dont stop.

Thomas . I put down the deposit for the 1038's I can still change my mind, . If it was your choice and ypu had only two options between the 1038's and the elac aldante's for ypur speakers what one would you choose to take home? Thanks for all replys. Much appreciated.

Welcome. The MC7100 lacks punch so I would not recommend it. The MC2100 is smooth and have bass BUT it's not good tight bass, it;s like they turn on the bass control tone volume to max so it's a bit bloated. However, I still REALLY like it as everything else with it outweigh it's con. I don't know if bridge mode affect sound quality but I could not hear it in the MC7100 when I went from stereo to bridge ( I had 2 MC7100 to monobloc them). Even if there is, it's one of those you have to focus really hard to hear. I would absolutely think the B&W 705 will be driven ok with the mcintosh, Sure more power is better with B&W but budget has to be factor in. Check out my Mcintosh video and just jump to the end for the MC2100 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hNF1mtB9mp7YYZs.html

Thomas & Stereo Thanks for the reply Thomas. I have an svs sub to go with my 705s, and planning to do bass management with minidsp, would that help me get around the 2100's shortcoming in the bass? I'll be using a pioneer elite sc-95 with a sabre ES9016 DAC in pure direct mode as a preamp, would I that hold me back on performance? Lastly, I'm debating between the 2100, or the Yaqin tube amp, or the outlaw rr2160 based on your reviews and others, which one would you pick out of the 3?

If you look at my mcintosh video, the MC2100 is one of my all time budget favorite amp. Yaqin, make sure you get one that has a lot of watt since the 705 are only 88db. I don't know anything about outlaw but I have their speakers and love them. I doubt they will be as good as the MC2100 in terms of musicality. ALthought the SC95 as a preamp is limited, it is still descent so you can try with it first and move to upgrade if it does not satisfy you. It is still the Eilte class after all.

Thanks Thomas, appreciate it. I ordered a 2100, can't wait to hear it! Have you ever heard RAAL speakers like Ascend Acoustics? If you like smooth, it's definitely worth trying

Did you order a 2100 new? I did not know they still exist. I never heard the RAAL and Ascend. Let me know how the 2100 sound.

Ah, one day, one day.

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i5NiqNaIsa_WmKc.html

1028BE would be my choice. However, the 1028BE is not warm and can be analytical. Sorry I never heard the 702.

I never heard the concept 500 so no idea, sorry.

1028, more organic and refined the top end.

Wait till I see my focal sopra2 vs kanta, I feel the same. 2 different sound. Flax come is fast but lack heft. Beryllium tweeter is nicer thought.

I find that once you match them well, it is no longer bright. I now have the 1027s just to see the difference and I like it too.

@@ThomasAndStereo I came to 1028 after I had Micro Utopia for some time. As I said, 1028 were really, really enchanting !

Interesting, I never tried it with a class A amp,

Never heard it but love the Sopra 2.

If you look, that sound was achieved with expensive amps and cables. This speakers are miracle, but it really shows the quality of the recording. (Bad recording -> bad sound). I switched to Electra 1038BE after Focal Chorus 716S. I've bought them 2 weeks ago. This is the strongest unit in my HIFI chain right now. The warm sound of my DAC (Topping D50) was good for the Chorus, but I think it suppresses the Electra a bit and makes it dull. It needs the power of my old amplifier Rotel RA-985BX (2x100W, power consumption: 400W), but it could also make a much better sound. But there is no big problem with it, it can be listened to for a long time. I'd like to improve the mid-range and the fine details. Maybe the Yamaha A-S2200’s strong mid-range and a better DAC would throw a lot at it.

@@csszabi8779 I tell you friend, you are correct: recording quality makes a huge difference. I hope you find the sound you can enjoy and thank you for your comment! Please keep us updated. I have been interested in understanding DACs and the $$$ (3 and 4 figure) integrated streamers but until I understand what I'm doing and looking for I have avoided getting involved. Also, I have been interested in knowing more about aperion verus iii towers. But I am honestly fine with the sound of my system: it isn't perfect but it is well enough to be enjoyed. ✌️

@@csszabi8779 the 1038be require very good electronics to shine. They will ruthlessly expose lower end amps and dacs for what they are imo. A DDC or dedicated streamer is also a must to get the best out of them.

​@@joshuabrain9751 Yes, that is. I watched lot of test videos. For good sound the electronics cost at least as much as the speaker. I'm sure I'll buy a larger/stronger amplifier (150-200W 8Ohm). Need the power (and capacitors) for this speaker. I hear where are the sound weak points. I bought the speakers in January and them voice is still changing. (They were new, I unpacked them). I will buy a Topping D70S at the end of the year. Amp: used Pass Labs Int-150 or some Mcintosh or a new Kinki Studio EX-M1+. After fine-tuning the system will have to sound much better. What is certain is that I will never sell these speakers. I already enjoy speakers voice with this cheap electronics.

