Focal Chorus 707 S Bookshelf Speakers

Focal Chorus 707 S Bookshelf Speakers 

DESCRIPTION

  • 2-way bass reflex bookshelf
  • 7" Polyglass mid-bass
  • 1" TNC inverted dome tweeter
  • Frequency response (+/- 3dB) 50Hz-28kHz
  • Sensitivity (2,8V/1 m) 92dB
  • Nominal impedance 8 Ohms

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-3 of 3  
[Apr 01, 2013]
J/PDX
AudioPhile

These are simply amazingly accurate and versatile speakers. I really have nothing but praise, and can't think of any monitor/bookshelf that I've listened too that's as outstanding and enjoyable.

I bought these new in '05 or '06 after having heard them (along with the 705s and 706s) a year or two before. The prices (especially the 706 and 707s) were pretty steep for me at the time but instantly I felt like the quality of sound was well worth the high prices. I thought I would only be able to afford the 706s, but luckily found an online retailer that was clearing out their stock of Focal Chorus speakers and was able to get the 707s for only about $450. It was an incredible deal, and I probably would have paid more if I really had too although I would have had to save up for a lot longer.

The main characteristic that initially had me convinced I would buy a pair was the "punch" the speakers provide when it comes to low and midrange drum hits, acoustic basses, and piano. After having them for years I'd have to add vibes, fender rhodes and organs, and hollow body jazz guitar to the list. However the speakers do well with anything; from the hard drum and bass hits of mid-90's eastcoast hip-hop (Premier, Pete Rock, etc) to the detail and dynamic songs of the Modern Jazz Quartet to classic Beethoven, everything sounds superb.

Have yet to try them with a tube power amp, but they sound superb with my 140 watts/ch solid state amp (B&K ST-2140), and tube preamp (Dared MC-7P). I would rate them at 5 stars but am convinced they could be better in one way, the tweeter. Highs sound amazing with these speakers, however here and there some tracks sound a little too much at the upper frequncies. 99% of the time this isn't a problem and I love the detail the tweeter provides, however sometimes a specific track or album will just sound a little too "essy" & "whispery" at the high end. Some might find this to be a problem, though I think most people wouldn't find it to be too much or a bit more pronounced than they want. On most tracks the added detail and wide frequency response are welcome traits.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 26, 2006]
gummy
AudioPhile

Strength:

Great treble. Mid range punch better then the rest of the 700 range. Smooth and coherent. Vocals and accoustic instruments just beautiful. I love the bass but most others will think its lean. Thats without the sub in case your wondering, and with the sub its top to bottom range is awesome.

Weakness:

none really for the price. But when you compare to Micro Be then not as refined or smoothe and a little slow ( but what would you expct for 6000 dif in price)

I bought these speakers for $720us with the CC700 included on a runout sale as they have now been replaced with the 800 range. I also have the 706s for the rear channel plus Veloydne FSR 18 sub ( a bit of overkill in a singaporean apartment) So at the moment they sound a little dry and the mid bass is a little recess. But I know from experience (706s) that this will not be a problem after they are well broken in. I listened to the 716s and the 726s and prefered these (707s)as they actually have more midrange punch. For some reason the 6.5 inch driver is a little weak in that area. Now if you compare to B&W, Dynaudio, Paradigm and others you will probably think that they are a little lean in the bass but I feel its because they are tighter and faster or IMOP more accurate. As a HT speaker I'm absolutly rapped about these speakers. They fill that roll really well and match with the 700s, 706s brilliantly. Mussically they haven't quite found there feet yet and I'll write a new review when they are fully broken in. Will also experiment with bi-wirering. But at the moment with vocals and accoustic instruments they are great sounding. The treble is the best in there class and the mid range is coming together with time.

Similar Products Used:

B&W, Dynaudio, Mission, Paradigm, EV, JBL, KEF

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 23, 2005]
cgII
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

-Great Bass Extention -Great top end -Finish is above-par -The tweeters are also used (though modified) in the higher end Profile series. -These are truly a step into the realm of HI-FI. Why buy some crap at BestBuy when you can get your hands on these for similar pricing. Forget all the commercial brands (Sony, Bose, Klipsch, Aperion). These are not hifi, there barely good for surround sound.

Weakness:

-Depending on what music you listen the vocals might not sound as realistic and warm as some would like. My father asked me to run in his new Quad Surround speakers (12L's) and I thought that the soundstage, finish and vocals were superior.

I thought it would be nice for potential customers to have an idea of what you can expect from these speakers. I listen mostly to R&B, Hip-Hop and Reggae and these speakers really shine. I personally find that these speakers sound best if you let them play 30 minutes before you go and have a serious listen. The speakers sound fantastic and are at ease with everything that you throw at them. Though I do listen mostly to urban music, I often find myself listening to diffrent types of music (pop, techno, alternative) simply because these speakers get the listner involved. Jennifer Lopez's latest CD Rebirth sounds great ("Step into my World") and rythmically demanding tracks ("Memphis Bleek - Like That")sound great. Furthermore, mellow tracks like Tierra Marie's "La La" are portrayed with ease and all of the subtle notes are communicated. Cons? The midrange (Vocals) can sound a little recessed. Pepole who enjoy Norah Jones and the like would probably want to audition these before buying blind. Recommendations? Get a punchy amplifier, with a relatively high amount of power (>65Watts per Channel). In my current setup bass is puchy and thight, but I could easily imagine it getting out of control with electronics that don't liek to party and would prefer to mellow. I found that after my 3 months of shopping it does come down to individual tastes, so shop around. I recommend that you buy 1 or 2 hifi magazines, the best for stereo systems being What Hi-Fi? a british publication.

Similar Products Used:

-Quad 12L's -Quad 22L's -B&W's DM602 S3 (In my opinion, complete garbage. The sound muffeled, bass is loose and uncontroled, and the tweeters fatigue the listners ear REALLY quickly) -Epos M5: Theser are great speakers, but they are just too small to dig deep. However, if bass is not your concern, these should be auditionned. Also try the bigger model the M12.2 - Monitor Audio S2 (Not to be confused with the newer RS series, I haven't had the pleasure to try them)They sound good. They didn't distinguish themselves from the competition. What I can say about the Silvers is that they could make for great surround sound. -Dynaudio Audience 52's: Excellent speakers. These are far more expensive that the Chorus 707S 's but sound more refined in nearly all respects. - I have tried many others, but these were the most memmorable.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 1-3 of 3  

(C) Copyright 1996-2018. All Rights Reserved.

audioreview.com and the ConsumerReview Network are business units of Invenda Corporation

Other Web Sites in the ConsumerReview Network:

mtbr.com | roadbikereview.com | carreview.com | photographyreview.com | audioreview.com