KEF Q7 meta as An upgrade to the Focal Chorus 726

[Tennie]

So i've had a couple of Focal Chorus 726 (bought 2nd hand then) and a matching center speaker (CC700?) for some 7 years now. Maranz sr6015 receiver, Boston Acoustics surround speakers, recently bought a SVS PB1000 pro instead of the JAMO SUB 360.

I am in for some new front floor standing speakers, as i did like the sound, but i alsways found them a bit dull (even after EQing them in MultEQ app).

I was eyeballing the KEF q7 meta as an option. Will i notice a real upgrade from the Focals, or will the difference be small?
I've seen some positive reviews of the Q11 meta here on ASR, which gave me all the more reason to look at the speaker as an upgrade option.

 

[Everett T]

So i've had a couple of Focal Chorus 726 (bought 2nd hand then) and a matching center speaker (CC700?) for some 7 years now. Maranz sr6015 receiver, Boston Acoustics surround speakers, recently bought a SVS PB1000 pro instead of the JAMO SUB 360.

I am in for some new front floor standing speakers, as i did like the sound, but i alsways found them a bit dull (even after EQing them in MultEQ app).

I was eyeballing the KEF q7 meta as an option. Will i notice a real upgrade from the Focals, or will the difference be small?
I've seen some positive reviews of the Q11 meta here on ASR, which gave me all the more reason to look at the speaker as an upgrade option.

You'll find the KEFs more accurate and have a better matching center speaker. The KEFs will be a nice upgrade IMHO.

 

[Matt_Holland]

The Q7 are slightly on the dark side tonally. But they are very linear and get out of the way, letting the music shine. Their balance reminds me of a good studio monitor. I doubt they do well in a typical 5 minute hifi showdown versus more hyped/bright speakers, but that’s because they are very linear. A great choice in my opinion and, as above, you can get the matching Q6 centre channel and Q1 or Q3 surrounds.

 

[tineared]

I've never heard the Focals, but KEF is an excellent manufacturer
Should you decide on them, this is an excellent source:

KEF Q7 Meta PAIR 6.5" 3-Way Floor-Standing Speakers Black

KEF Recertified Product

www.accessories4less.com

 

[Tennie]

Wow, thanks for the responses! Indeed i saw the q6 meta too, would be a great combi.

 

[delta76]

The Q7 are slightly on the dark side tonally. But they are very linear and get out of the way, letting the music shine. Their balance reminds me of a good studio monitor. I doubt they do well in a typical 5 minute hifi showdown versus more hyped/bright speakers, but that’s because they are very linear. A great choice in my opinion and, as above, you can get the matching Q6 centre channel and Q1 or Q3 surrounds.

Erin mentioned that they need reflection to get emphasized treble. They are not for big rooms

 

[delta76]

I've never heard the Focals, but KEF is an excellent manufacturer
Should you decide on them, this is an excellent source:

KEF Q7 Meta PAIR 6.5" 3-Way Floor-Standing Speakers Black

KEF Recertified Product

www.accessories4less.com

Kef is good manufacturer and their Q Meta line has been excellent, but we should rely on specific speaker measurements to consider, not a blanket "this manufacturer is excellent". Focal is a good manufacturer as well and they even make their speakers in France which is a plus for many (compared to China in case of Kef)
I owned Focal and now Kef and my decisions were based on performance, size, price, and look. Brand was not taken into consideration

 

[Tennie]

Erin mentioned that they need reflection to get emphasized treble. They are not for big rooms

The wall across the speakers would be 3 to 3,5 meters (10 to 11 ft.) but the total open space volume would be 130m3 (4000 to 4500 sq/ft?)

 

[delta76]

The wall across the speakers would be 3 to 3,5 meters (10 to 11 ft.) but the total open space volume would be 130m3 (4000 to 4500 sq/ft?)

I think it is side walls are more important than rear wall. You probably can EQ with AVR to remedy some of the problems. This is same for Q6 Meta.
Q Meta is an excellent series for the money, and for their price range you will have hard time finding anything better especially in home theatre setting, but knowing their limitations will put your mind at peace

 

[Tennie]

I think it is side walls are more important than rear wall. You probably can EQ with AVR to remedy some of the problems. This is same for Q6 Meta.
Q Meta is an excellent series for the money, and for their price range you will have hard time finding anything better especially in home theatre setting, but knowing their limitations will put your mind at peace

Thanks!

 

[tineared]

Kef is good manufacturer and their Q Meta line has been excellent, but we should rely on specific speaker measurements to consider, not a blanket "this manufacturer is excellent". Focal is a good manufacturer as well and they even make their speakers in France which is a plus for many (compared to China in case of Kef)
I owned Focal and now Kef and my decisions were based on performance, size, price, and look. Brand was not taken into consideration

I extrapolated from Erin's review of the Q11

Erin's review -- KEF Q11 Meta

Been waiting for this one. I think I'm more interested in the Q7 Meta, which I hope is similarly good.

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[delta76]

I extrapolated from Erin's review of the Q11

Erin's review -- KEF Q11 Meta

Been waiting for this one. I think I'm more interested in the Q7 Meta, which I hope is similarly good.

www.audiosciencereview.com

What I meant is that we need to be clear the recommendation is for what speaker. The exact model. Not the manufacturer. Even though some manufacturers have established themselves enough we know their speakers will be at least good, but it is always important to have data backed recommendations

 

[tineared]

What I meant is that we need to be clear the recommendation is for what speaker. The exact model. Not the manufacturer. Even though some manufacturers have established themselves enough we know their speakers will be at least good, but it is always important to have data backed recommendations

If you reread my post, you will see that I told the OP that I was unfamiliar with the Focal and I simply endorsed KEF as a quality manufacturer.
I didn't actually suggest that he buy the KEFs.
I then suggested a retailer with good prices. Not sure what your concern is

 

[Matt34]

Very different sound profiles. You may find the Kef Q7 "dull" in direct comparison to your Focals, like mentioned earlier they have a a pretty significant downward slope towards the upper frequencies. I would try to listen to something in the Q meta series before purchasing.

 

[delta76]

If you reread my post, you will see that I told the OP that I was unfamiliar with the Focal and I simply endorsed KEF as a quality manufacturer.
I didn't actually suggest that he buy the KEFs.
I then suggested a retailer with good prices. Not sure what your concern is

I did, would be clearer if you posted the review link to Q11 meta and said Q7 meta will be likely the same given how Erin's measurements align with Kef's own. but well, let's agree to disagree. We both mean well

 

[GroeneLeeuw]

If you like Focal, try their Vestia line, which are a big step ahead of the Chorus line and can be found for very good prices these days (in Europe at least)
1 year ago I was in your position, owned a a pair of the Chorus and was considering the KEF Q11.
I ended up with the floorstander Vestia No4 driven by a Rotel RA-1592. No regrets.