@@csszabi8779 I have them with 220w musical fidelity M6si and they sound pretty good but I can tell they still have a lot of room to improve. I have just purchased a Perreaux Eloquence 250i which is 360w into 8 ohms, hoping it’s a good improvement. Source is musician Pegasus DAC with Pi2aes Streamer.

The 1028 is as bright as my GX300. However, once I paired it with something smoother, it sounded better but still on the foward side of neutral. I was using mcintosh gear with tubes in the system at the time. I never heard the Denon, sorry.

I use the exasound myself but it only has ASIO drivers. I liked the McIntosh d150 but some say it is too smooth. Congrats.

Thomas & Stereo Thanks Thomas, ill check them out. Choosing a DAC is hard haha.

favorite would be the raidho d3! if u have not seen the $300k system video, check it out :)

Focal electra and utopia are neutral sounding little cold ,so they need warm amp and preamp with great quality to sound great. They sound like a miror

They are 2 different sound because the 948 uses flax. It is fast, agile but less in weigh compare to normalnspeakers. The top end, 1028 will be more refined. If bass is your main concern, why not just add a sub. I can say 1028 is better than 936 but I don't know about 948.

I prefer the 1028.

I think it has tone control so you can easily adjust the sound.

Sorry, i never heard the Yamaha and don't know it's sound so I would not be able to give a proper answer.

It is already sold.

Sorry, never heard 5si.

Thanks! I had both the 1028 and 928 ( see my review on the 928) and I can only rely on memory. I would say they are very close but I prefer the 1028 and mostly because of the bass on the 1028. I never did an AB test between the 1028 and 928 like I did between the 836 vs the 1028 so it's just an educated guess based on memory.

Thanks. In 926 vocal is forward and loud, but in 1028 ( as per your review) vocal is not that great. Your comments pls.

The 1028 has the whole soundstage presented behind the speakers as oppose to be more 'upfront' compare to the 926. However, having the soundstage behind the speakers is the higher end presentation. The reason is when it does that well, the speakers will sound like they disappear and that is what you want. The 926 can do that too but the 1028 is absolutely one step higher. For vocals, I would say 926 and 1028 does not have a significant gap but I really need to do an AB test to be 100% sure.

I find Harbeth 30.1 , dynaudio 40, esse quadra 177 musically sweet.

I would compare the Totem Forest more in the 836v league and I prefer the 836 way over the forest. The Forest are very good too, a bit bright like the 836 so it's a speaker that needs a bit of work to get it sound right. Don't bother using cheap amps with the totem forest if you want to go that route.

Thanks for your time, and uploading informative videos, it is really helpful.

It should

Hi Luis, I bought a Hegel H90 to power a new pair of Focal Electra 1008 BE’s. The warmth of the Hegel pairs marvelously with the Focal’s.

Sorry, I never tried it so I would not know.

Yeah, I had them eventually hook up to high end Amp 200w+ and they sounded amazing.

Thanks, eventually I will be making a video comparing the Sopra2 against the kanta2

Nope, the only Elac i have auditioned extensively are the ELAC Uni-fi UB5, my friend has a set, maybe I will do a review on it someday

I heard it finally last week, amazing bass!

yes absolutely.

Thanks. I have it whittled down to Hegel, Naim, and Odyssey amps. @@ThomasAndStereo

Thanks, this video was my second video so I did buy a mic now. I looked up those speakers and they look super serious and amazing. What I was shock was the price, just by the look, i was thinking costing double of that. I don't know if we have it in Canada but will definitely pay attention to it. Thanks for writing a long feedback.

I had the Harmon 3250 (I think) before and it is not something you would used to drive a pair of Focal 1028. If you looking for an amazing entry level integrated amp, look at my video on the IOTAVX, Atoll IN30 and upcoming Spout 100 video.

InstaBlaster.

Yes, absolutely

@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you sooooooo much for your quick reply. On your video you said with 70W amp, you can not expect a good sound. The MC275 is 2*75Watt. That is why I am a little bit conservative and afraid if I could have good set.

Yeah, ideally I love more watt with this speaker but tube watt always feel stronger. You might not get the best bass with the 275 but you should get very good air with the latest 275.

I think you will get bass fine but I always find there is a certain 'hollowness' with low power (less than 200w)amp even if there is a lot of bass. Having said that, I was the montreal audio show last weekend and I was blown away with the Focal Kanta driven by Naim 70w amp. There was great good bass so I would not be surprised the 1028 will be ok with the parasound. You just might not get that 'full' meaty sound with the parasound but that's fine too.

