Here Is Why I Sold My Focal Maestro Utopia EVO!!!

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here is the reason why i sold my focal maestro Utopia EVO.
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#homeaudio
#focal
#magico
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#boulder
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#krell
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#magico
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#sonymusic
#hifiaudio
#homeaudio
#best
#deadmau5
#stromtank

[@jaysaudiolab]

Please comment below and like the video!

[@kenmcglown6642]

Great job, Jay!!! When I attended T.H.E. Show just recently in Long Beach, I noticed a distinct trend in high end speakers, that being the implementation of ribbon, planar tweeters, ie, brands like, Borresen, Raidho, Verity and many others. The speakers that I just mentioned are thought to be by many as some of the very best sounding speakers currently on the market. As a matter of fact, it was a ribbon tweeter speaker by PBN Audio that I though was Best of Show. Given how highly thought of these types of ribbon tweeter speakers currently, namely, Borresen and Raidho, I feel that is is a must that you bring a pair of these in for comparison. I'm quite positive that these comparisons would be of the utmost interest to a huge segment of your followers and beyond.

[@staszekpulpecik3381]

This is not the end of the road. Jay there are a couple of speakers you need to try: Rockport Lyra, Wilson Chronosonic XVX, Stenheim Reference, TAD Reference One (I believe the weakest of the 4). All 4 is different leagues to Magico.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Only time will tell

[@burkut72]

Nice setup and decision Jay. I would like to hear your review on Rockport Lyra

[@alldhat-n-den-sum4190]

The thing about audiophiles is that most do not like analytical speakers however they forget that the music that they so loved are recorded on studio monitors that are very very analytical and is this that they overlook that's without analytical recording see you environment especially studio monitor recording speakers which sound engineers want them to be very very neutral and analytical then a lot of the recordings especially the music that they like enjoy and love would not sound good

[@quant2011]

Audiophilia is a lifestyle addiction, ego booster, quasi-cult with lots of $$$ , like in every cult. Kali IN-8 in proper treated room should be enough , unless you want some very crazy performance like UBER UBER dynamics in a 200 sqm room...

[@StefanoCipo87]

this is a subjective hobby and everyone has his preferences. For me, the ultimate goal is to hear music on my system that sounds and feels as close as possible to real music, like I am in front of the musicians. I don't care about what's on the recording, the only goal is this for me, independently of how it does it. This doesn't mean I like colored or warm systems, not at all, tonal realism is essential to give you the feeling of hearing a real instrument. But many analytical high end systems I heard (only at shows unfortunately) while reproduce sound perfectly, fail at reproducing music. A system can be very revealing and analytical, without mortifying a poor recording of a great piece of music. If I listen to a bad recording on a great analytical system I will hear how poor the recording is, but if the system is capable of accurately reproducing music, I will enjoy the listening as much as I would on a cheap stereo. If the analytical system is only capable of reproducing accurate sound, not music, then a poor recording will sound poor and will give no joy or emotions. I don't have a lot of experience in hifi, but my previous speakers were analytical, and failed at reproducing music correctly, my new speakers are even more analytical, but can engage me very much even when listening to poor recordings, because they are musical, despite the fact that they are not warm or colored.

[@alldhat-n-den-sum4190]

@@StefanoCipo87 and I understand what you're saying and I get where you're coming from however, people like you always say you want to get the most from in the music as possible therefore, as close to the music as possible is in the recording studio, where it all happened which is quite an impossible task however, this would require the most high fidelity system which would be very close to what recording engineers have, which also means the time the energy resources obviously the money aka budget skillfulness of the musicians (and sometimes they have very limited skill which surprises people, as you don't need to be the most perfect musician in order to play instruments), the ability to inject feelings with passion etc etc in the music performance at the time when the recording is captured. However being an audiophile, and musician of sorts and a music producer, I enjoy both the listening and creating/ recording music / musician and sound engineer. If you search on KZbin you will see/ watch and hear/listen from bedroom musicians music production level to real professional recording studios and both go on regarding the Hi-Tech gadget things that they always fuss about trying to sort /purchase especially outboard Gear and computer plug-in sound processing apps /software hardware equipment. That is a cult in itself, therefore you are right, I guess we are all a musical cult in one form or Another

