Do EXPENSIVE Speakers SOUND BETTER? Focal Diablo Utopia Speaker Review

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

★ *QOTD: What is YOUR forever speaker?* ★ *QUESTIONS? ADDITIONAL INFO IN THE DESCRIPTION⬆︎* ★ *COMMENT RULES: Please be respectful. No outside links, URLs, email addresses, etc. Violations are automatically deleted.*

[@Amogh-Dongre]

the concept 500 paired with a cambridge evo 150..got them for my dad's 60th birthday as a gift for him and he and mom love listening to them everyday. For me personally it the heresy mark IV paired to uniti atom and 12" sub from taga harmony.

[@AbHotten]

Most impressing speakers I have heard were a pair of Quadral Titan Mk I. I personally own a Pair of fully refurbed Quadral Amun Mk IV, which I still enjoy very much.

[@frank5029]

I haven't found them yet

[@michaelcollins2473]

@@frank5029 I'm with you. I've heard several GREAT speakers, but I've not reached my end-game pair yet.

[@mohamedahmed1023]

The Dutch & Dutch 8C. Adam Audio S3V and Genelec 8361 are up there as well.

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Being an audiophile with limited means a few year ago bought a pair of Focal bookshelves entry level speakers model Chorus 706 the predecessor of Chora line up. Price 375 Euros here in Italy. Made in France. solid and heavy like a rock, weight a reassuring 8.3 kg each and bear the same sonic characteristics of his far more expensive sibling. Kudos to Focal for manufacturing all his line up in France a rare treat now days.

[@ThirdLife86]

You could probably listen to the Aria as well, loved their airy wide soundstage and their live sound feel with a slight warmth to it and their silky smooth highs. And those are not out of reach for normal people as well for 600 a pair.

[@dufonrafal]

I bought the white Chorus 706 for 279 in France, combined with a Denon PMA-520AE, my gaming PC build in "HiFi" ESS Sabre DAC, properly set-up with a decent room acoustique. The sound is really good ! Of course, you can always have more, but you need the money. The last trick : for the same song, there is different recording/mix/master, some are really good some are really bad, with streaming services it's easy to quickly look at the different versions available and choose the best one :)

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

@@dufonrafal That is a steal.

[@dufonrafal]

@@benjaminqilafku5714 yep, when I saw them at this price from a well known hardware store, I jumped on it !

[@yvesboutin5604]

One of the best 'exchange' in audiophile history! Kristy's take and the ensuing conversation is what the internet is all about, simply sharing our diverging views on what is important to us in respect to music listening. I live for 10 years now with a tweaked version of Energy C-200B. On a budget, these speakers let you concentrate on the performance instead of themselves. You don't need a subwoofer with them!

[@adden361]

When you reviewed the La Scala, you said "they have a real sense of soul" and "this speaker makes me feel something". That statement really connected with me, because I did not "get emotional" with my Martin Logan Motion 40's. So I went on a search for my forever speaker, that had a sense of soul and made me feel something. I purchased a pair of Paradigm Persona 3F as our forever speakers. I LOVE THEM! I have a connection with the 3F that I never had with any other loud speaker. I still need to upgrade my Denon receiver, but right now I hear details in old songs that I never heard before. Old music sounds new now. Thank you for helping me define the feeling that I was looking for in my speakers.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Audiophile describing his girlfriend: "She's a self powered rear ported floor stander, slightly on the warm side of neutral, with a nice voice, and a firm bottom end."

[@slyfoxx8540]

Pronounced mids?

[@kevinblackburn3198]

Hilarious!

[@dudemastermaster8944]

@@slyfoxx8540 are we talking about the upper mid range?

[@slyfoxx8540]

@@dudemastermaster8944 spot on.

[@conduit242]

Huge soundstage width and depth

[@okonemorecoffee2678]

You know a channel is truly great when you watch every review start to finish for a product/products you would never buy. Keep up the great work. I'll stick with my SVS Prime Pinnacles. I might have to pick up a Sony A90J at some point though. Cheers !