I work for a dealer so I can get any of the brands we carry for a reduced price. I'll probably get the 1028 and later upgrade my amp to the bigger A21 Parasound.

Its a fantastic speaker.

I'm kind of in a predicament between the 926 and 1028. Its half the fun listening to the stuff.

For me I prefer the 1028 because the bass can go lower.

Yup, have a LAV mic now. Never heard JM lab and I wonder if their sound signature is similar to their newer offerings now.

Thomas & Stereo JM Lab was marketed brand of Focal before Focal decided to drop name and rebrand. Effectively early versions of what we see now. Cheers!

I have a Jm Lab Vega from 1994, speaker of the year in Japan back then, they were made by the original Jmlab Utopia team later on, still impress me

One big difference is the bass. The 936 is light and FAST. The 1028 bass hits harder and there is more weigh. The top end, both are bright but with the berylium tweeter, the 1028 is smoother.

@@ThomasAndStereo thank you!

@@ThomasAndStereo which one would you pick: 1. New 936 for $2800, 2. Used 1028 for $3800, 3. New 1028 for 5000?

@@Behzad888 which one did you pick, I have the same dilemma ?

Went with aria 948. But I think 936 is an excellent choice especially if your space is not very large.

What about getting a rel sub to add more meat to the bone? I like speakers that are warm sounding. The 1028 is not really a warm sounding speaker. You will get bass once you push the volume, but not bloated bass. If you like the highs on the 1008, yeah, go listen to 1028. I personally prefer the Kantas but that is in another price bracket.

@@ThomasAndStereo thanks for responding. Regarding sub.. my thing is I don't want to have to use one . Takes too much space plus the speakers plus I feel if I'm going to do that, might as well go floor standing. I like more on the bright side with epic details but also richness ... Not thin and tinny. 3k is about my limit . I can't really listen to the 1028 anywhere before I buy . But it doesn't have to be those but I thought they might be the ticket? I'm a low volume listener. Medium now and then. Monitor audio 300 is a good size floors stander but for some reason they sound a little synthetic on the highs

So, you don't like the sound of the midrange on the Focal's Electra 1028Be? I'm going to audition a pair at a guy's home. Every review I have read from both owners & Audio Critics are strongly favorable of their look & sound from top to bottom. You are the only person I'm aware of that gave these speakers a cautionary review. I will pull out my Totem Accoustic Tribe Speakers a good 11/2' into my listening room. I also bought to nice looking blocks of wood that are 3 inches high each in order to raise up these mini floorstanding speakers

Me too! Of course it's just a figure of speech :)

yes indeed !

In my room, I prefer the Kanta 2 over the Sopra2. Having said that, the Sopra 2 is way better than the 1028 even in my room.

@@ThomasAndStereo The review on the Grand EM's that I found very impressive was Steve Guttenberg's when he wrote that the difference between those speakers an all the other high end ones that he reviewed was that with the EM's if you closed your eyes then you would believe there was a symphony in your room. You can't beat that and it requires having those electormagnet drivers that weigh about 65 pounds each for a total weight of 600 lbs for each speaker!

Or can try tilting them up. Just put something in the front of the speakers feet. Maybe a few books just to test?

Being so revealing, everything before them is heard and makes a difference. I also like this line with not extremely powerful A class solid state or valve amplifiers. Very sweet sounding. I was quite amazed by the difference this made.

I like the 1028 be more. More bass weight but slower bass. That's fine with me. The top end is more refined with the berylium tweeter.

I never heard the 948 but I do have the 936 now. Will be making a video comparing the 936 and Kanta as we did some AB test.

That would be an interesting video Thomas, since I'm thinking about upgrading my 948. I find the 948 to be too bright and no bass.

@@kainakuma What power amp are you using. I have listening to the 936 now and I can assure you it has bass. It could be your system is not powerful enough, especially tube amps, or you are sitting in a position where there is no bass. When a speaker lack bass, it will be bright so it's related.

@@ThomasAndStereo My room isn't treated so I'm assuming that maybe my problem. I'm planning treating my room soon, do you have any recommendations where I can get some panels online? I really like the looks of what you have in your room. Also how do you compare the mild range from the 1028 to the 936? Is it a big improvement over the 936?

Well treated room will help with the brightness issue in your case but not increasing the bass. The reason why I ask what amp are you using is because usually power is the issue when there is no bass and of course sitting and speaker position. I bought my panels locally and they are very easy to find. I like the midrange of the 1028 way more than the 936. I find the 1028 way smoother.

Thanks Archie, yes, I have a mic now, this was my 2nd video made so at the time, there was no mic.