[@alldhat-n-den-sum4190]

Perhaps I am way off base... But hear is a video that shows what I'm talking about, this video is sound/audio engineers regarding mastering a song /track.... They go deep into the production and process especially critical listening and are very analytical kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHKWl6GDeN1mbZo

[@chalcedonv6997]

Wow! A new record! The Focal lasted more than one month! Congrats!

[@j.m.harris4202]

I am so Amazed that you Jay continue to Set New References! The last 2-1/2 years following you has been Awesome! Stromtank is some of the Finest Isolation Equipment I've found in my Research since your Rollout! It gets Highest Reviews World Wide!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man

[@brodricj3023]

By any chance due you own Stromtank? I'm getting mixed feedback on the product and I'm considering my options. Shunyata. Stromtank. Taurus.

[@j.m.harris4202]

@@brodricj3023 My feedback is coming through Esoteric HiEnd Owners who have utilized many forms of Isolation! Most applied to Source Equipment, Dac's, Router's, Streamers,etc! Not applied to Amps! If in doubt have Consultation with Jay's Audio Lab! That's what He is there for! Good Luck

[@brodricj3023]

@@j.m.harris4202 I have Esoteric Grandioso stack and I'm contemplating changing from PS Audio to something more worthy.

[@jaysaudiolab]

@@brodricj3023 Stromtank. I am a dealer for it...email me if you are interested [e-mail]

[@Nonsense62365]

Mr body builder with 18”- 19” Gun Aka biceps. the scapula (plural scapulae or scapulas[1]), known as the shoulder bone, shoulder blade, wing bone, speal bone or blade bone, connects the humerus (upper arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone). Scalpel is what surgeons use to cut open your body cavity.

[@kevinturner8367]

To be fair, it's probably more difficult to cut through paper with a scapula than a pair of scissors.

[@capezyo]

This Channel break itself records every month...that's amazing...

[@derreckgilmore9422]

Only available from Canada, eh...pity! And for those of us gettin' real on a budget, the Vandersteen model 2C is still one of the finest hifi loudspeakers ever made...coupled with simple, synergistic components, simply put on the music, sit back, relax, & enjoy the bloom! And after reaching the summit of Everest, the inevitable question is "Where do we go from here?"...

[@slawekfacet4272]

Jay, not only your system but also videos did reach a new level. Masterpiece :)

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@shaynakash4222]

with the right amps that speaker is magic ,the best bass i have ever heard , i can say for sure that the speaker sounds real and dynamic with an amazing 3 d performance and still smooth and clear ,that speaker ''shows'' you the truth as is ,the stromtank is unbelivble .....

[@jaysaudiolab]

Indeed!

[@hansgeorgeder7380]

Hi Jay, I think you have made a good choise ! *** I like the S7 sound, the design and the colour. GEORG

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 👍

[@capezyo]

We'll miss that open bright sound of the Focals...

[@jasoncool3815]

Thanks for sharing you rig ,it totally rocks ,I love how u find the latest products as it shows us (views ) what is out there and what is possible,very cool indeed 👍🙏

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks Jason

[@johnmastroleo995]

Jay Have you ever considered a true full range electrostatic loudspeaker like Sound Lab Majestic 945px. This would be a wonderful comparison with the previous types of speakers you have reviewed.The Magnapan 20.7 speakers you previously reviewed are a 3 way design not a full range electrostatic speaker. All your previous speaker reviews have also been multi driver designs with elaborate crossover networks. With the size of the Majestic speakers the large radiating surface would provide outstanding bass response. The sameless integration they provide created the Audiophile phrase "Cut from one cloth" This fully describes the sound of true full range electrostatic speakers. The natural detail that you have begun to enjoy is something uncomparable. Have you ever considered Sound lab full range electrostatic speakers? You definitely got the voltage to drive them. Thanks again

