#1
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Focal Sopra
I Was lucky enough to help install a set of black Sopra No. 2 down at my local shop on Monday (Fargo, ND)
To preface: I've never been really excited about the beryllium tweeter. They have seemed pretty strident to me, depending on amp choice. The Sopras, however, are stunning. Quite easily the most open sounding speaker I've ever heard straight from the crate. The new mid range drivers are also something special. They maintain the good qualities of the Electra Be, but add the openness of some of the Utopia systems I've heard. If you get a chance, check them out. For reference - MSB DAC front end through both McIntosh 2301 and Plineus Sa 103. Tube to solid state didn't adversely affect the tweeters in the least. |
#2
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Great first report of the Sopras in the wild. Thanks for posting!
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Analog: VPI Classic Direct (12" Fatboy) with Ortofon A95 cartridge; Ortofon ST-80SE Transformer; McIntosh C2500. Digital: SilenZio Gen 3 High Performance Media Server; Esoteric K-03X. Supporting System: McIntosh MX122 A/V Center; MC205 Amplifier; Bryston 14bSST2 Amplifier; PS Audio P10 Power Reconditioner; Revel Salon 2 Mains; Revel Voice 2 CC; JL Audio f113v2 (2); JL Audio CR-1 Crossover; Focal IC1002 Surrounds |
#3
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Quote:
In comparison to a well broken in pair of the Scala V2's in the same location, on the same amps, it's really hard to pick a favorite. For me, however, the new open baffle they are using on the tweeters make the Sopra a bit more fluid on the top end and a bit more forgiving of the amp choice. The Plinius definitely wakes up the high end on the Scalas, while the Sopra retains its civility a bit more to my ear. I've always been more of a silk dome guy...these retain much of the silky quality while maintaining the famed Focal detail. You know you're listening to a Focal speaker, but somehow the new mid integration and tweeter configuration really tame them and widen the soundstage. Vocals in general were really lifelike. In the end, it's all personal preference. |
#4
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Thanks for the info. I would be interested in an update when you have an opportunity. Would also be interested in a pic or two, if the opportunity presents itself.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag |
#5
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sorry for the double post...messed up the pics.
Last edited by rjryan; 06-06-2015 at 11:03 PM. Reason: double post with bad photo links |
#6
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Glenn:
Here are some quick pics taken by my local dealer. I'll try to grab more next week. FWIW, some local audiophile club members and I played them today with the addition of the REL G1's to fill in the low end. Pretty darn nice. If one was inclined, I'd wager a set of these with some S3's or S5's would do nicely, also. Still impressed. Last edited by rjryan; 06-06-2015 at 11:04 PM. |
#7
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So it's open baffle tweeter? Interesting...
I wonder if the utopia v4 will go in that direction |
#8
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Thank you. Is unfortunate that brick & mortar dealers (of most everything) are so distant.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag |
#9
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Quote:
How did the low frequencies on these compare to the Scala V2's?
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Buddy Boulder 1160 Amp, 1110 Pre-Amp Audio Research Ref. 3 Phono-Pre Vivid Audio Giya G2S2 Speakers MSB Reference DAC Innuos Statement w/Next Gen. PS B & W DB1D Subwoofer X2 Audioquest Niagara 5000 Power Conditioner Kronos Pro Turntable w/Kronoscope RS tonearm + SCPS-1 PS + MSL Platinum Cart. VPI HW-40 Turntable w/ Lyra Etna cartridge Jay's Audio CDT3-MK3 CD Transport Schiit Mjolnir 2 HPA + Audeze LCD X headphones Adona Equipment Rack and Amp Stands Furutech Outlets and Plates + NCF Booster Shunyata Cables Synergistic Research Galileo SX Ground Block, FEQ 4, Black Box + Room Acoustic treatments |
#10
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I believe they call it an infinite baffle. Not completely open, but damped without a closed chamber.
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