I just bought Focal 726. Spending $2K is enough for me at this time. They sound amazing! Best audio purchase of my life. The quality is stunning.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Congrats!!! I still remember when I first got the 836v and was blown away by it. Glad you found a speaker you enjoy.
@Nightjar7263 жыл бұрын
I think the Kanta 2’s are drop dead gorgeous. Haven’t heard them yet , but I hope to love them, so I can have an amazing sounding speaker and gorgeous as well.
@yippie68626 жыл бұрын
Iv'e heard these a few times. I think you did a great job describing the sound of them especially their bass characteristics. These are probably my favorite Focal speakers because they are slightly more mellow (softer) sounding and not as bright as the others.
@scottlowell4936 жыл бұрын
Focal has moved to a Beryllium tweeter in recent years. The older focal tioxid inverted dome resonated badly within it's own frequency response. It had a bright/etched sound since it was basically distorting at 17khz and up. The beryllium is much more self-damping. Much more high fidelity. I've built focal kits, and the only way to mitigate the old tioxid, is to cut it off about 10khz to a supertweeter.
@F.S.11111 ай бұрын
I just got pair of Kanta No2 and set them up yesterday. Love them!!!! Punchy and musical. Just perfect for me.
@audiodrill63626 жыл бұрын
Beautiful speaker. Looks like the perfect size to fit in most home. Congrats to the owner on his new toy!
@hi-fihaven22576 жыл бұрын
Love that piano gloss finish! Really like the size of the cabinet.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
My friend told me black is actually rare for the Kanta series..don't know if that is true though
@chrizitionz4 жыл бұрын
Hey Thomas, your video's are phenomenally helpful! Just placed an order for the Kanta 2's thanks for this video.
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I will be comparing the Kanta 2 vs the Sopra 2 in a video soon.
@chrizitionz4 жыл бұрын
@@ThomasAndStereo that would be fantastic to see
@Gerryinthewoods4 жыл бұрын
@Chriztioz how do you like the Kanta 2? What are you driving them with?
@chrizitionz4 жыл бұрын
@@Gerryinthewoods hey, the front end is a primaluna dialogue premium hp paired with a chord qutest Dac which I think goes extremely well with the beryllium tweeters as they are phenomenally transparent and have definitely go more air and precision in positioning the image of e.g. A singer than the mag alloys of the aria 948's which I just sold now. I enjoyed the time having both speakers in my set up and comparing them.
@Gerryinthewoods4 жыл бұрын
@chrizitionz Thanks for your response. Very nice. Love Primaluna and these speakers. Well done. I guess you can use KT88 or EL34. Love that the Kanta is so efficient.
@Racedoc5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful speakers YES! $12K absolutely no way……edit, few months later I got Sopra 3 which I never thought I would never spend that kind of money. Focal makes amazing speakers.
@oscillatingdailyaudio3 жыл бұрын
I demo'd these over the weekend and was really impressed. I just sold my B&W 702S2 and these Kanta's might be my next speaker
@jamapaza2 жыл бұрын
what was better? I've got the 702 S2
@oscillatingdailyaudio2 жыл бұрын
@@jamapaza Kanta No.2
@jamapaza2 жыл бұрын
@@oscillatingdailyaudio I know but why was the kanta better?
@oscillatingdailyaudio2 жыл бұрын
@@jamapaza better bass, look a thousand times better and they are more efficient speakers. I was using McIntosh MA6600 and the bass on the 702's were lean. obviously there is a price gap, but I got the Kanta's for $6K...floor model
@Don-ss9xv5 жыл бұрын
Naim is not voodoo...the secrete is the highest quality transistors on the planet and a lot of bandwidth and less signal loss with the best capacitors all hand made in England. So speakers get more info not just power
@snowrang3r6574 жыл бұрын
These are my dream speaker. Time to work hard and save up ;)
@BijBijTCG3 жыл бұрын
Already bought them?
@Zman19636 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info, probably go with 948’s and use 900 center/surrounds.
@rlinhares6 жыл бұрын
I Have them and they are pretty good.
@MESSENGER-OF-JESUS-CHRIST5 жыл бұрын
Anthony Zvirblis 948 are much more superior to 926 or 936! It’s a massive jump up! 👌🏼
@pete67052 жыл бұрын
Not an audiophile, but trying to get into it. I just spent some money on the Focal Arias and I’m amazed how good they sound. If I ever upgrade them I’m going for the Kanta
@johnvalatos40736 жыл бұрын
Awesome. I am curious and look forward to the next videos. Cheers.
@RodneyAllanPoe4 жыл бұрын
I have just run in my Kanta 2 speakers. They sound beautiful. I no longer need a subwoofer. $15,500 in Australian dollars.
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
Congrats
@Gerryinthewoods4 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo thanks to you, I bought the Kanta No.2....without an audition. Very, very happy. Added the IsoAcoustic feet too. Thanks Thomas....even my wife thanks you.
@RodneyAllanPoe4 жыл бұрын
Gerry you bought the Kanta 2 threads I assume? I am currently looking for them. And Gaia 2 or 3? Katana 2 is 35kg per speaker. I will probably get Gaia 2.
@Gerryinthewoods4 жыл бұрын
ToxicWastoid I bought the Gaia II and yes, I had to request the proper threads. You will be pleased, except for the price of course. I have hard wood floors, so spikes were out. Hope you like your Kanta 2’s....in OZ. Nice.
@Gerryinthewoods4 жыл бұрын
ToxicWastoid You’re suppose to ask your dealer for them, but I had to contact IsoAcoustics for the threads.
@DarinBuss5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful speakers
@mzikmund14 жыл бұрын
At 1:54 you mention if you put the wrong cable it can be harsh. So what’s the right cable? :)
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, that is the problem with cables, it depends on the synergy between speaker and amp. So there is no specific brand but rather the right match.