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

I absolutely ADORED! your take on The Diablo! They are definitely NOT Fxcking Random Appliances. You referred to them as precision instruments and you are correct! I imagine Utopia’s machine tolerances are so extremely tight, that you got that electrifying LaScala immediacy! That sent you into a tailspin. I simply LOVE when high-end amplifier circuitry design meets, and makes uber-expensive voice coils produce that eerie ‘Silent Hill’ magic that nearly slams you to the dxmn floor! It’s what’s known as : “Set, And Forget Engineering “ I just truly wish I could crack that mega-million$ code to attain it! And as I digress, thank you, thank you for that wonderful message. -scott

[@rekodo_intl]

Music is so emotional. Always loved music but when I became a budget audiophile and record collector about 3 years ago, I developed a deeper appreciation for music. Listening on a good system felt very visceral.

[@aaronfrench8322]

So worth the investment for the experience!!

[@yacinemts2410]

You make my day guys everyday ... looking at my chora at the time you Andrew said 'what would it take .. 10 grand !!! ' so true ... I love my Chora 816. They sound very good ! they need a sub to cover the lack of lowend frenquency. The speed and precision. i love those fast precise drums. they come alive and have so much weight. By the way i'm French... Oh and i'm not giving up my Subwoofer reference (hint it's US). I love the new text overlay. Not sure if everyone feels the same but i feel more like a audiolover than audiophile, thanks to you guys. Merci !!!

[@jchaps1]

These speakers look incredible! What are you guys talking about? They're not vintage looking true, but they're gorgeous.

[@davidparker4984]

After many years and many different speakers I finally have my forever speaker. Focal Sopra 1s driven by a Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated amp. The combination provides everything my 76 year old ears enjoy. Thanks for a terrific review and I look forward to many more.

[@MusicLover-01]

Andrew, your reviews are up there with the very best 👍

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@jonjp3141]

The look and smile on your face when your wife speaks is priceless.Great review keep it coming you the best on the tube!!

[@franks3593]

Thank you Andrew for this review. I've always loved the Focal sound and agree they can be a bit unforgiving when it comes to faults in a recording. The flip side of that is with a good to great recording.....Magic. I own a pair of Aria 906s that I love, and have always wondering what you got in their higher end offering. With that said there is no way I will ever own a pair. Even if I convinced myself they were perfect for me, my wife would end my life in short order. Regarding my forever speaker, at 59 years old I've found my preferences are constantly changing. It might be my ears just getting older but I'm convinced there are a long list of preferred speakers in the years to come. Thanks again for the review.

[@aaronfrench8322]

I was really expecting Kristi to love these a little more. Being that Focal’s top end is so genuinely alive!!

[@34332]

"I'm OK saying goodbye to them" Incredible funny and witty review, loved it!

[@terryschuffert6781]

I myself have always been a Focal lover and presently have a set of Chorus 706's in my music system. My forever speaker would have to be something from the Paradigm collection honestly. My first venture into low end audiophile were a set of Paradigm Monitor 5 SE MKII's. The sound of those speakers in the day were pristine to my ear. Use a set of Monitor bookshelf's with a Yamaha amp on my computer. Great review and congrats on the 200k subs. Well deserved.

[@AI-Token]

I own a pair Evo Diablos, I own the Sopra 3,and 2. I own Sonus Faber's and more. Anyways. I am in heaven with these speakers. They actually outweigh many many Big floor standers in terms of soundstage and performance ,dynamics. Running it with Sopra Subwoofer. Very few Speakers match these even at $30 000 . Is a JEWEL and a Keeper for me!

[@pancakelover1000]

An early 80s pair of JBL-L100s are my speakers to keep. I got really lucky and purchased them 2 years ago, in really great quality. Your video showing the work that Just Audio did on your Pioneer integrated tuner really connected with me. My dad gifted me his Pioneer SX950 when I picked up the JBLs. I might even send the SX950 to Just Audio for them to do a really good once over on it. Great work, Christy & Andrew. As always.

[@grimmwheeper]

Forever is a long time, but at this time of my life the Wharfedale Linton 85 are my favorite speakers.

[@thekittencult]

I've run the gamut of speakers over the years and eventually ended up at Focal. Never been happier with a speaker. Excellent video.

[@KristiWright]

Thanks for watching! Which ones did you get?

[@thekittencult]

@@KristiWright an older pair of Focal Electra 926's (bought used). not to be confused with the newer Aria 926. Mine are pre beryllinium, but still what I would describe as highly analytical while others might describe as bright.

