$25,000 Focal Astral Processor / Amplifier

[Bonzo]

I don't recall this thing being discussed here before, so please forgive me if there is already a thread about it.

www.focal.com/en/home-audio/high-fidelity-speakers/audio-video-processor-and-amplifier/astral-16

Wow, when you compare something like this to the RMC-1, it really makes the RMC-1 look awesome. If Emo can just get the friggin' thing to work flawlessly without glitches, it would simply be a no brainer.

There is literally nothing that appeals to me about this Focal device (that I've read so far) compared with other processors. Even if I had the money it would most likely be dead last on my list.

Your thoughts?

[vcautokid]

One is possible. The other not at all. Focal tends to make their halo products you might not reach. Emotiva really tries to let you buy theirs. That is the difference. What good is making a halo product if only 10 people can enjoy it? Seems like a waste of resources to me. But I have always admired what is possible, but better what is more probable in my listening room. Your mileage may vary.

[martindktm]

25000$ class D amp... Sounds weird to me.

[Bonzo]

Sept 10, 2019 15:50:14 GMT -5 vcautokid said:

One is possible. The other not at all. Focal tends to make their halo products you might not reach. Emotiva really tries to let you buy theirs. That is the difference. What good is making a halo product if only 10 people can enjoy it? Seems like a waste of resources to me. But I have always admired what is possible, but better what is more probable in my listening room. Your mileage may vary.

I have heard everything from $3000 a pair Focals to their $90,000 a pair speakers driven by $65,000 tube amps. Never been overly impressed by the sound. Very nice but not fantastic. (Wilson uses Focal drivers and sounds MUCH better to my ears). But a $25k receiver with no radio tuner, only 12 channels of class D amplification, and not fully balanced. Sounds like a laughing stock joke to me.

I don't get it. Someone please explain.

[vcautokid]

I am lost too.