You get what you put in to these speakers. With the wrong gear they are still good but not great. Match them up with the right cables, amp and source, you'll be treated with a true hi-fi speaker. The soundstage and imaging is top notch with a fast and accurate mid-bass. I wouldn't recommend the 918's for electronic or hip-hop unless you have a subwoofer. Overall they are very refined speakers with a recessed sound, which can be a nice break from all the forward sounding speakers out there. Focal can be hit or miss with their products, the 918 is a stellar example of Focal speakers done right.They have bested many of my previous speakers like Totem Hawk, Totem Model 1, Arcaydis AK5, Tannoy Saturn S10, KEF IQ70, Zu Omen, Mirage M3, 3A M2 Gen II, Paradigm Studio. Rating them a 4 overall for the lack of lower bass.

Fantastic speakers! amp : nad (also great)

Good divers quality, and sound.

The first louspeakers I've ever listened to was some sony, and other japanese brand. I was not then into the audio business, however as time goes by I grew a custom to them. I first audit the B&W 684 and moved to the 683. I was amazed by the sound quality and the price. A real bargain for the sound quality, from there I was hoocked on the audio industry. For countless months back and forward, from dealers to dealer comparing speakers I found the Focal Profile 918 on sale for a good resonable price. At first the design stuck me, some may think the design is awful but to me it looks great. I listened to the profile for couple of hours and realized that it very laid back. Not as bright as the B&W IMO. The speakers creates a warmth tone that is hard to miss. clarity and bass responds is amazing. I think the profile exceed the B&W, in drivers manufactoring and the tweeter is very precise and acurate. The profile is not hard to drive, however it does need a good intergated or a good amp to make it very sing.