[@mgsee]

Really liked Kristi's insightful observations, she neatly puts things into perspective.

[@virtualmike13]

Excellent review that covers a speaker I will never be able to purchase but can appreciate what it offers. Also appreciate Kristi's assessment, she always adds a down to earth vision that compliments Andrew's detailed review.

[@user-jw4fn6fh2x]

"but when the speaker IS the price of a car. . ." haha I love the cartoon portrait of Kristi on the TV.

[@alm5693]

I've never even been able to spend $17,000 on a car.

[@user-jw4fn6fh2x]

@@alm5693 Maybe you're spending too much. jklol

[@willfrank961]

@@alm5693 It's all those starbucks coffees and avocados you've been buying.

[@alm5693]

@@willfrank961 I'll 'fes up to spending too much on Starbucks, but I can't stand avacados.🤢

[@thomasblak5315]

I watched your video for the review of the Diablo because I have been toying with the idea of changing my speakers. You put forth the notion of an emotional connection which is something I had never thought of before. You got that connection but Christie didn't so we know it is deeply personal. Your video convinced me to start searching for a speaker that I connect with on a emotional level to take it to the next level. Maybe the Focals maybe something else but at least I know what I am looking for.

[@peternehelic]

lifetime speakers for me are Focal 1028be and I pick them up tomorrow :)

[@tjadekegler8675]

My "Forever Loudspeaker" is my pair of Tannoy Arden MK II. Got them from my Step-Dad and repaired them with my father. It also was my entrance to the audiophile world.

[@pinkypoohable]

I really like Focal’s tweeters. They sound clean, clear and sonorous without being harsh and sibilant. Not too recessed and not too pronounced. I also like their warm, smooth and natural midrange particularly those drivers made from flax. The bass of my Focal Aria Evo 2 is just right. Not too boomy and distracting. It’s just tonally accurate and cohesive.

[@AudiophileToday]

Seems I missed this review when it first came out. Great review Andrew. I've been fortunate enough to hear this speaker and I absolutely love them as well.

[@mikez-ht7706]

Depends on your budget, I own then Kanta 2, to me they are worth the money only because it's the last pair of speakers I will ever need! They are the most amazing sounding speakers!

[@LuxAudio389]

Humble Mike Z-HT in the House!! Ambassador of Focal and KZbinr. How's it going man? ✌️🍻

[@jaredliriano9555]

That shot where the speaker grill is present and then transitions out was really neat, I consistently love what you guys do with your shots. Great review as well!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you Jared. Appreciate it!

[@aeromaniac13]

Love this review! Totally agree with Kristi. Don't know if I'd ever want a pair of Lamborghinis in my listening room. Feel like my forever speakers are ADS 810's. They're so nostalgic, warm, and friendly, with just enough low end to satisfy my music tastes. Wonderful video!

[@armanddimeo6575]

Kudos to those people who will buy a speaker like this. They are supporting and subsidizing the rest of us. For most of us mere mortals, the point of diminishing return level, which gives you about 80 to 85 percent of the best available, will have to do.

[@tomeauburn]

Don’t know the name of my cousins stepdads system but it was definitely the best speakers I have ever heard. He spent 250k on them and drives them with a bank of Audio Research Tube amps. His house was designed for the stereo. The speakers had 3 ft of concrete under them and he had several 30 amp outlets for his amps. Room was specially designed and the speaker designer spend a week tuning them with a spectral analyzer

[@LuxAudio389]

I hope you stop by often to "vaccum or clean"😉. Perhaps one of the Wilson Chronosonic models or Grand Utopias.

[@timelapsega]

Focal stuff is crazy expensive but I watched a long video touring the factory and it became pretty apparent why. Amazing materials and craftsmanship, I'd love to hear some of their upper level stuff one of these days.

[@mdaniknightrider]

Thank you so much. I was waiting for this. 😃And I have the same opinion as you when I was listening to Scala Utopia Evo comparing to the Aria line which I proudly own. I said the same thing, around 80% percent of performance you can easily get from Focal’s lower price range.

