Just when I thought I had this put to bed, other options have emerged. A dealer in my area has a pair of Focal Chorus 716V speakers in stock, new in the box, that he will sell for $800, just $25 more than the 714v's that I found (also new in box). The 716v have larger drivers (6.5" vs 5"). Design concept is the same(2.5 way), The FR for the 714v is 52-28k , the 716v is 41-28k, sensitivity is 714v@91; 716v @91.5; minimum impedance is 714v@4.1 716V @4.3, minimum recommended wattage is 714v =25w; 716V=40w.

I have a concern that the higher wattage requirements of the 716v may be an issue for my 60w amp, but the tradeoff could be a fuller bass presentation. The dealer actually said the 716v would be easier to drive and have a fuller sound, but the 714v would have more clarity. It has the added benefit of supporting a local retailer (not a big box) but I do not think I can demo them at this price. It is possible they may have the current 716 to demo.

In truth, I have not heard the 714v either, just the current model (714). But the specs are identical, as are the 716 and 716v.

To add another complication, the seller of the used Paradigm Monitor 7 V4 sent me an email that these are still for sale. The price is $500 less than the Focals. While advertised as "mint", they are still at least 10+ years old and I am not sure it is apples to apples to compare to the Focals. They are a two hour drive away and the only motivation would be to hold onto my original intent of "low cost quality". But if the Monitors can compete on sound quality with the Focals, or if the Focal sound is not "$500 better",I will make the drive.

Anyone ever listen to or , better yet, compare one or more of these options