Focal ARIA K2 936

[Savi]

For information, Focal has just released a new version of the Aria 936. The difference seems to be the cone materials of the medium and woofer drivers. I did not find measurements or technical informations.

More details on their website:
https://www.focal.com/en/home-audio...s/aria-900/floorstanding-speakers/aria-k2-936

 

[digitalfrost]

I remember the yellow focal speaker chassis from the 80s 90s. As much as I like retro 80s style, this is not something I would want to look at every day.

 

[Pearljam5000]

It's the same deal with their car stereo the yellow cone is a step above the flax

 

[VintageFlanker]

For information, Focal has just released a new version of the Aria 936. The difference seems to be the cone materials of the medium and woofer drivers. I did not find measurements or technical informations.

More details on their website:
https://www.focal.com/en/home-audio...s/aria-900/floorstanding-speakers/aria-k2-936

View attachment 93960

Thanks for sharing!

Damn. Those are ugly as hell... Seriously, Focal... You make them look like cheap Davis Acoustics

 

[Ilkless]

Hideous, from the company that gave us flax cones and the W sandwich.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Lol
Honestly the flax looks cheaper

 

[VintageFlanker]

Lol
Honestly the flax looks cheaper

You don't mean that, do you?

 

[Mindcool]

I must confess I like the bright color scheme of these cones . What I think doesn´t really matter since it must ultimately be approved by my commander-in-chief (my SO) if it shall exist in our living room

 

[MarcT]

I just compared Focal's specs for the 936 and the K2 936, and they are identical, including crossover frequencies. Is there any reason to think this "upgrade" is anything more than basically a gimmick?

Here is a blurb on Stereophile that also includes pricing:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/focal-releases-aria-k2-936-floorstanding-loudspeaker

 

[VintageFlanker]

Here is a blurb on Stereophile that also includes pricing:

Yep, those are 4000€/pair... or 6000$.

 

[Pearljam5000]

6000$ for speakers without a waveguide?

 

[MarcT]

I know Focal is a quality brand, but dang. They took an almost 25% price increase earlier this year, and now they release this "upgraded" 936 at an even higher price?!

Interestingly, around the time of the Focal price hike, my local dealer dropped Paradigm and brought in Focal, including the Chora, Aria, Kanta, and Sopra lines. Their explanation as to why they went with Focal and sales pitch today was that the Focal speakers sounded better than the Paradigms at the same price points. But I wonder if the Focal Chora series really sounds better than, say, the Paradigm Premier series. Or, is the reason they switched really that Focal's pricing structure allows for a higher profit margin for the dealer.

 

[Colonel7]

You don't mean that, do you?

I confess I kind of like the flax look. Yellow is no go

 

[Helicopter]

I am betting no sonic difference.

In the 2 hour factory tour video, the rep says all the composite cones they show are cosmetic.

Why would they add a rigid aramid and have to change the rest of the woofer or other speaker parts potentially, when they could keep everything the same with aramid that behaves like the linen? No business sense there to me.

I think they are kinda cool, but like dark walnut and linen better in my room.

I doubt street price will stay high on these. The Spectral 40th anniv. With yellow cones are available way under MSRP. Arias are from what, 2013? I got mine 40% off, and do not see them as a big step up from Chora. 6k for these is steep.

 

[Head_Unit]

this is not something I would want to look at every day.

It is the new diet plan. The more you listen and look, the less appetite you have. Hmm...is weed legal in France now? Maybe that's what's going on.

 

[helom]

I know Focal is a quality brand, but dang. They took an almost 25% price increase earlier this year, and now they release this "upgraded" 936 at an even higher price?!

Interestingly, around the time of the Focal price hike, my local dealer dropped Paradigm and brought in Focal, including the Chora, Aria, Kanta, and Sopra lines. Their explanation as to why they went with Focal and sales pitch today was that the Focal speakers sounded better than the Paradigms at the same price points. But I wonder if the Focal Chora series really sounds better than, say, the Paradigm Premier series. Or, is the reason they switched really that Focal's pricing structure allows for a higher profit margin for the dealer.

Paradigm Prestige is better than Aria.