[@scottwatson-h4z]

Fantastic review, helped me decide to finally just buy the them and I'm absolutely glad I did. They are just amazing. The look amazing and fit in well with my all black gyrodec and Mcintosh amp. I have heard things I've never heard before and can spend hours listening to them. Had Dynaudios before these so don't entirely agree you could listen to Dynaudio longer than the Focal. Outstanding bookshelf speakers. Keep up the great reviews 👍.

[@markkinsman5013]

For 15 years, it has been the Klipsch RF-5. Often overlooked when they were in production, they were made in Hope AK. A two way to we’re with dual 8” woofers and1” titanium tweeter in an 8” horn and recently upgraded crossovers. I added a pair of Magnepan LRS speakers to my list of gear, just to have som3thing completely different. Both leave me tapping my foot while enjoying a very diverse collection of music. I still prefer old school media as opposed to streaming and have no plans to change…… …. at this time. But one thing that is constant in life is change 😉

[@misterroboto571]

Fairly new subscriber and you may never read this but just thought I'd throw this general comment in having watched a few of your videos now. On your own it's interesting but it doesn't hold me. However, with Kristi and the discussion I feel like I'm getting a fuller picture and the dynamic of you being challenged (however slightly) lifts this from good to great. Good job both of you.

[@TheMinster1960]

With very expensive gear such as Focal (or Wilson, Magico, etc.) loudspeakers the used/demo market can be your very good friend. It has certainly saved me ton of $ over the decades. As a car salesman once said when selling me a certified used sports car, "Let someone else take the ten grand hit driving the new car off of the lot."

[@LuxAudio389]

Yup, especially if you live near a big city that hosts shows like Axpona, Rocky Mountain Audio Fest or know a high a volume dealer. They usually sell them and electronics as B Stock with Warranty. Some owner's even buy speakers that are too big for their rooms and then trade them in. Same goes for equipment. Definitely some great deals out there

[@vicXsan]

Your interior and b-roll are close to flawless as usual 👌 Forever speaker? Probably my Beovox and Beolab Pentas, just love them to death. Design and sound in perfect harmony!

[@troyn8269]

The great debate regarding price vs incremental increase in sound quality

[@grumpawulf5801]

Hey Andrew , always a delight watching your reviews. All the best to you and Kristi. - Grumps from NZ

[@Vercus100]

I like the little jab at Wilson. Well played.

[@StefanMischook]

Yes.

[@rreichar1]

I appreciate a nice Lamborghini as much as the next guy. I have a neighbor that drives one. It’s fun to hear it start up. He’s got an aftermarket titanium exhaust system that likely cost more than my little Audi TTS. I like the TTS because it’s quick and handles well and feels a bit exclusive without much of the price tag. No it doesn’t perform like the Lambo but it’s likely that I would never experience the extra performance that I’m missing. There are times when I wish I had bought a Tacoma. I probably will go that direction next time. I don’t know that I have a “forever” speaker. I don’t think I can really appreciate the difference in super expensive speakers. I could see a pair of La Scalas if I had the ideal space for it. But I don’t. I might eventually go for a pair of KLH Model 5s. I like the nostalgia factor. Certainly any of the Klipsch Heritage line. I’m easy. I prefer classic looks and I like my sound to be engaging more than accurate. I like things that just work. That probably should be my epitaph.

[@zaphodsbluecar9518]

I think I'd rather spend the $17k on a new car. Then also add a subwoofer. Yet another great review Andrew, and as always it was great hearing you and Kristy talking afterwards. She can always be relied on for a 'cut-though' evaluation. You guys work so well together, and from a viewer's perspective it's an added layer of involvement. Kudos to you both.

[@Alex335i]

I keep revisiting your old clips. I just now found these Focals on NY sale 54% off. How would you compare them to B&W 805 D4’s?? Thanks 😊

[@stharlingtoribio5769]

I tried many high end speakers in my 15 years in this hobby and I can say that my forever speakers are my legacy audio aeris

[@justanobody4983]

Ive listened to these with a mcintosh tube amp (forget the model) in an audio store. Its really amazing! After listening to it, i can say my cheap audio gear is trash. Lol

[@megasquidd]

I love that you guys do reviews on these kinds of speakers. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to them.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Forever speaker: Dynaudio Heritage Special….well I mean so far…soooo many I’d like to hear that I can’t afford! Awesome video Andrew 👍

[@Nightjar726]

Really nice when you have Kristi comment as well. Adds a whole other dimension to a review.

