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Focal Chora 806 Bookshelf Speakers Pair $675 Delivered @ Addicted To Audio

850
Focal Chora 806 Bookshelf Speakers Pair $675 Delivered @ Addicted To Audio
Go to Deal
jasonxc on 31/12/2023 - 05:37 addictedtoaudio.com.au (2443 clicks)
Last edited 10/01/2024 - 14:19 by 1 other user

Focal Chora is listed as B-Stock, but there is a 95% chance you will get brand new speakers.

[EDIT 2] Addicted To Audio have since clarified the reason they marked the Focal Chora Speakers as B-Stock is because they discovered some of them have slight wear and tear on the veneer finish. It's only a very small portion of their stock, but because they can't check every speaker, they just labeled all of the inventory B-Stock. If you buy the Chora 806 or 816, there is a 95%+ chance you will get brand new stock.
Black Colour no longer available for Chora Speakers.

Focal Aria and Aria K2 are still marked as brand new.

[EDIT] Only B-Stock is available. These are basically used speakers so expect cosmetic wear and tear.
Addicted To Audio have been trying to ship B-Stock on orders for brand new, so be careful and make sure you call them and clarify what they are shipping you.

AddictedToAudio have dropped the price on Focal Speakers even further. These speakers are now even cheaper than what their European customers have to pay.

ASR Review of the Chora 816

Electrical & Electronics Focal Speakers

Related Stores

Addicted To Audio
Addicted To Audio

closed Comments

  • Watanabe1995 on 31/12/2023 - 07:17

    Bargain!

  • SvcKpc on 31/12/2023 - 07:48

    What is the best color/material choice? I always thought black looked best in the pictures, but I'm told the dark wood and light wood are much better quality exteriors and made from actual polished wood.

    • tonyjzx on 31/12/2023 - 11:15
      +2

      its all veneer anyway

      the material is MDF which is a manfactured 'wood'

      just get what looks good to you

      • Dsiee on 31/12/2023 - 21:46
        +4

        Speakers is one of the few (only?) times MDF is actually one of the best best materials for the job.

      • Korban Dallas on 06/01/2024 - 18:30

        More like cardboard mate. Compressed.

  • drprox on 31/12/2023 - 08:02

    Nice! I've had a pair of 705 for about 10 years now and love them

    • congo on 31/12/2023 - 13:53

      Chora 705?
      How much did you pay for them?

      • drprox on 01/01/2024 - 15:03

        Chorus 705. It was years ago, no idea really but about $500 I think.

  • kamoy on 31/12/2023 - 08:33
    +2

    hearing that these are much cheaper in france so these are just about correct now they are half price

    • drprox on 31/12/2023 - 09:06
      +3

      That trip to France and the extra baggage won't be cheap!

      • Korban Dallas on 31/12/2023 - 10:01

        Carry on… Like when you could go on an overseas holiday buy and iPhone and come back… would be cheaper then buying one outright in ones own country.

      • kamoy on 31/12/2023 - 12:47

        the point is they have a big mark up here in aust and not that good a speaker for price they mark it up here ..better to buy aust made speaker possibly

        • omblygombly on 31/12/2023 - 16:57
          +1

          Krix make fantastic speakers, but they aren't cheap.

        • Chazwazza on 01/01/2024 - 10:28

          So, what would you recommend in this price range?

    • Tomcruise on 31/12/2023 - 10:09
      +1

      $4k is what the RRP should be in Australia.

      PS: i think these are superseeded maybe. If so, should be even cheaper.

    • beeze on 31/12/2023 - 10:19
      +3

      Most speakers have a large Aud mark-up, just the reality of being a small market a long ways away…

  • congo on 31/12/2023 - 08:40

    Love floorstanding, but just don't have room for them

  • atlas on 31/12/2023 - 08:43

    Good deal

  • easternculture on 31/12/2023 - 08:44

    Cracker of a deal

  • Theyseemeriolin on 31/12/2023 - 08:57

    Hmm, the 806s or the Monitor Audio Bronze 100s?