[@jaysaudiolab]

I plan to bring panels in the future

[@kjaudio1]

The finest example of a full range electrostatic is the Silberstatic No.8. It is quite an experience to hear a pair of these properly set up. Unfortunately cannot work for me due to humidity in India. The panel loudspeakers I use are Fonica Ribbons and Planar magnetic from Italy. The Model L assisted with fast sealed subwoofers will give a lot of super loudspeakers a run for the money. Only one downside, requires 500 hours of burn in time. PS- I bought the first pair of the flagship Fonica Grande, haven't opened them yet.

[@vicentepostiganogueira3258]

Jay, I am glad you like the Magico S7 so much! I suggest you also try: Gryphon Trident II, YG Sonja XV Studio, and Rockport Lyra. Cheers

[@jaysaudiolab]

Anything is possible

[@JDG1971]

Hey Jay. Thank you for this video. Just like all other videos. Regardless of which speakers are yet to come. You should definitely never get rid of this one. They are beautiful fantastic and much more. There is no arguing about taste. But you should definitely not get rid of these speakers. Regardless of which ones are to come. I believe that few speakers will come out that will surpass them. That will be little to none. Greetings from the Netherlands Limburg Maastricht and above all continue with High-end. Peace and love and of course coffee beans..... ✌🏾🌍😘☕️👈🏾

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 🙏

[@adrianmiszczuk8061]

For Bass in Big clean room that reproduce reverb effect I love when Mid range of sounds is converted as a layer to lowest Bass frequency around 155-200 Hz and I love the same thing when Sub Bass of it is more loud by adds high pass for this. Of course Mid range is converted to bass at the same time when very deep Sub is more higher but that doesn't mean that I can't hear good Mid range with treble

[@eddievega1100]

You know , even though all that gear is beyond my budget , I still find your vids very very informative. My I deal setup would requires a warehouse sized building. Those boys need space to breathe.

[@CristhianSerrano]

Man would love to see you checkin the spatial lab speakers or zu! I think your perspective on this products cool be super cool to have!

[@jaysaudiolab]

One day.

[@manardh7387]

I agree with your decision. Now, for some Halloween music. Can't wait for what's next. Great work Jay, you seem to be more passionate than ever in your quest.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man

[@DrBroncanuus]

Jay, you made a mistake..Focal has a great customer service while Magico do not care about after sales problems...

[@alcamacho1844]

Jay, you're very right about some of us, hearing your setup to improve our systems. I want to thank you for bringing us the latest technologies and sharing music clips. Because of this, I've been able to improve my so called Snake Oil cable technology to a very high level. Thanks again Amigo!

[@fubarnow8907]

With BOSE you get more boxes to check, Tiny little boxes and a Bose Base Module. Fabulous hooked to Yer Gear with Dining Dough left over. Don’t forget a Soundbar.

[@12wurst34]

In germany we use for Bose two words to name the gear: Dose (can) + Böse (bad) = Bose. When it comes to professional gear for live concerts, Bose is ok, but don‘t try this at home! Focal is quite ok, but when it comes to any problems, the after sales service is a disaster.

[@ryanstanley2985]

If you can buy Zoom H5 or H6 recorder for audio recording it will be very good, cause it can record wider range of frequency in higher quality.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes agreed. Maybe someone can embark on doing the audio mix because I don't have time. This isn't my full-time job.

[@burkut72]

Jay try sennheiser ambeo headphone, easy to use and relatively cheap.

[@michaelmityok1001]

I love this channel. No bullshit and no apologies just pure information from your POV with no claims of one size fits all and absolute truth. In hifi the more you spend the more you get IF YOU ARE FANATICAL ABOUT THE DETAILS. This is my experience too and your channel has validated it ad infinitum, and hopefully will continue to. Just wish I could afford to push the boundaries on this level 😆

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you Michael

[@imosolar]

Awesome Jay, keep up with the good work

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 👍

[@dominicpuliti4626]

Congratulations! You made the right choice. NOW GET MIKEY TO PAY YOU ANOTHER VISIT LOL TIME TO BLOW HIS MIND!