Yes, i have bought an external mic, you will see it in the latest few video

Thank you, What do you think about the Focal KANTA No2 Floor-standing Speaker

I have not heard them yet. Hopefully I will get a chance soon. Sopra 2 on the other hand are amazing.

Thanks, I eventually did so my recent video have better audio and videos are shorter

I guess I don't know much on the technical side but I do noticed that the higher watt amp I buy, the better control they have on the bass. Perhaps it's just coincidence that the higher watt amp I bought were better designed and more expensive. What are some low power amp that has a lot of amp?

maybe needs to break in? It was as clear too the 1028. Playing with Focal Kanta now and that one is way better.

Kanta is better than Electra but now thinking for b&w diamond.

Make sure you have a good smooth setup, those diamond tweeters are really revealing.

I will say at least 200h to break in a new pair of Electra speakers!!!

Thanks, that was my 2nd video, I got a mic now.

Yeah, that was my 2nd video, I now have better mics.

Seems like the trend wanting to resolve as much detail as possible. Now I know, just need to pair it well with the right amp.

@@ThomasAndStereo thanks for the reply..i own a pair of klipsch rp 280f speakers with the matching 450c center and they are extremely bright..is there a specific amp or couple of amps you would recomend ??

I never owned that kind of Klipsh speaker. The brightness can be due to lack of amp power which result in lack of bass so the highs really come out. Have you tried pointing it straight and not toe it in? Maybe it's just a bright speaker.

@@ThomasAndStereo the klipsch brand is def known for being bright

That was my 2nd video. Check out my latest few videos

i know they are efficient. I had tried the 836v, 926v, 936v, 1027s, 1028 and kanta extensively. I can say the Kanta with the same efficiency about is easy to drive but not the 1028. You see, for me , there is a difference when a speaker make noise vs make music. Just my experience with the 1028. Specs don't always tell the whole story.

Hi Justin, which focal did you try it on? As I said, in the world of stereo, 1+1 does not equal to 2. Even though I think 70w is not enough, I can be 100% wrong and real life experience is needed. Someone asked the question on my marantz TT15 sound clip regarding Naim and focal, perhaps you can answer him if you have actual experience?

I do agree with Justin....If you look at the 70W for 250DR..most people may think that is not enough power to drive this speaker...But the power of naim gear, it is more than your imagination....I got a Focal N1 with 250DR..it sound fantastic, so detail and real.....you can feel the singer in front of you and the bass is so good....Naim and Focal are the perfect match!!!

@@HKCoral agreed Naim don't get hung up on big Watts the do however make sure the amplifier can produce huge current reserve, stable and very fast to peak. This is why they are to drive these speakers properly its got little to do with Watts.

Thanks, good news is that was my 2nd video but now I have a mic for my new videos.

My apologies, it was my 2nd video ever, I got better ever since.

Yes, I did, please check out my latest videos. Appreciate the feedback.

I did, this was my 2nd video. Check out my Focal Sopra2 vs Kanta review.

Yeah, that was the 2nd video I uploaded and I should have been more detail in the video. For example, what i used as poweramp.Not sure I agree with you about 'sweetness '. After owning 60+ speakers at my place, I do find speaker plays an important role. Dynaudio, Esse Quadro, Titan Tigris + 10 other speakers that i have tried at my place with their softdome tweeter definitely sounded more sweat. I am wrong in saying ALL low power amp does not work well with these 1028Be. That would be nonsense since I am sure there are many low power amp sounding great with the 1028. What I should have said is the low power amps I have tried don't sound as good as the high power amps. Sure, anyone coming to my place to listen to them will find the 1028 sounding great with the low power amp I had at the time but once I switch to the high power ones, the smoothness is not the same. Me and my friends are never satisdy with a speaker just sounding good, we are always trying to bring the maximum potential of a speaker out. Hence, we try speakers with a few amps to see. The 1028BE, we compared it to the Focal Kanta, Focal 836,926, 936, 1027s since we had all those speakers and in our experience, the high power amp drives the 1028BE with more fluidity than the low power ones. Not true for all the focal series despite rated with similar sensitivity. The Kanta for example worked fine with low power. Sure, if you have a great room and position them well, they will disappear , they do produce a 3d soundstage especially with tube gear.

There isn't industry standards when it comes to power in amplifiers. It's a mess. 60 watt can sound better than 200 watt.

Well, I think the standard are correct in the sense that amps would measure up to it's rated watt. The problem is the quality of watt vs quantity of watt. That is why to get Lots of quality watt is very expensive. I have some 300w amps that cost me $400 and some other 300w amp that cost me $5000+. Sadly, a bit of real life experience and knowledge is needed to tell the difference.