[@jeffgrummons2954]

You had me all excited that this was going to be a review of the Utopia towers. I don't blame you for not wanting to lug around 150lb towers. But it would have been super cool to see if 30k loud speakers still need a subwoofer. Maybe you'll get to review the Kanta 3's at some point?

[@LuxAudio389]

The Utopia towers and Kanta Towers don't need subs. Ofcourse you can add them in but the output volume will be very low. Also, they need lots of room to breathe. They produce a lot of bass and can easily become overwhelming in a smaller room.

[@ErasoGustavo]

I like so much the way you guys describe the sound of every gear you guys review. It allows us to get a great picture of what to expect from that piece of equipment without even listening to it. Being in Colombia - South America makes it difficulto to get a chance to listen to every speaker, amp or source component from every brand, but from what I had the chance to listen to it, I would go for the sound of the Focal Aria 948s. I love the great tight bass, the detail (specially in the mids, where much of the engaging factor is at), and the wide stereo image those speakers project. You guys have done a wonderful work. Greetings from Colombia.

[@robertbenton2804]

Andrew, your design taste is phenomenal. I like the Liechtenstein. The speakers? Well, get some KEF LS50's in white. They look just as good and probably sound close at a fraction of the price.

[@andrewconger5045]

Hi Andrew/Kristi Lovely review as always. As to my forever speaker: In the next year or so I will be buying the Turning Point model HR-1. It is a Hybrid radial design sold through the Decware website. Gorgeous, easy to live with, and works in a room where you can't have the speaks 3 feet+ out into the room. Can't wait!

[@Lunarplex]

You guys need to get your hands on a Rel sub. Maybe the TX line. I just got the T9x and it’s been a transformative experience.

[@chloeleedow7250]

That techics amp is gorgeous 😍

[@Rascallucci]

No matter how you want to slice it, they are just gorgeous, aren't they? I am just surprised you didn't mention the B&W 805 D4 which by right should be the Diablo Utopia EVO's most natural and direct competitor with both being on the brighter end of the sound spectrum. I am just surprised Kristi didn't like the look of it, if where you film is actually your home, then I consider the decor as pretty contemporary and modern which to me goes perfectly well with the Focals.

[@sparkpaul]

That was awesome to watch! Especially at the end when you said if you wanna get rid that resonance in that bass that’s gonna cost you 10 grand!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LuxAudio389]

Andrew I totally agree with your review.You captured the Spirit of Focal. I've also heard Magico S3's, but The Kanta No 2, Sopra No 3's, and Sopra Center I have are on another level of amazing. For rock one of my favorite go to albums is Van Halen-The Collection. Poison- Every Rose Has It's Thorn, Life Goes on, Alice in Chains Unplugged, Nirvana Unplugged, Black Pumas, Shakey Graves-Roll The Bones, Drums in Rush or Some of Phil Collins work are amazing. Freya Riding's - Live at Pancreas Old Church or self titled album are fantastic. A huge gem is Prince- When the Lights Go Down and Purple Rain, and so much more. Some 80's pop recordings surprisingly have great detail as well. The wonderful features about Focals with Beryllium tweeters and either the Flax or W sandwich drivers is the cohesiveness of both to deliver simultaneous fast accurate tight bass and highs that decay naturally while playing the next notes simultaneously with out missing the details in the previous passage. One can hear and feel the body and weight of acoustic and or any instruments and vocals with no loss of detail. Definitely an immersive and addicting expierencince. As for lower quality recordings or favorites, yes it will make you search for better recordings, but I still listen when in the kitchen or other areas of our home, which has in my case made me ask the question of..." Am I listening to the music or equipment?" Either way it's great. My tastes have broadened so much and it's fun. I also agree that you barely need to toe these in. Both my Kantas and Sopras are toed in maybe 5-10 degrees. As for the look. My wife and I love them. The only other speakers in my opinion that are gorgeous to look at and not listen to are the B&W 800D series. I walk in and see how the bafels angle inward inviting you to listen. The finishes are also top notch. One saftey factor I really like about Focal, is how they protect the Berylliium tweeter.. Berylliium is highly toxic and carcinogenic if disturbed/broken. We have a 4 yr old son and Focal uses a non removable metal grille that doesn't impair the highs. I must also add that one can find these on the used market from private party, factory B stock, or from Authorized dealers with minor blemishes at very reasonable prices.

