If you were me...

[Still-One]

Ivan
You know I have a lot of respect for the Aida's and considered them before purchasing my X2's. Those rear firing drivers can be adjusted to create a wonderful soundstage. That said if money was not a factor I would go with the Focal EM's. I have heard them with both Accuphase and Soulution gear and they were suburb.

As you note being a authorized Focal EM dealer might have an impact on your final decision. Now you also may want to wait until you have had time to get your arms around the TAD's. You might even want a second pair.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Ivan
You know I have a lot of respect for the Aida's and considered them before purchasing my X2's. Those rear firing drivers can be adjusted to create a wonderful soundstage. That said if money was not a factor I would go with the Focal EM's. I have heard them with both Accuphase and Soulution gear and they were suburb.

As you note being a authorized Focal EM dealer might have an impact on your final decision. Now you also may want to wait until you have had time to get your arms around the TAD's. You might even want a second pair.

Jim... All good stuff; I have thought about a second pair of TAD R1's to replace my Strads. Tks

[TommyC]

From looks alone, no way Ivan. The Aida looks 1000x better than the Focal. The Aida looks organic while the Focal looks mechanical.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Alki

Ivan, I was going ask why you would want to make the switch. And your reasons above are valid.

For me personally I would not make the switch as I have auditioned Focal many times and have never heard anything that moved me enough to want to keep listening or purchase their products. Even though I have not personally heard the Focal Utopia Grand EMs, the Focal signature sound would still be there.

Also have heard SF many times and always liked what I heard, especially in the mid range.

If I was to try something new in a real high end it would be a Genesis 1.2, which is real unique.

The bottom line is that you have lusted after the Utopia Grand EMs. Take a listen and if this is the sound you lust for than make the switch. If it is for a business reason you should be able to obtain a feel from this thread and forum what people think about Focal to assist in determining if you should carry their line. I think you need to decide if it is more for your pleasure or more for you business and the decision will be easier.

One thing is certain you will find somebody here to purchase you Aida's if you choose to make the switch.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Persona non grata

[antipop]

Ivan, I know you have an itch to scratch with the Focal and you've been turning around for a while. I was surprised when you picked the R1 for your new reference system as I would have thought you'd go the Focal way.

I've never heard that range and I only know the 1038Be which I auditioned when I was looking for a new pair. I preferred the Cremona and I ended up picking the Elipsa.

Focal has an impressive sound but I was afraid it would get to annoying for long sessions. Something I never felt with the Elipsa.

Dan suggestion is a great one and it would let check if you can leave with them for an extended time.

Now, the real way to go would be to buy a new house and install a new reference system around them

[1KW]

Ivan put Aida in the home theater and sell the Mcinotosh speakers, get a vox center channel

[1KW]

I know you asked about Aida but since you seem to be selling all your sonus faber speakers, I think you are going to miss the Strads., they looked and sounded perfect in your room.

[antipop]

The HT is too dark for the Aida, you wouldn't be able to admire them

Though that would be quite impressive

[1KW]

Originally Posted by antipop

The HT is too dark for the Aida, you wouldn't be able to admire them

Though that would be quite impressive

Your right, on second thought Ivan you can put Aida in my house this way you will have a showroom for them in the Philly/Princeton area