@fernandoespinosa34034 жыл бұрын
Great! Totally look forward for this promised review. 👍
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
I have bought a pair myself and will review it shortly. The hardest part is how to explain the worth of a $12k speaker.
@marcus19706 жыл бұрын
Heard the Focal Kanta 2 with Naim Uniti Nova a couple of weeks ago.... I don't like the look of the Kanta... I didn't want to be impressed, I didn't think I would be impressed... But they're good, properly good, enjoyable, musical, fast, light, tight from top to lower registers.. Personally I think they're worthy of better amplification than that which I heard.... That tweeter, revealing, open.. But not too bright, just detailed.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Did you hear it at the Montreal audio show? It sounds even better at my friend's place with his Audio Research setup.
@marcus19706 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo.... No it was at a Naim/Focal roadshow event at a London dealer.... Thing is really I would consider myself to have more of a preference to Kef Uni-q presentation ordinarily..... But it was very convincing... So much so, that I could forgive the design.
@danlivni20976 жыл бұрын
The JM Lab W Cone Woofers and Midranges are great. They sound very articulate. I also loved the JM Lab TLR tweeter they made. That was JM Lab's high end tweeter on the JM Lab Utopia speakers in the mid to late 90s. Check out these DIY JM Lab speakers using two 10 inch W cone woofer, 5 inch W cone midranges and the JM Lab TLR tweeter. www.audioasylum.com/cgi/t.mpl?f=speakers&m=328359
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
They look awesome!
@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph21205 жыл бұрын
Hey Thomas awesome video again ! I been watching for awhile and been a music/audio lover since 89 and I think I know your taste of sound from your videos don't be surprised if you ever hear the new new klispchhorns ! I believe I was right trust me on this one
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
Ah, hopefully, they have it at the upcoming montreal audio show.
@douglassmith54665 жыл бұрын
Hi, I have dynaudio contour 3.1 tower speakers from 1998 with a 120 watt 8 ohm 200 watt 4 ohm Bryston power amp from the 1990s, mostly to handle the 4 ohm impedence for the Dynaudio 3 ways. Arcam preamp. The dynaudios are supposed to have detailed, yet smooth, non fatigueing sound. I would like to get a setup with a more detailed, bright, resolving, sharp (within reason, of course) sound to do what the dynaudios can't do, and am looking at Focal 1028be or 1008be bookshelves at my price range of $2,000 to $5,000 new or used . How do you compare your dynaudio towers to the Focals with the beryllium tweeters, are the focals more detailed in the treble with better bass and midrange, as you have mentioned the focal 1028be 's character to be? Are the $8,000 to $12, 000 Focal Kanta's much better than the Focal Electra's so that you would recommend saving up for them over the Focal Electra 1028's? The Focals seem to be what i am looking for in a different sounding pair of speakers compared to the Dynaudios with Bryston which i will keep in another room when i get the Focals. I have a top of the line HSU 15inch 600 watt sub that I like and will keep, so deep bass isn't that much of a factor for the Focals if I get them. I will move to a better power amp preamp setup than the Bryston Arcam if it will help maximize the performance of the Focals. I'm looking at a speaker amp preamp setup that will more detailed and clearer and richer than the dynaudio arcam bryston i have right now. Is there a big jump in sound quality from the Electras to the Kanta's? If i save up for 1 year i could get a pair of Kanta's, but the Electras seem pretty affordable in comparison, and could get the 1008s used in 4 months. If the Kantas are that much better than the Electras, I'd consider saving up for another year, if you feel it's worth the wait. I guess i'm just wondering if it would be worth moving up 1 or 2 steps with Focals and a suitable amp preamp upgrade? I listen to rock, metal, death metal, jazz, classical, pop, classic rock, progressive rock, and love bluray, dvd soundtracks and movies. I love your videos and you are one of my favorite speaker reviewers, including Stereophile and the Absolute Sound. Thanks for doing your video reviews.
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Douglas, appreciate it. So, first thing you need to do is go listen at a store some KEF, Monitor Audio, totem with metal based dome tweeter. These type of speaker are definitely more revealing especially compared to your contour 3.1. You HAVE to be able to 'tolerate' the brightness. If you have nice smooth matching amps, it's really not a problem. The Kanta is definitely more 'smooth' than the 1028 and better bass. So in all sense, the Kanta is a step up. It is a "WOW" speaker without a doubt. I heard it a few weeks ago again and it's highs are less bright than the 1028. Is it worth the wait....is it going to be your last speaker. You see, the difference in performance is also in function of your frontend. So if you front end cannot keep up with the Kanta, the improvement over the 1028 is only marginal. One of the most notable difference is the bass improvement. So I asked my focal friend since he had both and did AB test with both extensively as he was deciding which one to keep. So he said, forget the specs, the 1028 is not as easy to drive as the Kanta. With the Kanta, he can get away with a 50 watt entry level integrated amp and it still sound great. Overall, Kanta is 10% better in sound.