[@brodricj3023]

The Mcoat paint color on the S7 is growing on me, I think I like it. But it's a big $$$ upgrade from Mcast.

[@eddievega1100]

Na . The lab must continue OMA audio avant-garde audio Lol .

[@eddievega1100]

Ooh let’s not for get The Marten speakers ,Coltrane and Mingus line.

[@nirajmuni3945]

what are the dimensions of your room, Jay?

[@jaysaudiolab]

18 by 22

[@DabblelyDiddly]

sir i dont think we use shoulder blades to cut anything

[@thomaslindstrom2886]

Here in Sweden the S7s is $28000 more than the MAESTRO UTOPIA EVO. . .US made Speakers get very expensive in Europe

[@jaysaudiolab]

Sad

[@quant2011]

VAT probably. and cost of shipping/insurance

[@magicmulder]

@@quant2011 Goes for almost everything. Oppo 203 was $549 but 849 EUR (about $1,000 at the time I bought it).

[@cloydkris]

most likely brother that u going to hear another speaker that sounds better then the magico s7. when will u be satisified?

[@jaysaudiolab]

This is the point of my channel...why would have i have a channel if i found the end of the road? I'd close the channel. 😁

[@williamtaylor5193]

All in all, it seems Magico is for the true hi-fi addicts. It's a potentially rewarding road, but a dangerous one.

[@scottspencer4018]

While a daunting task for many, I applaud you for making the effort to make the Magico's sing....which they are very capable of! A system like yours really is a chain of events, and each link needs to be capable and optimized to blend it's contribution to achieve that final synergy, and not shown through on it's own...much like a group of vocalists in a choir. One of the best systems I've ever heard was the Magico S5 MkII being driven by Convergent amplifiers and preamp. Enjoy!

[@scottchegg1209]

I've been into this for over 45 years 25 in the industry. You look youve realised how heavy this gear is. You should hire yourself out at hifi shows. Paid exercise!! Serious question do you think you will ever be satisfied? High end analogue in the pipeline?

[@jaysaudiolab]

I will never be satisfied. Ever ever.

[@scottchegg1209]

Logic determines surrender then

[@jamesj9728]

Was this video shot prior to your Stromtank reveal? Noticed the tanks are shrouded and wondering why if the video was shot after the reveal.

[@francisdelacruz6439]

How about trying out some budget gear system as a contrast to the high end? Not necessarily a full review but impressions on where they fall compared to the best....Cheers.

[@eriklodewijks5276]

Didn't see that one coming... 😂😂😂

[@johnkipos1427]

Revealing speakers & system matching. My system is all Diy speakers amps dac Using highest grade components system matching. At a fraction on the price of really hi end products that you buy from manufacturers. I can hear the slightest change too my system No Ab double blind test from cables too swapped out resistors audio note too every component caps higher grade than high end manufacturers that they use

[@beranrd818]

I concur. 100%😄

[@Nonsense62365]

Interesting burnt orange automotive paint color. Weren’t your Wilson audio Alexandria Speakers a blood red orange?

[@gil3green]

I'd be curious to see how the Wilsons ya had perform now in your system

[@jaysaudiolab]

Some day

[@johnhovanec6240]

Jay,did you get the magico from audio excellence?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Negative

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

Have we seen the glasses before? They're pretty cool.

[@mattkozink7488]

Hey Jay, what's going on with your Constellation pre & power amp?

