I’ve been saving up for a pair of M1200s to upgrade my M700. But a recent little tweak really surprised me: an iFi DC blocker into my power conditioner. The improvement isn’t subtle at all. Which got me thinking…
For seasoned PS audio gear heads, in my situation, will a P12 yields a bigger sound improvement than M1200s? In terms of transients, decay, and size of the sound stage? Keep in mind I already have a pair of M700s, and I am only willing to upgrade to either the M1200 or a P12.
Thanks
A few questions first!
HT or 2-channel?
CF of listening environment (sound room)?
What are the M700’s driving?
What are your speaker efficiencies?
What genre of music do you prefer?
At what volume levels do you normally listen to?
Ted
Do you feel the M700 are lacking on anything?
A few questions first!
HT or 2-channel?
2 channel
CF of listening environment (sound room)?
Living Room, not treated
What are the M700’s driving?
Focal Kanta 2s
What are your speaker efficiencies?
91ish
What genre of music do you prefer?
Classical, classical piano
At what volume levels do you normally listen to?
85db max
Dynamic and scale is very importance to me, also the tonal decay of grand pianos have to sound realistic in its recorded environment.
No, not really, I’m in the exploring phase now, spending good $$$ for sinful purposes.
Careful, be very careful . . . you do know what lurks in the shadows ahead!
When I had the M700s in my system, I got the P15 power regenerator for two reasons:- Future-proofing my power needs; I thought P15 would sound better with the BHK pre and DS DAC. I never regretted the purchase.
Do you have a 20 amp dedicated circuit for your system? If not, I would start there before getting a P12 and/or M1200s.
I can tell you I use to use a P20 with BHK 300s and subs. It sounded great. Now, I use an iFi Power Station with an Ncore based integrated and subs. The current system also sounds great. I can put my ear on my tweeters, there is no noise.
Based off what you’ve mentioned and the system you described, my vote would be to go for the P12 first. It is shocking what regenerators do for a system!
WE,
IMHO, With the efficiency of the Focal Kanta 2s, your genre preferences and your stated “85db max playback levels” (just like my setup/listening choices), the power output of the M700s will still easily allow undistorted ear-splitting 116db peaks…the M1200 might only add another 2.5 db to that! 
My 2.1 system consist of stand monitors (86db), a 125W AB power amp (from 50Hz on up) and a 500W powered sub on a dedicated 20A service…dynamics, scale and resolution (attack, transients, decay) are simply Superb (of course, that is in a dedicated 90sf quasi-near-field music listening room)! 
I’ve not heard the Kanta 2s, but imagine when properly set up in a balanced acoustical environment (not too dead & not too alive) and with great recordings and performances, their finesse and agility in the upper bandwidths should Easily Reproduce the sonic characteristics you desire. Personally, I’d look at your speaker cabling 1st. I just did and discovered THESE that just has taken my breath away! They present a glorious soundstage that has pinpoint focus, air and separation of vocals, instrumentals and ensembles…all in an extremely accurate and huge venue with tremendous width, depth and height…Very Musical, Realistic and Live!! 
Not sure of your total power needs, but expect the P12 could be another sonic solution for system integrity. For me, the P3 (going on 250 hrs of break-in playback) fits my smaller system very well! 
Ted
Based on the choice you have given, I would go P12 vs going from a 700 to 1200. I’m guessing if you could A/B you would hear the difference much more between no regen and a regen vs the difference in these two amps. I just added a P12 to my system consisting of an integrated and DS (laptop fed via Matrix) and the difference was noticeable. Also I would risk to venture that in switching to the 1200 (or perhaps other similar amps) you may hear a difference, but the P12 may give you an improvement. No bad choice here but my 2c… Happy Listening…
Look at it this way: If you upgrade your amp, then you’re upgrading one component in the chain that is your system.
If you upgrade your power, as with the P12, then everything that’s plugged into it will be “upgraded” by virtue of what the P12 does.
It seemed the entire world had sunk into the The Dark Side anyway…
Wow, that’s a lot of tips than I asked for, Thanks!
I’m looking at M1200 mainly because I want to add more tube magic to the chain, not really concerned with listening volume atm.
Interesting point! Thanks.
Based on all the inputs, P12 is the better bet for now… time to modify course!
My vote would be for a P12. Amazing how quiet and relaxed the sound becomes once placed in your system. And another huge benefit is everything plugged into the P12 will be highly protected!
Good luck with your decision!
Hopefully you read all the suggestions @wudai_e.
Power is foundational to everything else that you are going to do in the foreseeable future. You have great speakers and amps. I would get the PP12 and then start looking at your cabling, or start saving for a DS MKII.
Have fun!
My opinion is that you will hear a far larger improvement to transients, decay, and size of the sound stage with a speaker change than you would by changing the electronics given you have a capable amplifier already. I’m not that familiar with the Focal line but I’ve always thought that they were beautifully designed speakers. If the current model you have is not your endgame speaker, I would take that $6K you would spend on the M1200 and combine that with the sale of your existing speaker to buy and even better one. It’s a lot of work but I think you’ll hear far greater improvements from that than anything else.