@douglassmith54665 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great advice. As far as metal dome tweeters go, I have 2 pair of Epos m5i which were stereophiles best speakers under $1,000 in 2010, and they have an alloy tweeter. They were slightIy brighter and more revealing and transparent than the other speakers they were ahead of. I have them on an average Denon Atmos receiver for home theater in the living room, along with a pair of Goldenear $1,000 Aon 5 bookshelves with an AMT ribbon tweeter and plastic polypropheline woofers. I love them, but I often wish they were brighter and clearer. I don't think i would mind a brighter, sharper, more detailed speaker than the Epos's, or the Dynaudio contours that i have in my 2 channel music system in my bedroom, that's why I am interested in the Focal Electras and Kantas. Now maybe brighter speakers would work badly on classical and jazz music, but i listen to a lot of aggressive music like rock and metal too, and if either Focal speakers end up being suited to rock and metal, and not classical and jazz, i could live with that. I would just listen to smoother, softer, more nuanced music on the Dynaudio contours, and the rock and metal and movies on the denon home theater system with the Goldenears and Epos bookshelves. If the Focal 1028 or 1008 Electras are brighter and sharper and harsh than the more expensive Kantas, that might be something to check out first, the Electras. I'm learning electric guitar, and players often just change the sound of their guitar amps when they want sharper or brighter tone on their guitars, or deeper or more trebly. They use the equalizer knobs on the amps and guitars. I think that's why i am interested in Focals with beryllium tweeters, there are times when i just wish the music i listen to on stereo systems was brighter or sharper or more bassy or smoother. Guitarists change their tone when they want something different sounding. I have a few pair of headphones, the Focal Elears at $1,000, and Shure shr 940 studio monitor headphones, that have differents sounds and purposes from each other. Also, I am also interested in speakers that would get as close to the actual recorded sound on my stereos as possible, even if it doesn't sound ideal to my ears. I definitely lean toward sharp, clean and revealing, realistic reproduction in speakers than soft, rolled off, smooth, dull sounding speakers. I'd rather hear accurate reproduction than tampered with, softened up with sound from my next set of speakers. I don't mind revealed flaws in my stereo music, as opposed to more forgiving, smoothed over detail. It sounds like the best thing for me to do is to get some 1008be or 1028be speakers at a more affordable price than to spend a lot more on Kantas right now. I'll see how i like the Electra 1028's first. What brands of amps, whether integrated or separate pre/power amp setups, do you recommend to show the detail and revealing nature of the Focal Electra 1028s, without being excessively harsh? No reason to overdo the detail in my systems. Haha. Between $1,000 and $2,500, what do you recommend as a good revealing match to Electra be speakers? I'm open to both new and used amps and preamps. Have you heard Odyssey Khartago or Stratus amps yet? They are mail order at about $800 to $2,000, and are trickled down technology from the higher Symphonic Line RG-11 power amps, a German company. Thanks for any answer. @@ThomasAndStereo
@douglassmith54665 жыл бұрын
I have heard the B&W 805 d3 bookshelves with the diamond tweeters at a stereo store and I liked them.
@StagnantMizu7 ай бұрын
could someone explain the difference between the punchy bass and just turning up the bass on the amp, my focals have little base but when I boost it to max on my amp it is extremely pleasant to my ears and really "punchy".
@wewon35 жыл бұрын
Thomas! I enjoy your videos and trust your ear..can you please demo some OHM Walsh?
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
I don't think they have it in Canada. I am interested but have to find one on the used market unless they send me one to review.
@wewon35 жыл бұрын
@@ThomasAndStereo they WILL send you a set..very helpful to reviewers..they have 120 day money back! This will be exciting...
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
@@wewon3 Once I finish reviewing all the gear I have, perhaps I will try reaching out to them.
@andreiaudio6 жыл бұрын
Hi Thomas! I find your reviews to be very accurate and useful. I am a big fan and i really hope you'll be making this kind of videos in the future. I was wondering if you ever had the chance to listen to triangle speakers (also made in france). They are also similar to focal regarding the sound signature...fast, detailed, fast bass and a bit bright. Right now i'm using solid state amplifier -yamaha as-2000- but unfortunately it is not capable of driving them properly. As you said in another video, i need a more powerful amplifier to make them sound right, maybe 150 or 200w. Best regards!
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I do see Triangle speakers on the used market but never really look into them. What kind of cables you are using? Have you try a $5 speaker cable to see if it helps cut the harshness down? (for testing purpose). The Yamaha is a good amp, might only be 100w but I think its something else that is causing you the brightness. I have to listen to triangle to see its signature.
@andreiaudio6 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo I'm using audioquest pikes peak, which are made from solid core psc copper. They don't muffle the highs, they make them softer and more airy. This combination of amp and speakers is not bright at all. The things that botter me the most are the realtively thin sound and the fact that the amp does not properly drive the speakers. They require more watts and high current capability. Also i think the speakers will sound best with a big balsy fat sounding amp. Do you have any recommandation? I've also tried cheaper speaker cables, but they do not work for me. They kill all the microdetails and slow down the sund. Best regards!
@patrickpacknett17783 жыл бұрын
I have the Lyngdorf 3400 Amp. I recently started using the Roon Ready input and the built in streamer. It’s like a different Amp and the level of detail I’m hearing is now off the chart. I mostly like detail. My concern is I have a pair of Kanta 2 on order. The Kanta has a lot of detail. How is the Kanta going to match with an Amp that’s already pushing out a lot of detail? If it sounds too clinical I fear it’s not going to be enjoyable.
@fubarnow89072 жыл бұрын
Here I have Tekton Pendrgons with the Upgraded Crossovers and the 7 Speakers Mid/Tweeter array. Big Detailed, Sound. 2,600 Delievered. Although the Focal's are nice, I doubt they are Ten Thousand Dollars Better.
@briansullivan38933 жыл бұрын
Thomas great video ! I’ve heard Kante 2 at my dealer , was fantastic! I’ve ordered a pair, new finish , black lacquer front with glossy walnut should look amazing ! I will be powering with McIntosh MA 8900 I hope I get the same sound I heard at my dealer ! Thanks
@ThomasAndStereo3 жыл бұрын
Nice, should be a good match.
@briansullivan38933 жыл бұрын
Just received my Kanta’s this weekend, new walnut glossy finish looks absolutely amazing ! They sound amazing right out of the box ! Any recommendations of hours for burn in ? Will sound change much ? Thanks
@FelixtheMetalcat3 жыл бұрын
@@briansullivan3893 i had a dealer tell me 500 hours, which seemed incredibly long winded. I was looking at the 948s though. I hope you love the Kantas, I wish I could get them also.
@briansullivan38933 жыл бұрын
200 hours ! They look and sound fantastic ! First Focal speakers I’ve owned !
@FelixtheMetalcat3 жыл бұрын
@@briansullivan3893 sounds like you made the correct choice. I have Focal components in my car and they are outstanding sounding, which is how I got introduced to the company and started looking into the home speakers.
