While I have not heard any SF speakers in some time, I will say that I enjoyed the ones I heard a number of years ago....they were lovely, relaxing, pleasing and offered a sweet presentation.....
However, after a few sessions (and going back to my former audio dealer's place the Focal speakers, while a tiny bit less relaxing, etc) offered more umpf, more speed, more dynamics, more excitement....basically a substantially more thrilling experience than the SF....do not get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the SF.....it was and still is that I like my classical music BIG.....and the Focal line delivers that in spades....
BUT, there is one very important caveat with the Focal Grande Utopia EM's.....they are very sensitive to the upstream gear, as well as room placement.....if the set up is not up to snuff, then the Grande's will sound less than magnificent (one reason I suspect that we see so many complaints about the Grande EM's sound at audio shows).....
Good luck!!!!
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Classical Music Enthusiast!
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