[@mesonto]

This is much better content than the whole of his video!

[@LuxAudio389]

@@mesontoHa Ha, nahh. Tx though. I'm just a passionate fan of KZbin reviewers like Andrew and manufacturers that understand how to convey or design Audio and Video gear. Mostly I'm an Audiophile and Hometheater enthusiast that likes to have fun with music I grew up with and discover new artists who pour their soul into getting their art and work out there. I always wanted to be good at playing an instrument, but that wasn't in the cards for me. But I'm blessed to be able to bring that expierencince home. However, there's nothing like a great live performance or to have awesome musical talent. 😀

[@supes323]

I have owned a lot of speakers all the way upto £10,000. I was Constantly trying to achieve the best sound reproduction but found there was always a compromise no matter what I spent. My current speakers are a wharfedale Evo 4.4 which cost me just over £1k. They are not perfect but they do 95% of what I want from a speaker and Im content. They engage me emotionally into the music and are extremely honest sounding. Nothing added or taken away. I wont be changing my speakers for some time.

[@christophet.3578]

Hey guys, excellent review!! My forever speaker are right there in front of my eyes and have been for almost 24 years : JMLAB Opal 49 with it's matching center and satellite. JMLab is the name Focal sells in France. Ii'm confused about that when and were the two names are used, but my speakers have the JmLab name and the Focal logo. They are still in really good shape and used everyday with my gaming and streaming...

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

They used to be known as JMLAB Focal and have always been forward thinking in their design. Cool to know you have a pair!

[@robertryan8843]

It's 12:45am and I just got home from work and getting into bed. . This is when you drop new videos 😭😭 At least I have something to look forward to in the morning!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Robert, we'll be here when you wake up! Rest easy.

[@robertryan8843]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews one of my best sleeps! And fantastic review!!!

[@p3030134]

Kristy saying Audiophile ahahahahaha! Priceless reaction 😝🤣

[@KristiWright]

🙋‍♀️

[@jeremylo9816]

I have the Diablo speakers paired with NAIM 272/250 and I do get the emotional feelings that you shared in the video. Recently I was fortunate to upgrade my dac to Playback Design Dream and totally took this speaker to another level! All I’m saying this even till now I still haven’t seen the limit to this speaker and looking forward bring more out of it in the future.

[@LQ-gaming]

Thinking to upgrade to the focal diablo utopia from focal sopra no.1 on my naim 500 series ! hope i get a significant uplift in mids and high frequencies from the upgrade !!

[@ChrisMag100]

I recently did an A/B comparison with the Scala Evo and Sopra 2. The Scala was impressive, so much so that I worked out a trade-in for my Sopras and will be taking delivery on the dealer’s Scala demo pair next weekend. Did hearing the Scala make me like my Sopra 2’s less? No. If I couldn’t make the jump, I’d remain happy with my Sopras.

[@lebohang8405]

👌🏾👌🏾 Very poetically presented. Enjoyed every moment of it. You ignited my dreams as far as Hifi is concerned Andrew. All the best guys

[@s2300gt]

Would you consider comparing these to the Focal Sopra No 1? They can be purchased on the used market for about 1/3 the price and look to have mostly the same driver technology. Also they have a walnut cabinet 😮

[@S.L.1211]

Those are some sexy speakers! Unless I win the lottery, they will remain in the realm of a Ferrari. I’ll probably never experience it but can admire it from afar.