@iankimmaghirang13674 жыл бұрын
Hello Thomas, how does the Kanta 2 sound compare with T+A Criterion S2000 CTL (just in case you’ve had the chance to hear both) by the way I’m a fan, you’re review methods/comments are very good and interesting! 👍
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I don't know as I never heard the T+A. I did drop a new video on the Kanta vs Sopra today.
@SaraNZW6 жыл бұрын
Beautiful!
@zorst995 жыл бұрын
I wish you had measured the frequency response rather than your impression of the tweeter. That way we could see exactly what's going on with the tweeter response
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
it's published on stereophile www.stereophile.com/content/focal-kanta-no2-loudspeaker-measurements
@kingmonkey886 жыл бұрын
26 tubes!!! Can't even imagine the heat that VT 200 generates or the cost to re-tube...
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
you can warm the basement with it in winter! Yeah, $$ to retube.
@PureMoods855 жыл бұрын
Hi Thomas I went this week to audition these speakers 2 Hrs drive to get there 2 Hrs to get back 240 Miles it was a full day job ... I have upgraded from Naim Uniti system to Naim Nova now which was not cheap costing £4199.00 here in the U.K ... I listened to three Speakers KEF LS50s , KEF R11s and Focal Kanta 2s ... To my ears, Focal sounded the best I already own KEF LS50s, Elac Debut B6.2 but want floor standing speakers ... The dealer is willing to give me a good discount ... I watch your videos and listen to your reviews and feel that we have similar taste of Music ... My question to you is that Is there anything better than Focal Kantas for the price that I'm going to pay which is £6199.00 or shall I just go ahead and order them !!
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
I think Kanta is definitely one the better speaker I have heard. I do know someone who owns the sopra2 and naim front end. He listen to it loud so eventually he had to sell his Naim as it was too bright for him. If you are ok with the brightness, then Kanta might be for you. I would say be confident in what you have heard. Only you know what you like and it's great you got to hear it before buying it. Of course I understand the reason you are asking is because you are looking at options out there. Perhaps look at the big names like B&W , KEF , Monitor audio, Totem and try speakers in similar price range first? It's not like you are in a hurry to buy? Have you ever heard PMC speakers?
@PureMoods855 жыл бұрын
@@ThomasAndStereo Now You're suggesting that I do another Trip down to the same retailer... LOL !! My KEF LS50s have really opened up with the new Nova System ... I can hear and feel the difference but I don't know why you and some of your friends keep mentioning that Naim Units are too bright ... You have a lot more knowledge and experience than me in this subject so maybe you're right but to me, it sounds really good. What I'm trying to do is buy three sets of different speakers I think I've got the first set with LS50s I will probably also buy the Buchardt S400 when they become available in June. I'm looking for one set of Floorstanding Speakers Focal Kantas sounded really good to me but now you have mentioned others which Models do you recommend that I should go and have a listen to ... Also the Salesman mentioned that if I go with Focal Kantas and want to complete my system than I Should also buy the Naim NAP 250 DR Power Amplifier ... ? Sorry maybe these questions are getting too long and boring for your other Subscribers Is there any way I can contact you by Email ... I would really appreciate your Help ... Thanks
@DhanushkaDhatabaya5 жыл бұрын
Thomas - will you be reviewing these speakers again once it’s broken in? Keen to hear your thoughts.
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
I most likely will not but will touch on it when I make a video on the Mcintosh MC452 solid state amp vs Audio research VT200 tube amp.
@dokyunbenkim66925 жыл бұрын
Hello Thomas, Always pleasure following your channel. Have you had a chance to audition Kanta since last time? I want to hear how you think of Kanta sounds after break in. Kanta replaced Electra and how different do you think Kanta is compared to Electra in terms of bass, mid range and brightness. I know you said Kanta twitter seems to be toned down but how much better speaker Kanta is? Your reply will be much appreciated.
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
I asked my friend and this is what he said "Kanta not as bright , more bass , sound 10-15 % better" Other people heard his system and did an AB test and feel the same. He had the 1028 so he was able to compare both.
@dokyunbenkim66925 жыл бұрын
@@ThomasAndStereo Appreciate for the prompt reply. Best,
@luthergray10255 жыл бұрын
Thomas, thanks for your fantastic videos! How would you compare these to Audio Physic Virgos or PSB T3"s?
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
Thanks, sadly I never heard those so no idea. Sorry.
@theoracleprodigy2 жыл бұрын
I wonder how these compare to the focal 1038 be.
@Firepoule4 жыл бұрын
Great video I have this kanta 2 pair with parasound a31 amp. Do you think is a good match ? Which amp do you suggest for more better. I check for mcintosh mc 352 or mc402... do you think is a better march with this kanta 2? Or any ither suggestion I listen acoustic, jazz, blues , country, soft rock Thanks
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
I really don't know cause I never heard Parasound. Keep in mind Mcintosh MC352 is the 'old' sound while the 452 (maybe 402) is the new sound. (Faster, clearer) So although the newer ones are more 'precise' , they are less musical and can be 'fatiguing' depending on your setup.
@CUDAbuster6 жыл бұрын
So, are the drivers on the Kanta the same as those used on the 926? Look to be the same size and flax cone, but what about the magnet and voicecoil? I'm trying to figure out why the Kanta cost is so much more that the 926. Obviously, the tweeter and cabinet are different, but mid and woofers?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Well the bass is definitely way better on the Kanta. If you check videos from upscale audio on youtube, he explains pretty good that despite focal speaker looking very similar from one series to another, they are not the same drivers.
@zeroice005 жыл бұрын
Thomas, where is the "review" video? :)
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
Well, no point doing the review video because after break in, it was just a bit more smooth and less bright. Sounded better but just a bit, everything I said in this video is still true though. Having said that, maybe one day I will go do it given now he has a different front end setup.