  • sct911 on 31/12/2023 - 09:01

    how do you run these? straight off pc or connect to something like a iFi audio ZEN CAN Headphone Amplifier?

    • congo on 31/12/2023 - 09:12

      Amplifer.

    • 367 on 31/12/2023 - 09:19

      iFi amplifiers are for headphones. You need a stereo speaker amplifier, as well as a source: a DAC, streamer or turntable. You can use a PC as a source but it won't do these justice.

      • sct911 on 31/12/2023 - 09:20

        ok, thanks

        • teereb on 31/12/2023 - 10:05
          +1

          Have a quick look on Gumtree / market place, you will find a more than adequate second hand amp for a hundred $ or so.

        • Cheap Rich Guy on 01/01/2024 - 00:13

          See if you can nab a Krell or Mark Levinson amp.

    • Navii on 31/12/2023 - 10:57
      -2

      I'll stick to my phone speaker that came with my phone for $0

  • GossipGoat on 31/12/2023 - 09:42
    +1

    Whats a good amp to power these with? I currently have a SMSL Ad18 and thats powering KEF Q100 well but these seem quite a bit more powerful

    • Robzargain on 01/01/2024 - 12:10
      +2

      The Chora series are quite easy to power. I have the the 826 and they are easier to power than my Kef Q150s.

      I got heaps of volume with a 30w or 50w amplifier (NAD 3020v2 and SMSL DA-9).

  • vongole83 on 31/12/2023 - 09:43
    +1

    I have the 816. They are a great speaker. Nice price too.

    I have paired mine with a Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. (Unfortunately this amp has gone up in price by $1,000 in the last few months). Sounds amazing though.

  • spiderbite88 on 31/12/2023 - 09:47

    How do these sound compared to the JBL 305s?

    • vongole83 on 31/12/2023 - 09:49

      Not heard them but I would expect the Focals to be far superior. The prices above are really good.

      • tonyjzx on 31/12/2023 - 15:03
        +3

        apples and oranges

        the 305 is a nearfield unit with inbuilt amps… i think 40 + 40w and a 5" driver

        these are 6.5" for typical lounge room setup… you choice of amp

        someone here has a lyngdorf which is a $3,000+ amp so of course in that case you'd expect this combo to beat a $300 set of powered speakers

  • David Astonpp on 31/12/2023 - 09:59
    +2

    Chora centre channel also half price

  • sqheaven on 31/12/2023 - 10:17

    There's a reason they're trying to get rid of these, poor after sales service by Focal. Not that you'd need it for s speaker but if you get in to trouble, you're on your own.

    • drprox on 31/12/2023 - 10:20
      +10

      And here's me thinking it's because they're no longer the distributor 🤔

      • sqheaven on 31/12/2023 - 19:25

        How does that improve their after sales if a2a is no longer their distributor? I am never touching their stuff. I have been bitten once 😂

        • mickeyjuiceman on 31/12/2023 - 19:41
          +3

          The correction was as to actually why they're such a good price, nobody is trying to invalidate your experience.

    • xc on 31/12/2023 - 19:09

      I have a pair of Focal XS computer speakers that failed within 12 months. They took 3-4 months to repair them.

  • rob2018 on 31/12/2023 - 10:54

    Still rocking my 826S after 20 years!

  • djevoultion on 31/12/2023 - 10:59

    Difficult deciding between 936 and 948

    • sjsingh on 31/12/2023 - 23:43

      Depends on how much space you have!

  • MasterScythe on 31/12/2023 - 11:13
    +1

    Thats one clean output! Too clinical for me, but all ears are different. These things are accurate.

    Im still looking for Jamo c607's. For a popular set, nobody is letting them go.

