How come there is no discussions about the Focal Utopia Scala III Evo?

I own the V2s, and think they are excellent. You will find mixed views here, with many folk really not liking the Focal sound or finding any synergy with Naim. There are a few of us who have experience of the larger Focals in real domestic environments, but most people have only heard them at shows, which is probably the worst possible location for them to excel. I understand the Evos take what the V2 does well and extend it further, so I would expect to be impressed! Mine are only 2 years old, so no plans to upgrade yet.

Those mixed views you've mentioned result from lacking experience and reliance on what exactly been written on forums, that's a pity, cause many (so called) good speakers had discussed with Naim gear sounds really pale by comparison to those Focal.

One more thing about the Evo's, beyond the known advantages, as the Focal's company representative claimed -  the Evo's were designed and fine-tuned in order to be match with Naim gear...  

Speakers always seem to be the most controversial component, which is not that surprising as they are the most room dependent item in the entire replay chain. Hopefully anyone who is really serious about our hobby realises this, and is prepared to listen in an environment that closely matches their own room before drawing any conclusions. I have heard the bigger Focals sound really awful in hotel room demos, so had virtually discounted them before my dealer introduced me to another customer of his who had a pair the Scala Utopia V2s at home. I arranged to visit and was so impressed that I placed an order. They do need careful room placement, with a good amount of acoustic damping in most ‘normal sized’ rooms, but with care and attention are fantastic. They do sound very different to the original Naim speakers, so I can see why anyone who loved the old stuff objecting. I have only listened to the SL2 and found them to be ‘insipid’ lacking any bass drive - sweet and clear indeed, but I expect to hear the full frequency range and never got this from the SL2s. Perhaps the DBLs would be more to my taste?

You were right DAVEBK, it is mixed views here...it seems the Focal Utopia's not properly appreciated as they should... 

Any more thought are welcome.

I think DaveBK is right in highlighting the room issue.  I tried Sopra 1s in my lounge and they just didn’t work.  

relmirih posted:

Those mixed views you've mentioned result from lacking experience and reliance on what exactly been written on forums, that's a pity, cause many (so called) good speakers had discussed with Naim gear sounds really pale by comparison to those Focal.

 

That's a rather rude assumption. Are we allowed to just not like these speakers ?

relmirih posted:

You were right DAVEBK, it is mixed views here...it seems the Focal Utopia's not properly appreciated as they should... 

Any more thought are welcome.

Why should they ? Quiet but....... maybe other people don't like them ?

I'm sorry but posting on this forum that people who don't like such and such speakers are ill informed and that we should agree with what you like isn't going to go down well.........

Wugged Woy, it seems you've gone too far...please, don't take it personally...

That anger is really unnecessary and definitely deviates from the subject.

Read the lines please and not between them.

I wish you a wonderful evening 

Opinions certainly differ, but hopefully we can all agree that this is perfectly fine... beer or wine, jazz or rock, blonds or brunettes... everyone has a preference. Some folk around here have a profound dislike for the Focal sound; get over it, I certainly have. I love mine, but as I have said before, I have heard them sound awful. The worst was probably the Grand Utopia EMs at the Bristol Show a few years back when Naim debuted the Statement. I understood that the Ststement was really capable, but could never sit back and enjoy with the biggest Focals in that room.

Focals have a fairly forward sound, quite bright but detailed. I have found that they need a well damped room to perform well. Each to their own.

Dave.

Most speakers I have heard at shows have been underwhelming this includes Focal, but it’s often because of the room and the general disregard for any room treatment. 

I have the Sopra 2’s and absolutely love them, they provide a smooth, rich, warm clear crisp sound, which I find totally engaging.

l’m looking forward to hearing the Utopia Scala 111 evo’s  at my dealers very soon, he is just in the process of moving into new bespoke showrooms with the full room treatment, so I’m sure they are going to sound exceptionally good.