@zeroice005 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo How would you compare this speaker to your Dynaudio Contour S5.4 Tower speakers?
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
These are more to my taste. Detail high (maybe a bit too bright) and great punchy bass. The S5.4 might have nicer mids and the bass can go lower.
@zeroice005 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Btw, keep up the good work on this channel.
@johnsweda29996 жыл бұрын
What is that driver material made from? I see they have adopted a similar idea I did on a tweeter 20 years ago but i surrounded mine with open cell foam around the edges a millimetres gap standing slightly proud to the edge of the tweet's surface that helps to take the brightness away. They've used a grills to achieve a similar effect and to make the tweeter go off axis. You can reverse the polarity on the tweeter might help if they're too bright if they haven't been done already by the factory. Did I hear you right Naim amplifier try running a PrimaLuna DiaLogue, preamp with a Naim Poweramp a fantastic combination
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
On their website, I see this "F cones are made of high-quality flax fibers core enclosed by two thin layers of glass fiber" www.focal.com/en/flax-sandwich-cone
@SaraNZW6 жыл бұрын
Focal are the only ones who use real Beryllium for tweeter.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Sorry I was not clear. No, we will bring over a Prima Luna dialogue and mcintosh 352 over to test. The NAIM integrated amp was at the Montreal Audio show.
@ProfessorJohnSmith6 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo I thought beryllium is highly poisonous?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I think in gaseous state. In solid state its ok as long as you don't lick on it.
@briansullivan38933 жыл бұрын
Thomas looking into adding a REL S510 to my Kanta 2’s although not sure I really need it ? You have any opinions on RELs with Kanta range ? Thanks
@ThomasAndStereo3 жыл бұрын
You should get more information in the bass region by adding the sub.
@jeromejax86756 жыл бұрын
Thanks Thomas, looking forward to the full review. I was on the fence about trying the Magico A3 because of the lack there of perceived or notion that the Kanta 2's did not have authorative bass response but from your initial first impressions the bass is there. I was thinking about the Walnut finish with the warm taupe grill but that piano black finish looks amazing. I think you have changed my mind. If you get the chance can you demo the Magico A3? I have heard according to Steve Guttenberg that the Bass response is very good too. My problem is cosmetically it's not as much a looker as the Kanta 2 but I guess it could grow on me if I went that route. lol. BTW, having heard the Kanta 2's in house, do you still think a used Sopra 2 with a second generation Beryllium tweeter @ 9-10K is better than a new Kanta 2 with the 3rd Generation Beryllium tweeter? 🤔🙄
@ProfessorJohnSmith6 жыл бұрын
Jerome Jax what music are you going to be listening to?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I am curious of the Magico because of Steve Guttenberg too and I am not sure I will get a chance to hear one as it's not as popular as the Kanta in Canada. I would still think the Sopra 2 is better because I think the Sopra would have the same '3rd' gen B tweeter too. Have you plan to go listen to them? Focal is such a big name that you should be able to check out some stores or audio show? $10k is still some serious cash.
@jeromejax86756 жыл бұрын
My listening taste are HipHop, R&B, POP Music, lite Rock and Jazz.
@jeromejax86756 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo Hi Thomas, hru? Yes I will be able to take a look at the Kanta 2 in person here in NYC. I checked the specifications of both speakers the Sopra 2 and Kanta 2 and the Kanta 2 uses a 3rd Generation Beryllium tweeter unlike the Sopra 2 which is second Generation.. So will that give the Kanta 2 the edge in SQ? IDK but I will take a listen to find out. BTW, I am interested in your thoughts on how the Kanta 2 sound utilizing the PL HP intergrated amp. I understand that it could be placed in Triode listening mode which helps cut back on speakers that are bright? Great video, keep them coming. BTW num 2, have you heard of a company called Marrow Audio? They make hi end reference speaker cables too. Wondering out loud if this would be a good investment too in SQ for the Kanta 2?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Ah, I was guessing the Kanta was 3rd generation tweeter, it was something I made up and did not know it was true. Ok, so Sopra 2 is 2nd gen, interesting. Now from memory, the sopra 2 was more smooth but it was driven by a full mcintosh setup and they are known to be smooth. Please share your findings if you get a chance to AB test them. For cables, I don't know that company and although I believe in cables, I am the least excited about them. Infact I was looking at a few interconnects my friend lent me the other day, those are like $3k+ interconnects and I did not even bother to make a video on them. I usually tell people to spend money last on cables. Once you have your system bought, then go on the forums and ask if anyone has the same amp + speaker as you and what they are using.
@saudalhajri3105 жыл бұрын
dear thomas i wish you could help me , right now , i own wharfedal vr-400 pair as front and vr100 pair as surround and a center not sure what the model it is, and really ,all connected to av receiver - yamaha v381 i dont have the knowledge to tell the difference by looking at the specs of speakers , yet , i decided to go to an audio showroom and listened to the kanta2 , the sound of it was amazing , unbelievable , if i can describe it by words , ill say its, pure ,clear, the sound that those speakers delivers , is just so pure so , its really my wish that i get those , and the guy said , they have some special offer on them the very one that is used on the show ,about 6000$ for the pair and i find it really good price , i dont know how long they are used , and i really have a lot of soundtracks cds , so im asking this , are those a life time speakers ? should i wait for newer models ? price is good? do i need to change my av receiver ? do I need another components ? those are only front speaker without the surrounded and center, mainly , i want to get the most of the kanta connecting it to my pc and gaming consoles and listen to my cds , right now , im using my pc as a cd player , iv seen ur review about the esoteric super audio cd , and i just dint understand , is it really much much better the a normal cd drive ? so i really wish you would tell me what do you think of my situation thank you
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
In Canada here, it goes for $12k+ tax so $6k seems like a good price. You described it correctly and it has amazing bass. The problem is you need to spend a bit of time with it to see if it gives you listening fatigue as these are very bright speakers. You need to spend at least an hour with it. For receiver, for sure you what you have will not drive it to any where close to it's potential but it should not be the deal breaker as you need something really high end to drive it to it's max potential. The problem I see is that you center and Left right speaker will not be timber match. Read up on the issue that presents and why you want all 3 front matching. Finally, you can ignore the cdplayer I talked about , sure it's better, but you can easily rip the cds to your harddrive and play it thru jriver. Can it be way better with a good dac, yes. It definitely can 100% and its all a question of budget. Just live within your means and enjoy what you can afford. This is a never ending pursuit.