  • ninnypoop on 31/12/2023 - 11:19

    Don't currently have the space for the floor standing but very tempted to buy and keep in box until I get my own place. Tempting tempting

    • jasonxc on 31/12/2023 - 11:27
      +3

      Pull the trigger. This is as good a deal as you will see for a long time on quality floorstanders.

  • Drakesy on 31/12/2023 - 11:32

    Now these are good looking speakers
    Can't believe the chora floorstanders are so cheap in america

    If you have the money the Kanta's are heavily discounted

  • AlgoTrading on 31/12/2023 - 11:32

    Anyone able to comment on these as tv speakers? Am waiting for a deal on Klipsch the Fives which are powered and have great reviews. I believe these are passive?

    • vongole83 on 31/12/2023 - 11:39
      +1

      I use the 816 as a tv speaker with the Lyngdorf above.
      It’s a very adaptable amp so definitely helps things. However the forward treble on the 816 means voices are quite clear. I am happy with this setup and it sounds a lot better than my in-laws’ Bose setup. Voices are less clear but then again that is to be expected and is not an issue for me. I had a set of Audiolab amps before and this was not good with the 816s for TV.

      All the ones in the deal are passive.

    • MasterScythe on 31/12/2023 - 11:44
      +1

      most Klipsch, not all, are only above average. Comparable to Bose, and marked up similarly. Most dont highly rate either brand. But if they come up cheap, everything in higher end audio is "good" depending on the price point.

      If youre a fan of accurate sound (some might call it sharp, but theyre really quite balanced…) these are an amazing choice. A similar sound profile would be DynAudio.

      If you like a warmer sound stick with your Jamo, B&B or Triangle.

      I'm trebel sensitive, so these will never sell to me, but I can totally appreciate their qualities.

      • vongole83 on 31/12/2023 - 12:49

        Agree with this. For TV/ movie audio I would put Klipsch in with Sonos, Bose, some of the Yamaha stuff. All good and enjoyable but built with one purpose in mind and a poor choice for music and missing the fidelity of ‘proper’ speakers. (particularly the Yamaha and Bose stuff).

    • AlgoTrading on 31/12/2023 - 11:58

      Tbh I'm new to this game so I don't know much. I hear that you pay for the form factor of soundbars and for the same money you'd get better sound quality for the same buck. I was looking at Klipsch the Fives (review https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/klipsch-the-fives…) as it's powered and is apparently a "soundbar killer". Powered means I can do away with the amp which, again, is completely new to me.

      So the Lyngdorf amp is a good pair for these speakers? It's ~$4k + $1.2k (Focal Chora 816) = ~$5.2k investment?

      • vongole83 on 31/12/2023 - 12:24
        +1

        Yes very. It’s pretty well accepted the TDAI 1120 is the leader in its class at this price point. Room Perfect does a superb job with tuning it to your space.

        The only thing I would say is that if you only want this for TV/ Movies or want more than 2.1 then don’t buy it (don’t buy any of the Focal stuff in the deal in fact - you can find a dedicated surround sound system for less when you factor in an amp), but if you want an all rounder for a turntable, streaming music and TB/ movies then it’s a great combo.

      • cille745 on 31/12/2023 - 13:31
        +2

        Don’t let anyone tell you that you need an amp 4x the price to get the best out of these, you’d only be throwing money down the toilet unless you’re planning for an eventual upgrade

        • vongole83 on 31/12/2023 - 13:43

          If you’re referring to the fact the Lyngdorf is a multiple of the speaker price, then yeah, you can get away with cheaper but if he wants an all rounder for TV and music (effectively this is replacing a sound bar and hi-fi system as an all in one) the Lyngdorf is the best choice.

          There are cheaper alternatives but believe me this is the best as an all rounder. I spent months looking at this.

          Disclaimer: I also paid over $1,000 less the current RRP for the amp so agree the economics aren’t as strong now.

