Naim and Focal Speakers
Posted by: Tuan on 15 November 2015
Did anyone have a chance to compare the speakers offered by Naim and Focal? I understand that since now Naim is part of Focal I wonder if Naim still actively promote their speakers. In the most recent HiFi show I attend in Toronto (TAVES), I did not see Naim speakers on the floor.
If I have to guess, I would say that Naim will stop producing Ovators. Focal will probably focus on loudspeakers and Naim on electronics. It has no sense to have 2 R&D departments for the same technology in the same company unless Naim doesn't think that branding also the loudspeakers is a competitive advantage. But also in this case we will probably see Focal speakers with a Naim cabinet !
In both cases we will see Ovators at very cheap prices in the future !
I'm a Focal fan, and have been since before the tie-up between Focal & Naim. That said it isn't long ago that Naim released the S800 which suggests they're not giving up on producing their own speakers. Also, the S600 and S800 can be run actively and there are many Naimites who like to run active systems. I'm not aware that Focal offer a speaker than can be run actively.
Did anyone have a chance to compare the speakers offered by Naim and Focal? I understand that since now Naim is part of Focal I wonder if Naim still actively promote their speakers. In the most recent HiFi show I attend in Toronto (TAVES), I did not see Naim speakers on the floor.
I guess Naim are forced by owners to promote Focal in shows etc
I feel a bit sorry for them allthough having not heard the recent Sopras other Focals are definately not my cup
Clearly insane priced by investors, guess Naim staff no longer set their own pricing
Not a fan of the Ovators either, but pretty much the older range, SL2, DBL, Sats etc, anyone can find s/h or Xdem Ovators at very reduced prices, usually not a good sign
I predict if Ovators do not sell well/provide margin they are history before you can spell that was the end of an era
I listened to the Sopha 1 & 2 over the weekend with some mid range electronic. I was really hoping to have my socks knocked off by was left empty handed for some reason. Maybe it was the gear (macintosh solid state) that was playing. On the other hand at the Naim dealer i heard some HL5Plus with mid level Naim and it was nicer to listen to in my view, no complaints other than maybe wanting a little more kick in the lower range. The mids were perfect and the highs were pleasant & extended.