@saudalhajri3105 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo thank you very much , I’m happy to tell you that , today , I’m an owner of Kanta 2 , and I will good care of them
@who835 жыл бұрын
Any news about the review?
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
There is not much to add to it except the highs are more tone down and pleasant after break in. The bass is insane on these. Actually heard these a few days ago but I don't think there is much more I can add to make a full length video. I might if I find something more to talk about.
@who835 жыл бұрын
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the answer. I'm building my new house and I'm thinking to do a home theatre with the Kanta n° 2. You sad "bass is insane": no subwoofer needed? Ps=sorry for my bad English.
@genesis6674 жыл бұрын
Damn, I need some better friends...All my friends are poor....
@turkandproud694 жыл бұрын
Comparing the focal kanta 2 to the focal aria 926. Is there a major difference with such a huge price gap? Thanks
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
Yup! I will be making a video on the Sopra2 and will talk about the Kanta 2.
@SamB-fv6su4 жыл бұрын
May I buy these Focal speakers from you or your friend please.
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
hehe, sure I am selling mine actually.
@barneywee5146 жыл бұрын
hi thomas, off from your topic of the speakers... is there an equipment that one can use to measure the musical qualities of a speaker? If yes, where can I get one, and how much is it?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Not that i know of. It would probably be difficult as music is subjective. Meaning, one person can find a speaker musical while another person might not. I would say, just trust your ears and you will find the speaker you are looking for.
@benevolentautore44636 жыл бұрын
These versus Paradigm Persona?
@maxb.simonsen24596 жыл бұрын
Hey Thomas, I have a pair of Piega Tp5, which like these also can sound very bright. I have two pairs of speaker cable, and with one pair i lose soundstage and detail but listenable, the other gets me the things i was missing, but can very essily become harsh to listen to. Can you recommend a cable that can get me best of both worlds or at least something in between. I have looked at some Kimber cable, but everything above their TC line is too expensive for me.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I hear you and it's tough because when i deal with sharp speakers, I use the YBA diamond cable or signal cable. (still a bright cable) I recently came across a DIY interconnects that helps a LOT for harshness and I was even doing an AB test against a $4k interconnect and I prefer the DIY which cost $190 cdn! Have you consider working on the interconnect instead?
@maxb.simonsen24596 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo Well I guess that could do it as well. Can you link those interconnects that you were describing. Also I'm planing to do an upgrade in near future, where I thought about getting into using tubes in the pre section, what do you think about that solution. I know that this is more expensive, but since I'm going to do it anyway, do you think tubes can help me?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
ok, let me make the video on the interconnect as it requires a bit of explaining. Last thing I want is you buying and it not working for you. I used to play with Tube preamps too and I think using tube preamp and solid state amp combo is the best way to go. However, I eventually moved to all solid state just because of floor noise. Now, I am kind of regretting it and am thinking about going back to tube preamp. I think your solution is not tube preamp because these days, tube preamp are as resolving and sharp as solid state. They just add more air but it does not tone down the highs. Rather if I were you, i might be looking at 'soft sounding' amp or preamp. Recently, I tried the Classe CAM200, now those are roll off and when paired with any bright speaker, it will tone it down significantly. (infact too much) The plus side is you don't lose soundstage or imaging. Cables, although can help, can only do so much without compromise. Meaning, I do have cables that will roll off the top but it collapses my sound stage. This DIY interconnect I am talking about is pretty good as it opens up the top end to make it more 'OPEN' and yet retain all the details but I am still testing it and we are doing it on multiple system. I will bring it over to my friend's focal Kanta to test too. This DIY guy makes speaker cables but I never tried. www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649141776-new-handcrafted-dsa-silver-storm-interconnect/
@xburgos16 жыл бұрын
Any idea when we are getting the full review?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Not for a very long time. After break in, everything sounds a bit better. However, he just got a mcintosh 452 and we are going to test on that, then maybe do a test between the Kanta vs 1028.
@xburgos16 жыл бұрын
wow thanks. Best videos. New subscriber hereI have the 926 and the primaluna Dialogue intergraded as well. an A/B test between 926 and Kanta would be amazing ThomasPlease do so.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Sadly I sold the 926 already so it was based on my memory. Will try my best.
@megaetk6 жыл бұрын
I work for a dealer and we have both. I currently have the 926 at home. The 926 are really good. The Kanta is probably 40% better. Maybe 30. My main difference that I heard were the highs. The Kanta has smoother, more detailed and delicate highs. More revealing. They're both great speakers. I think the Kanta is worth the retail price. So is the 926. What Thomas said about the soundstage for the Kanta is absolutely true. The speakers disappear more.
@dokyunbenkim66925 жыл бұрын
@@megaetk Hi Matt, What about bass? Is it also 30% better in Kanta? If Kanta is overall better performer than 926, how is Kanta compared to 948? I also own 926 pair and always feel I should've gone for 948 for more bass at least...
@megaetk5 жыл бұрын
@@dokyunbenkim6692 that all depends on your room and placement options. The 926 have tons of bass in my room alone. I wouldn't have needed a sub but I wanted the really low stuff. I needed then moved about 3 feet from the back wall at least. If your room isn't huge, the 948 aren't a good choice. I used to work for a dealer and we had 948 in the showroom, and they need a lot of room or else they sound thick.