          • AlgoTrading on 31/12/2023 - 14:00

            @vongole83: Thanks for all the suggestions. The economics I'm looking at are these:

            Originally thinking of Klipsch the Fives + stands = ~$2k
            Comments so far are that Klipsch is not great

            Focal Chora 806 + stands + Marantz PM6007 (https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/marantz-pm6007) = 675 + 175 + 660 = 1.5k
            Sorry the Lyngdorf is too much lol

            KEF LSX II + stands = 2.5k
            Any thoughts on these are greatly appreciated.

        • Trentgibbo3 on 31/12/2023 - 16:06

          This. If anything the speakers could be up to twice the cost of the amp. You get diminishing value of returns with amps once you get past the budget ones.

      • bindok on 31/12/2023 - 14:35
        +1

        Rotel A11 Tribute is a good amp ~$769 these speakers aren't too difficult to drive. If you want to spend even less NAD 316BEE / Wiim Amp / Fosi Audio ZA3 (Unfortunately sold out ATM till they get more stock)

    • Bacons on 31/12/2023 - 15:43

      get the sevens https://youtu.be/t1pqvcndWyk

  • mostlygordon on 31/12/2023 - 12:15

    I guess it need to buy a bookshelf to go with the speakers;-)

  • SvcKpc on 31/12/2023 - 12:43

    I have a leftover Opus One 100W Stereo Amp and have been looking for a pair of good speakers to use it with. I was considering the Chora 806's while they were $810 at A2A but didn't pull the trigger, but now it's really tempting.

    Is it true that you need the stands to really get the best out of the sound? Is the upgrade noticeable?
    What are the main things the Floorstanding 816 does better than the standmound 806? Is it worth the extra $550?

    I was also thinking of pulling the trigger on the JBL A130's when they were available for $360 with ebay plus. Does anyone know how the Chora 806's sound compared to the A130's? Or the Q Acoustics 3030i? Or even the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2's?

    I was hoping to demo the Choras at AddictedToAudio in Richmond a few weeks ago, but they only had a single unit there and it wasn't hooked up. They're all in the warehouse.

    • vongole83 on 31/12/2023 - 12:50

      Yes they do benefit from stands for lots of reasons. I have never tried the 806s but when you factor in a decent pair of stands you are not far off 816 money and they are sure to be a superior speaker.

      • SvcKpc on 31/12/2023 - 13:10
        +1

        I mean, the official 806 stands are on sale too at $175 for a pair. Couple that with the Choras and it's $850, still $350 less than the 816 Floorstanding equivalent ($1200).

  • OzzzzB on 31/12/2023 - 13:47

    Can I use these for my desktop computer speakers? How do they compare to the JBL or Edifier ones
    Thanks

    • congo on 31/12/2023 - 14:00

      Yes but you would need an amp

      • pharcyde on 31/12/2023 - 14:49

        What would be a good amp to pair with these bookshelf speakers?

        • tonyjzx on 31/12/2023 - 15:00
          +2

          jesus… just about anything really

          fosi v3, aiyima a07 max

          or yamaha as501/701 if you wanna spend more

    • ju2au on 31/12/2023 - 14:57
      +1

      As others have mentioned, you'll need an amplifier to drive these passive speakers.

      I personally use a Yamaha A-S301 and you can get one for $500 at:
      https://www.selby.com.au/brands/yamaha/yamaha-a-s301-2-chann…

      https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/yamaha-a-s301

      However, you don't need to go that far to get a good experience. I used a cheap 2020A amp for 10+ years but prices have moved up since it was first released for $20:
      https://www.amazon.com.au/LP-2020A-3A-Stereo-Class-D-Digital…
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhEpu6VoO9E

      https://www.decibelhifi.com.au/lp-2020ad-mini-amplifier-with…

      • tonyjzx on 31/12/2023 - 15:23

        $75

        you're better off with a known quantity like any of the TPA3255 powered things like an Aiyima A07 which $100 usd shipped.

        For $600 speakers get something good.

