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Speaker Upgrade shootout help- Focal 905 vs Paradigm Studio 100v1 vs Klipsch Cornwall

Argon66

Argon66

Member
I have the bug to upgrade my current speakers.

There are 3 immediate options I am considering by different sellers, all relatively the same price (700-900) which is my price range.

One pair that recently came up for sale in the area are Focal JM Lab 905's - a larger stand mount. I have not heard them yet.
There is not that much info out there on them. Are they worth checking out?

A few other options are Paradigm Studio 100 v1, and Klipsch Cornwalls.

I have heard Cornwalls, but it has been a while, and have heard many paradigms, but not the old studio V1's yet.

I also find going to some dudes house sometimes does not do the speakers justice due to set up, the gear, etc. And trying to A/B/C them over a span of several days or weeks is a real challenge.

For gear I am running a Sansui Au 20000, Arcam CD72T, and Project TT.
Mostly listen to classic rock, some jazz.

Im open to all thoughts, opinions.
Thanks!
 
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Can't really help you with the comparisons you mention and agree about your comment of the difficulties of "field" testing. I usually buy speakers based on reputation and figure they can always be upgraded/rebuilt if necessary.

That said I just recently picked up a pair of Cornwall 1's and am playing them on my Sansui Definition set-up and liking them very much. They are big, deep and yet delicate. I am pretty confident you would like them very much. Easy to flip if you don't. Have fun with your decision!
 
Thanks. The ones in question are Cornwall1 too.
They sounded really nice but when I heard them they were not set up for critical listening and were played at very low volume.

How do you find the sound stage?
 
My Cornwalls have ended my quest . I think the comment about them being big and deep but delicate is spot-on. Soundstaging in my setup and room is fantastic, particularly in regards to depth.
I have no experience with either of the other pairs you mention, but I just can't imagine not loving Cornwalls.
Couple of questions, though:
-What's your other equipment, particularly amplification? The Cornwalls are sensitive to changes moreso than any other speaker I've used.
-What's your music preference? The Cornies have to me been good with everything, but I really love them with acoustic stuff
-What's your room like? Mine is tiny but well-treated so the Cornwalls do great in there. If you have a small space and no acoustic treatments you might not like the Cornwalls.
 
The amp I use the most is a Sansui au20000. It's the biggest integrated they ever built and was top of the line in its day. It pushes 175 watts per side... Way more than the Cornwalls would need for sure.
I have a project TT with a 2m blue and arcam CD player.
Room is about 13 x 18 feet.

Music is mostly classic rock, acoustic, some jazz and blues.

There are a few other sets of speakers avail locally like celestion ditton 44, but was thinking they might not be in the same class... But then again I have never heard them.
 
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I haven't heard any of your 3 choices for speakers. It looks like there are two different models of the Focal 905. I've been looking at focals lately with some interest.
 
BigElCat said:
I haven't heard any of your 3 choices for speakers. It looks like there are two different models of the Focal 905. I've been looking at focals lately with some interest.
Click to expand...

Jeez. You are right regarding the Focals.

The ones I am interested in are the Focal jm lab Electra.
Think they are 90's vintage.
 
I owned the jmlab electra 905 and they are really great speakers!
I'd give them a try. I also know the cornwall and have to say, that they are much fun to listen to, but not as accurate as the 905s. So it's once more fun vs. precision - both is a good reason to buy speakers! :-)
 
Yoganic...did the 905's require a sub by chance?
I believe they are bigger than bookshelves but would not have the range of a floor stander? But I could be wrong.

I hope to sample them next week.

Any more thoughts on them is very appreciated as not too many people have heard or owned them.
 
I once owned Paradigm Studio 60's and can vouch for their excellent sound quality. The bass is powerful with great mids and highs. It's a forward sounding speaker, very dynamic with superb transients. I would guess that the 100's sound similar. For rock I think the Paradigms would fit the bill.
 
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