@dokyunbenkim66925 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt, appreciate your prompt reply. Then how is the bass in Kanta compared to 948? Is it more extended and punchier? My local dealer is out of Kanta so your thoughts on this will help me decide what to do next. Thanks in advance.
@Zman19636 жыл бұрын
Can the Kanta be used in home theater, if yes which center/ surrounds.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I don't think there is a matching center now but if Sopra which is higher level has it, it should be just a question of time before Kanta have it. I know the Kanta 3 is coming. The one my friend has is the Kanta 2.
@wim19836 жыл бұрын
99% it seems metal tweeters are not easy or even possible to tame to smooth sound?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
In his case, he is using 4 tubes in the preamp, 26 tubes in the amp + smooth sounding D150 mcintosh dac + smooth sounding transparent cables so it works out fine.
@wim19836 жыл бұрын
hmm, I dunno, I feel metal is something very hard to become smooth and flexible sound, even though it can be tamed but the overall cost, time, effort is too much, in the end it might be still a little bit bright to some people sensitive to treble
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
It's not for everyone, there are many advantages though. Also, these are on speaker that are quite pricy and maybe they fall in that 1% where it can be 'smooth'
@SpaghettiKillah6 жыл бұрын
B&W CM series has alloy tweeters and they're butter smooth. The smallest CM are like 600$ so it's not really a question of $ but rather know how on how to implement them. Also, not all silk tweeters are smooth. I had some Dalis that went super bright and annoying to anything other than analog or top-notch digital (think Oppo 103d)
@wim19836 жыл бұрын
One thing very tricky about speakers materials used, and how it affect your music collection listening preference, it's very hard to find a speakers that sound enjoyable and musical, over 99% of your music collection, just a little bit of brightness can be very sensitive to some ears, it maybe not bright if the material has very great mastering, but just a little poorer recording, it will bring out the edgy treble which some people don't like, I hope you're right about the buttery smooth B & W CM series, between which bookshelf speakers you using now? What gears involved? Someday I may audition to see how it sound
@samuelcain54262 жыл бұрын
I almost bought the Kanta 2's til I heard the the amazing Polk 707 which has no business sounding as good as they do for that price the Focal's are a bit bright to my ears
@AbsoluteFidelity2 жыл бұрын
I know its a matter of preference but the 707 or ANY POLK for that matter dont hold a candle to the Kantas, not even close.
@samuelcain54262 жыл бұрын
@@AbsoluteFidelity I'm glad you love your Kanta 2's their great spkrs but to my ears along with some audiophiles friends of mine who have some top notch gear after hours of listening we just preferred the Polks 707 I'm using Audio Research LS 3 pre with Krell KSA 300s amp Harmonic Tec 9 reference cables, but remember my friend it's all subjective. Enjoy your Kanta 2's
@AbsoluteFidelity2 жыл бұрын
@@samuelcain5426 i dont own the Kanta 2s but what I have is the Polk R700 and recently purchased Chora 826. Besides low frequency extension, I feel the 826 is superior in every other aspect. Thats personal preference at play again.
@samuelcain54262 жыл бұрын
@@AbsoluteFidelity understand the Polk 707 is a totally different animal when new they were 4K which was absolute robbery at the time, what a fun hobby we have.
@LuxAudio3893 жыл бұрын
Perfect color. You must have broke your back with the McIntosh. 350 watts= 350 lbs😀
@LuxAudio3893 жыл бұрын
Thomas, I'm glad I took your advice. This weekend I will be buying the Kanta No 2 for our family room in this exact color: all gloss black.I got a really good deal from my dealer, no joke. Lol I still will have the Sopra No 3 in our dedicated room.✌️🙂
@LuxAudio3893 жыл бұрын
Hey Thomas I picked up my Kanta No 2's this weekend for the family room. They still are breaking in, but we love them. They are being driven by a Hegel H160 and I'm using the PecanPi streamer. Very nice 👍 The Sopras we took out of their room we will be painting. I can email you some pics if you'd like, they are a rare Chameleon color👽 👍
@warsshan5 жыл бұрын
There is one question on my mind ever since I first came across your channel. What is your electricity bill like?? 😂😂😂
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
Hehe. Luckily I am in Quebec so electricity is cheap. In summer, I see bills of $50 to $100 a month. Winter, It's around $250 to $300 because we need to use the heat. Compare to the states, it's cheap!
@Sailingbill14 жыл бұрын
If you have to ask this question you have stumbled into the wrong KZbin Channel
@frankwilliams20745 жыл бұрын
what name speaker cables on the kanta review,
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
Transparent reference. I forgot what Gen but forsure it's not a mm2.
@russb3n5 жыл бұрын
Hey Thomas question for you.. Is there anything out there in the $9k range that will compete with the Focal Kanta as of 8/2019 I have the option where I purchased my Dynaudio Special 40 speakers from to send back get full credit what I paid for and upgrade to the Kanta's right now. Thanks
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
I am sure there are tons of speaker out there that can compete against the Kanta. It depends on your taste. It's not right to say the Kanta is the best speaker out there for $9k but Its ok to say it's one of the best if you are like revealing sound. The special 40 top end is very sweet and pleasant. The Kanta will not be like that but you will gain tremendous bass and a different kind of revealing top end. I really like the Kanta but I like bright speakers.
@russb3n5 жыл бұрын
Does the Kanta have the midrange feel you like. I had a pair of Revel PerformaBe M126Be bookshelf speakers and the 1" beryllium dome tweeter and it was 90% tweeter and 10% bass with missing midrange which drove me crazy. Does the Kanta play all music genres well? Thanks love your videos
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
It could be the top end is so revealing that you feel it's 90% tweeter? The Kanta will have bass forsure and midrange. However, I am wondering if speaker with too much top end is simply not your taste? Bass, Kanta, you don't have to worry forsure. Midrange is absolutely there but top end is definitely very noticeable.