[@jaysaudiolab]

They are for sale

[@77MovieFan]

What can the Focal to what all the Wilsons couln´t? I might have a chance to buy these Focal Maestro Utopia EVO and I´m not sure where they really stand against the competition like Sonus Faber, Schweikert, Wilson Sasha ... A dealer I know of trashes Focal against something like Rockport, he could sell both but doesn´t want Focal anymore because they are way overprices for what we are getting. Rockport would do way better. Really would like to test the Maestro against Rockport or the new PS Audio aspen FR30

[@GreatSax1]

The Stromtank is not going to help the power coming into your amp.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Who is connecting their amp into a stromtank or any power conditioner? If they are, slap them.

[@nirajmuni3945]

@@jaysaudiolab Interesting. I have heard the same from a local dealer here. Garth at Audioquest claims that that has changed recently. He says that his Niagara 5000 & 7000 (once connected to a 20 amp dedicated outlet using a good AQ PC) have better (& faster) power delivering capability (due to its capacitor banks) than the standard 20 amp dedicated outlet.

[@davidcross890]

My Monoblocks AND EVERY SINGLE COMPONENT OR DEVICE have been on the FINEST AND CLEANEST AND HIGHEST MEASURABLY PERFORMING power AVAILABLE AT ANY PRICE THAT I INVENTED. Prior to the passing a major name audio reviewer I had conversations with those individuals, and several other reviewers and manufacturers and I was appreciative of the honesty that they said they could never test or publish a comparative test against any one of the manufacturers that advertise with them as they would get dumped when the test showed the inferiorities of the supposed power solutions out there. NOTHING AND I MEAN NOTHING CAN BEAT VIRTUALLY PERFECTED AC. All other units I have tested up to $56,000 have been a disgraceful joke.

[@gges1605]

A lot of guys get to that end system and then realise they don't listen to a lot of music because its not recorded very well and the high end system shows it up too much and then land up going back down again.

[@marct9587]

Well, my audio system is in a family room, which does not allow me to move the speakers around much. So, perhaps Magico might not be the best option for me. I need speakers that don't have to be meticulously positioned to sound good. I was thinking about thinking about their A3 towers.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Hard to say

[@joncourage]

GoPro? No Pro... Get yourself a Sony zv-1 or zv-e10. Also, I figured out why these are the speakers you'll keep --- you're sick of moving 350 pound speakers around :)

[@jaysaudiolab]

I need a camera that automatically uploads stuff to the cloud without me having to mess with it. The GoPro is fantastic and the image is perfectly clear.

[@pca168]

Any chance of auditioning Von Schweikert? And comparison to Aurender N30A and Taiko Extreme

[@jaysaudiolab]

I'd try them if they can put them at my door

[@ThePerfeckted]

I hope he goes to Greg Weaver who has the Von 9's as his reference speaks. I would be interested in Jay's thoughts about it. Do it Jay 😶

[@MrRaawrrr]

This makes sense. Jay only reviews gear that is put at his door lol

[@bloodcarver913]

When the speaker selected is so sharp that you need to change out all other compnents to make it bearable and "right" there is something wrong about the speakers. Personal POV: I would not buy Magicos.

[@derreckgilmore9422]

Garbage in, garbage out; typically the problem isn't the speakers, it's what they're "fed".

[@xsamitt]

I can dig it!!!!

[@ShaneM007]

You didn't even demonstrate them! I want that 15 minutes my life back. 😭 I know you can't tell exactly what they sound like but until like to hear them. 🔊

[@tejkarangehlot4741]

Fair enough sir.

[@chrisgibson7591]

And how long will the S7 last

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nobody knows. I don't even know

[@kwang1331]

Magico M6 is another level compared to S7 Jay.

[@brodricj3023]

I have M3. I've heard S7 in somebody else's room. I like them both, but I prefer M3.