[@garysherman2542]

I've had the Diablo for about 6 years now and I have to say that they take a bit of running in. Enough of that though, it has been well documented elsewhere. I was set on a pair of Quad ESLs but they just wouldn't fit into my space, which was a shame as driving them with a Accuphase E450, they sounded just incredible. But deciding I needed something easier to live with, I found the Diablos. What attracted me to them was the wonderful detail and transparency in the mids. They were simply the closest to the Quads and looked almost as good (I have the single pillar stands with the large black foot, which looking at your set, have been superseded, as has the tweeter cover). Again, I power these with the Accuphase and they sound remarkable. Even my sister, who has no interest in hi-fi whatsoever, commented that they were clearly something special. At the front end, I'm using a Node 1, which is a nightmare in its handing of files but sounds ok. It's clearly the weak link in the system, but being over 60 I doubt I could upgrade to any benefit. I also have them almost hard against back walls. They don't seem to mind and I have tried other positions to no real benefit. The bass is better with no loss of highs or mids. The one area where they do fall down however, is in volume. You have to drive them quite hard to get the best from them. You won't realise how loud they are because distortion is many d/b away, but like all speakers, crank them up enough and they will eventually distort. Interestingly, I did this a few times and it freed up the bass. But for a 'bookshelf' speaker, they do need winding up to get the best. You can actually hear them getting better as you turn up the volume. But go too far and they start to drop off, and that's before distortion arrives. I love them though and would only swap for a bigger house and a pair of Quads.

[@dougg1075]

My most expensive luxury is my wife. Second is my audio:)

[@gottrekk5798]

luxury wife can be your biggest headache, audio is your friend forever.

[@LuxAudio389]

Happy wife happy life with fine audio is a win. 😉

[@nacarp2000]

You obviously didn't get Andrew's Instagram post today.

[@dougg1075]

@@nacarp2000 she would say the same about me.. does that cancel it out? Or if she was a he

[@Big-J-8579]

I enjoyed the review. While I could afford these, the diminishing returns as the price escalates will stop me. I would love to hear them at a dealer, show, or someone's home, but they will never grace my home. For those who can and choose to indulge, enjoy!!!!

[@CaBdosdos]

You can get em used for ~$5-6k. I know its a ton of money but a huge savings. I WILL own a set of the floorstand version.

[@parrisgeorge9708]

I don't know if I'll ever have a "forever" speaker. This isn't due to issues with speakers I've owned but to "the grass is always greener" voice that rattles around in my melon. It's the same way for me with custom bicycles, photo gear, and target guns. "Oh I own a couple Serotta's and a Kirk JKS... Hmm Carl Strong builds some really cool stuff. Geeeee my Browning 725 and Winchester 21 are GREAT! OH LOOK AT THAT PERAZZI MX8!" things like that. My favorite part of the review was Kristi's auto analogy. THAT hit the nail square on the head. One of the other issues that I have is that I live 10 minutes from the McIntosh factory and literally around the corner from a great shop so great gear is almost like the story of Tantalus... ;) Thanks for another great video!

[@zrhapp]

Still loving my pair of chorus 836's from 10 or 11 years ago. I've demoed Sopras, Kantas, and Electras, and just don't hear a big enough difference for what the cost differential is. If sopra 2's ever get down to $6k used, maybe.

[@joeltimothyandco]

Great review, and thanks for talking about the whole "law of diminishing returns" thing when it comes to high end audio gear. Something to keep in mind. That said, I'm curious if you have any plans to review the Yamaha NS-5000 speakers?

[@taramm572]

Hi guys, any chance you can test the Focals Sopra No1?

[@gpapa31]

That would be sublime!!

[@charlesmontgomery215]

Great review!! The diablos are my dream stand mount speakers. I heard them in a smaller room and as you said not far from the front wall with all tube mckintosh gear. It blew ne away . Im also considering The TAD Micro's but my heart is with the Diablos

[@225Perfect]

Once I saw the surprised/confused cyclops with a flavor saver wearing a headlamp I can't un-see the surprised/confused cyclops with a flavor saver wearing a headlamp.

[@Peter-tc3ep]

My forever speaker is the B&W Nautilus speakers, over 20 years old now predating diamond tweeters and went into a show room in nyc stating a had a 10k budget, 50k later I walked away with the nautilus. The speaker just spoke to me. More recently a few months ago I listened to the Forte IV’s fell in love with their “live” forward sound signature. Bought them instantly and for someone like myself who misses live concerts I absolutely love the Forte. In no way are they as audiophile or perfect sounding as the Nautilus but in recent time they really speak to me. I’d suggest trying a Harbeth speaker next.

[@hansdahlberg9969]

Focal Aria series... you never get fatigued in the head.