@russb3n5 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo Hi Thomas thank you for the replies but the Revel I had were Bookshelf speakers so I assume that missing Bass/Midrange that was due to the design. I’ve finally found some really good music clips from the Kanta that I liked. So moving forward to purchase I’ll report back. Again thanks for your input..
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
@@russb3n Good luck, I had the Revel M106 at one point myself. Most standmount speakers uses 2 drivers anyways and they do have fine midrange. You did get to hear the sound demo I put up right? I think it was recorded with my cell phone though.
@jeffinnh765 жыл бұрын
What cables were hooked up
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
transparent ultra speaker cabled and super XLR interconnects
@lextr31106 жыл бұрын
how do they compare to perfect ESL in the midrange and high? like jenzen
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I don't know as I never heard the ESL.
@lextr31106 жыл бұрын
you never heard good electrostatics speakers humm it's the reference in micro details in midrange and high.. no coil mean very low mms and no magnet in the way like planars ... it just not that good in the bass because of the very low mms.. KS-18 KS-17 kingsaudio.com.hk/D001.jpg , should beat the kanta..
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I see, I remember hearing a pair of Magnepan once for maybe 30 min at someone's home. I thought those were very musical. They don't have the sharpness as the focals but they are great for long listening sessions. We did an AB swap between the Magnepan and the Pioneer S3ex and he thought the S3ex had problems because he heard things he never heard before, only to realized that he was hearing more details later on.
@lextr31106 жыл бұрын
magnepan is planar or quasi ribbon depending on the model.. i don't think they will sound better than electrostatics for many reasons. I also dont think their crossovers is top.. fake sharpness created by the speakers or chain isnt true to the source material. fully pure beryllium paradigm persona B might be one to test if you want cone speakers in the high price range. depending of the crossover quality.. you can always pre-EQ digitally to fix the crossover errors.. the focal sandwich midrange woofer that we see on the kanta is surely quite high mms.. so depends if the tweeter go to 1khz and cover a wider range than normal.. but most tweeter dont like 1khz.. just saw that the woofer is flax and not sandwich so lower mms but it cover from 260 to 2.7khz.. 3 way of the sort are normally good if the crossover is top notch since it is in the middle of the midrange. i didnt like the focal shape with 4inch flax woofer when i heard it but the internal amp and dac might have been cheap as hell and also the tweeter is not beryllium so huge difference there..
@dendres956085 жыл бұрын
@@lextr3110 I have the Prince II speakers.There older but they are so articulate.
@riledrive25046 жыл бұрын
What are the cables you are using?
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Transparent ultra mm1.
@johnkru12953 жыл бұрын
Now this is funny. I'm looking to replace my Velodyne sub which is great but is 26 years old. The SVS SB16 Ultra cought my eye online. I never buy stereo equipment from Best Buy but they had one so I drove 60 miles each way today to hear it. It was part of a $88000 system comprised of Macintosh electronics and B&W speakers. I can't say how the sub was cause most of the bass was coming through the speakers. What I heard was absolute garbage! Muddy, too much bass and very poor clarity. Unlistenable! Two Macintosh amps $12000 each. Speakers were $22000. Rest were CD player a couple of other Mac boxes and the sub. Sad but true. I'll keep what I have for now.
@GrayGhosting4 жыл бұрын
Kanta No 2 or No 3?
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
2
@53patsfan6 жыл бұрын
I have to unsubscribe from you, I am so envious of everything you"borrow" or review. Im kidding keep them coming, if I can't own them at least I can see how the better half lives!
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
lol...believe or not, you are probably enjoying your stereo way more than I am :)
@Ceko4 жыл бұрын
Is this a kanta 3?
@ThomasAndStereo4 жыл бұрын
2
@Ceko4 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo wow they’re a lot larger than i thought!
@fxgamer-11yt6 жыл бұрын
Why are you ratting the speakers form the sensitivity of the speakers I mean if that the case I have 2 18s that have 130 db ratting and the mids and highs have a 98db sensitivity not trying to sound like a dick or anything but why ratting of the DB the higher the db the esayer there to drive
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
Not sure I understand your questions. If you are asking why I mentioned sensitivity, it's because people will know right away if their current setup can drive these speakers without strain. Ifn your case, the speakers you own are super efficient so first thing I thought about when you mentioned it is I can drive it with my 2W tube amp instead of my 350W mcintosh. That opens the door for a lot of people who don't have high power amp. If you are asking what does speaker sensitivity means, this is a great video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnK4aH59e62Nabc
@fxgamer-11yt6 жыл бұрын
Thomas & Stereo ahhh that's why lol
@fxgamer-11yt6 жыл бұрын
Well if thats the case the lower DB ratting s would be harder to drive
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
correct, so 92db is generally accepted as easy to drive. its efficient enough to consider using tubes. The other speaker i talk about for example Elac uni b5 are 85db at 4 ohm, those you can forget about using tubes if you want some descent bass
@user-yk4fp5dp4k2 жыл бұрын
It s better for the french not do any technique,perfume and croissants are all they can.
@_Chev_Chelios6 жыл бұрын
A five figure speaker that obnoxiously states "SANDWICH" right on the front. Lol. And Bonus: it embarrassingly states "Made in France" on the front as well.
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
I think people want that. Made in France. It's one of it's selling point. The sandwich refers to the technology used.
@edwardbalboa55282 жыл бұрын
Wrong cable !!! Go back to school
@moonlight-kh6uz6 жыл бұрын
too much talk, too little work
@ThomasAndStereo6 жыл бұрын
moonlight work as in play it? I have a whole separate video for that
@jriverajr85 жыл бұрын
Make sure you get matching 4k$ cables folks made out of unicorn 🦄 shavings otherwise you will miss the opportunity of hearing faint sounds of angels farting. FYI no unicorns were harmed during the making of unicorn cables.
@ThomasAndStereo5 жыл бұрын
$4k cables? Yeah he got them and it made a difference.