    • ThatsCheap on 31/12/2023 - 17:05
      +1

      Wouldn't use these for desktop. If you're in this price range, look at something like the Edifier S360DB. Currently on Amazon there's a $100 coupon you can apply, which at the check out will take them down to $499 (linked it below).

      The subwoofer is wireless, it just needs a power cable connected to it, so you can place it anywhere pretty much. You won't need an amp for them, as it's built in and they use their own DSP. And you connect them to the PC via an optical cable (if your motherboard has optical, which majority do these days), they are great.

      https://www.amazon.com.au/Edifier-S360DB-Bookshelf-Subwoofer…

      • SvcKpc on 31/12/2023 - 20:43

        Edifier

        nihao

      • rave75 on 01/01/2024 - 22:51

        How is s360db compared to soundbar at similar price, like samsung q600c?

        • ThatsCheap on 01/01/2024 - 23:34

          No comparison to the sound bars I've heard in this price range, they are inferior. Even more expensive ones I've heard are worse. I haven't heard the Samsung Q600c itself, but I highly doubt it would compete.

          Either way the benefit of Amazon is you have 30 days for return and all you have to answer when clicking return is that "Product didn't live up to expectations" or something along those lines and then drop off the taped box at the post office.

          • rave75 on 02/01/2024 - 11:51

            @ThatsCheap: Thanks. How about the comparison between s360 and s2000promk3? I use my speaker for 80% movie and 20% music. Seems like 2.1 system is better than 2.0 right?

            • ThatsCheap on 02/01/2024 - 18:54
              +1

              @rave75: 100% the sub in that case makes a difference. And overall sound quality, the planar tweeters are developed by Fostex and compete even with their end products like the S2000promk3 easily. And again just keep the box and everything tidy, and if you don't like them then return them to Amazon for a refund.

  • tof on 31/12/2023 - 15:12

    Would appreciate advice from the audiophiles of OzBargain.

    My current PC audio set up is Sony Bookshelf Speakers SSHA1 from Pioneer VSX-517 Receiver from ASUS Xonar Essence STX Sound Card.

    Would I notice an improvement in SQ by upgrading to the Chora 806 Bookshelf or is my source and amp too dated and underpowered?

    I'm trying to tell myself "I don't need it, I don't need it!"

    Thanks

    • ThatsCheap on 31/12/2023 - 17:16

      You likely use headphones as well for desktop right? I'm currently using the Focal Clear OG. However, for a speaker setup with little to no headache, and you won't need the outdated receiver or your ASUS Xonar, look for my other comment in this thread, that's the speakers I use, much less headache, and they sound fantastic. Just check if your motherboard has optical, from memory my Asus Xonar essence STX in the past didn't have an optical connection. At the desktop we sit too close for bookshelf speakers like the Focals in the post above (unless you only use the desktop for music listening and nothing else), that need to be angled right and you'd probably need a new receiver too. The ones I linked are from Amazon, so if you don't like them, just keep the box they come in with all its stuff, put them back in and request a refund on your orders page within 30 days.

      • tof on 31/12/2023 - 18:25

        I mainly use speakers on the desktop and 99% of the time am listening to music or watching media. I only chuck on headphones for work calls or gaming (which I never do these days).

        I can't imagine the Edifiers being that much of an upgrade from my current setup apart from having a sub?

        • ThatsCheap on 31/12/2023 - 22:29

          Yeah if that's the case you're better off going for the deal above, or other deals in the future.

    • Random Name on 04/01/2024 - 20:25
      +1

      It's kinda personal, but if your ears work fine, you'll notice a real difference. Just so you know, speakers play the biggest role in turning digital stuff into actual sound.

      Your current speakers and receiver aren't even Hi Fi, to be honest. The Asus STX has a good-sounding DAC (PC1792A), so I'd stick with it. The next step would be a pricier DAC like Topping DX3 Pro, or even DX7 so just save money for a better Stereo amplifier.