[@2ChannelListening]

Performed my duty sir, slapped that like button, but only because you enthusiastically asked :-) I love your energy on this video, especially how you handle the known detractors (viewers) lol. As a car guy, you are spot on...dream away and shoot for bigger audio goals. Love the TV art too! Question: you used the NAD M33? As Ron stated, it is also a detail machine - was that pair edging on too much of a good thing?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

thank you very much for your comment. Re: the M33 please stay tuned for that review for my full remarks.

[@Parker_12]

The 906 is the best Focal sweet spot that you’ve never reviewed :)

[@ThomasL]

Electra 906 right ? I do own one pair, I have to test them with other amps. I use them to check my mixes/recordings, that's quite good for the price you can get them, and a good addition comparing recordings/mixes with Beyerdynamics DT250. Though i'd be curious comparing with some Davis Acoustics speakers, I unfortunately don't know much about their older models, and i'm opened to know more about them. Though I did installed a 90's Carbon/Kevlar kit from this brand in my car, and holy hell, this is completely impressive.

[@homerwinslow9047]

I heard a pair of YG Acoustics once. I have never heard anything that could approach them. Unfortunately well out of my pocketbook range. My god what an amazing speaker

[@lucaarguello6409]

Holy shit. It has to be one of the most beautiful speakers I have ever seen

[@nissimtrifonov5314]

Then check out the rest of the Focal Utopia series and you'd have to get help picking your jaw off the floor.

[@p3030134]

We need a review eventually of a ridiculous speaker or system from a HiFi enthusiast that goes to the extreme of extremes. Thank you for the video guys 😊 Seeing Andrew fanboy is good for the soul!

[@newton5954]

Focal Aria 948 🙏

[@zozoneverheardofit]

Those look pretty awesome. We can sense the excitement in this review. To your comment in the beginning, the kind of excitement one gets after driving their first fast / high end car :) thank you!

[@darkroom8317]

You ask the question, “what would our forever Speakers be?” I would like some clarification on that question, am I single? married? Divorced? Or am I buying a pair of forever speakers while married with the intention of having those speakers cause a divorce? You see, what I would be buying under each circumstance as my forever speaker would be different...

[@whoguy4231]

I'm just amazed vintage speakers 60's,70's,80's are still being referenced or preferred in 2021. The HiFi forefathers really knew what they were doing!

[@MMaatthhiieeuu]

That comment about Wilson 🤣

[@marksilgalis9400]

Thanks for making this one. It’s important as a follower to know where the edges of a reviewer’s “envelope “ are. I think it’s funny that the two extremes were so close to each other on the release schedule. I’ve made a couple of purchases based on your recommendations so I’m locking in on where my taste is in relation to yours. If only I knew where you stood on those Lintons!

[@johndornan8582]

Is there a contractual reason we never actually see Kristi?

[@reinaldodroz2084]

Hello Andrew and Christy, thank you for all your work and for letting us have a taste of the higher end in the hifi world through your detailed reviews, if I may ask something I would like you to consider reviewing the focal solo 6 be, it’s an studio monitor but it has an older generation beryllium twitter and w cone and compare to this very interestings Diablo Utopia, just to know how close we can get to those extremes with a vastly cheaper product from the same company but with a lot of trickled down flagship technologies, thank you very much in advance

[@paulwibb.8944]

Just goes to show how something sounds isn't everything, how it makes you feel plays a big part too.

[@Ceko]

Great video again Andrew. Not only because it’s a review on the product but it also makes you think. Thanks

[@ianpeck2719]

My forever speakers are my current - GoldenEar Triton 1s, I do hope someday to own Focal Sopra 3 when my wallet agrees with me.😊

[@robotstonka7118]

You will buddy, you just have to be patient and wait for opportunities!! I never thought I would afford my Sopra 3 and I'm still pinching myself every time I listen to them! I watched EVERY youtube video with them in it for years and now they are making me happier everyday. 🖖😎

[@ianpeck2719]

@@robotstonka7118 thanks, I am saving for them now.

[@CaBdosdos]

@@robotstonka7118 Lucky duck, Sopra 3's are my second dream speaker next to Utopia Grandes.

[@robertm8518]

Dynaudio 20i ‘s is my forever speaker, it does everything extremely well!