[@REX4340]

Does the Gopro capture your systems sound as well as the mv88?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nope

[@danielgrubb9496]

Jay, beg you to invest a few grand into decent microphones and interface/mic pres. The go pro mics will not do justice for capturing your gear... It really matters on playback.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I won't use it for audio recordings. It's strictly for reviews and pictures of the system. Nothing else

[@marcbegine]

SYNERGY

[@jaysaudiolab]

Correct

[@ThePerfeckted]

Could you test Von Schweikert next in your lab?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes if the can send to Me

[@rw3915]

I get a feeling Jay has a beef against Von Schweikert. Don’t hold your breath on this. In any case, Jay does a lot for the audio community. 👍

[@ThePerfeckted]

@@jaysaudiolab I hope you get together with Greg soon to listen to his set up. Very interested in your after thoughts. Thank you sir for your hard work!

[@fubarnow8907]

What’s the Monthly Payment on those Speakers?

[@kraken-s]

have you ever listened to PILIUM amplifiers?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nope.

[@kraken-s]

this is a whole new level.. try it. by the way, Magico is now demonstrating their speakers with PILIUM only.

[@les5309]

I think you meant to say "scalpel" not the bone called the scapula. JS.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes you are correct.

[@dollarama3k]

There was no contest Jay. Not even close.

[@dominicpuliti4626]

He'll show you the way with vinyl

[@snomofilms]

Better you’re bright then the system 🍻😎

[@quant2011]

Tell us how is Magico technically better than TAD Ref One

[@jaysaudiolab]

No idea

[@quant2011]

@@jaysaudiolab both are more or less similar. At that level improving your ears (hearing) may yield more ;)

[@labalo5]

@@jaysaudiolab foot the bill Jay! Many would like to see this shootout.

[@MrEvhel83]

Are you only buying speakers that you can get in north america?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes. European speakers are not too wanted here in the U.S. Their resale value is terrible in here.

[@fubarnow8907]

I’ve been to the Drawing Board

[@gtronn74]

❤️

[@joncourage]

At some point can you talk about options to insure expensive audio gear?

[@jaysaudiolab]

There is no insurance. If you get robbed, all good gear is gone and you are left with nothing

[@felinthorn4977]

Add a rider to homeowners policy, it’s easy and fairly inexpensive. Of course as yours is for business use in a home Jay, I think that would be extremely difficult.

[@timschutte3961]

Such a shame cause do not like the looks of the Magico at all and love the Focal's so would be my pick

[@jlo8775]

GoPro has a bit of a fishbowl effect 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jaysaudiolab]

I think it was the wrong setting but you should have seen increased resolution assuming you are making the right settings on your KZbin.

[@adaboy4z]

For a minute I thought you where gonna cry about selling that speaker....

[@GreatSax1]

Do you want to buy back the Wilsons that you used to own?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Sure

[@joeyveloso3851]

Always changing, I don’t get it.

[@1crenshaw488]

you Always break them in and sale

[@jaysaudiolab]

You want me to send them to you instead? 😂

[@1crenshaw488]

@@jaysaudiolab nope I take the Magico 5s

[@dominicpuliti4626]

Where the turntable? You talked about getting a turntable what happened get Michael Fremer

[@eddievega1100]

A si mismo para que lo sepan ! Lol

[@pacificateur3630]

Salesmen have to sale. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@loftstudio]

Try zu audio dominance....

[@adzajcom]

How can you possibly "beat yourself at your game"???? For example - you've never heard Wilson Alexia's hooked up to the Boulder 3060, new conditioners, etc.... And please stop telling us, what we hear in your videos - when I compare the bass in your recording to the original file, you can tell me all day long, how deep the bass of Magico S7 is, but it's not fully represented in your recoding, period.... When you recorded "Thanks to you" played by OCD Mike's system - the heavy bass clipped your mics, so I suppose they are capable to capture low registers alright... Sometimes your phone's recordings capture deeper bass... I guess the mics placement is the key... We are not stupid - we don't expect our phones to play frequencies below 40Hz... You are presenting to us the top of the line gear and please, make sure to capture the presentation as good as possible - even though "it's not your full job"... Peace...

[@craigenputtock]

I am selling my Sony SC5s.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Lol

[@allansh828]

Alright, Focal is trash and you were trying to be polite.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Not sure why you are putting words in my mouth.