      If you go for these speakers, you'll definitely need a new amp. Something like the Topping PA3s ~250$ will be a bare minimum. Ideally Yamaha 501 or 701

  • Budju on 31/12/2023 - 15:28

    apparently these have some special stands that angle them to the correct orientation which is a bit lame - extra cost.

    • mickeyjuiceman on 31/12/2023 - 15:41

      So you think everyone should pay for the stands even if they don't need them?

      • Budju on 31/12/2023 - 15:49

        Well if you think about it, it's a little bit annoying that they won't sound optimal without them.

        Whether you should buy the stands or not is up to you, but as I've already got two sets of stands I wouldn't be inclined to.

        • SvcKpc on 31/12/2023 - 20:46

          Mate go and learn how speakers work. If you want them to sound "optimal", buying the stands is only scratching the surface.

          The stands help the speakers mids stay more in line with the treble. They're still going to sound great even without the stands. And even if you get the stands, they're not even going to come close to sounding optimal if you have them placed right near the wall, or in a room with a hard floor or poor acoustics treatment.

          • Budju on 01/01/2024 - 02:55
            -5

            @SvcKpc: what a joke of a comment.

            • SvcKpc on 01/01/2024 - 06:35
              +1

              @Budju: Do you react this way to everyone who puts you in your place? Listen to people who know better than you, champ.

              • Budju on 01/01/2024 - 14:18
                -2

                @SvcKpc: lol 'puts me in my place'.

                lern how speakers werk

                The manufacturer literally put out information stating that they've designed the speakers to not be correctly angled without their proprietary mount.

                Belligerently stating that 'iT dOeSn'T mAtTeR bRo tHeY WiLl sOuNd jUsT FiNe!!1' really doesn't negate a single part of the minor complaint.

                Your claim to be an expert on speakers because you don't care about the finer details is mind boggling.

                • Nom on 01/01/2024 - 14:29

                  @Budju:

                  The manufacturer literally put out information stating that they've designed the speakers to not be correctly angled without their proprietary mount.

                  This applies to all speakers - any speaker will only sound it's very best with a specific position and location in the room.

                  But you often cannot put speakers in this perfect position, so you compromise a little - maybe your speakers aren't angled in enough, or they're too close to the corner of the room, for example. You have to put your speakers where you can.

                  This existence of the Focal stand, is to make this situation better - not worse.

                  • Budju on 01/01/2024 - 14:32

                    @Nom: Usually that is determined by height, not the vertical angle of the speaker. It is a specific feature of this speaker. Not all speakers have proprietary stands to go with them. That's a racket. In any event, people buying the speakers should be aware that the stands exist. No idea why there is backlash to it being mentioned as a minor complaint considering the idea of this site is to save money instead of forking out for expensive hidden costs to make them work as intended.

            • Nom on 01/01/2024 - 13:38
              +1

              @Budju:

              what a joke of a comment.

              No, everything in that post is spot-on.

    • tof on 31/12/2023 - 15:45
      +2

      I know about the official stands but will skip on them as I'll just be sitting them on my desk.

      • Budju on 31/12/2023 - 15:50

        Would be nice if they sold a cheap speaker mount to get them angled right.

      • thatguyfromthatplace on 31/12/2023 - 23:49
        +1

        Do yourself a favour and chuck a couple of White Pages under them. Lifting them up will lessen reflections from the desk surface and will dampen them too so the desk doesn't vibrate as much. It'll make them sound much better.

        • mickeyjuiceman on 01/01/2024 - 03:22

          Or duck down to Clark Rubber and get a couple of HD foam blocks, same thing but better vibration reduction.

  • RCynic on 31/12/2023 - 16:33
    -6

    Been eyeing these off for about a week but the reviews for the 816s are almost non existent. Tossing up between them and the q acoustics 5040s because they're well reviewed but less discounted.
    I have a hunch the chora line are garbage.

    • congo on 31/12/2023 - 18:41

      Chora are garbage?

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