Focal Sopra n°2 speaker

[Iostream]

Looks like I am pulling the trigger on a pair of Sopra no 2. I was set on B&W, and spent a good bit of time comparing the 802d3 and 803d3. I felt that all things considered, the Sopra is a better speaker than the 803d3, though I liked the high end on the 803d3 a bit more, the the Sopra mids were a little bit better, and bass was much better on the Sopra. The 802d3 was an improvement on the Sopra, but a minor improvement, to the point that I could not justify the cost difference. It matches the Sopra in bass performance, seems on par with midrange, and comes out just a head in the highs. Of course I have been using B&W for 15 years, so I have been a fan of their sound. All of these auditions were with McIntosh Electronics, either 601 monoblocks or 452 stereo amps.
Question for those of you using McIntosh, 8ohm or 4ohm taps for the Sopra?

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Iostream

Looks like I am pulling the trigger on a pair of Sopra no 2.
Question for those of you using McIntosh, 8ohm or 4ohm taps for the Sopra?

Congrats. Though no longer a McIntosh owner, let your ears be your guide. After your new speakers are broken-in, try each and go with what sounds the best to you.

[Superfrg]

Congratulations, post some pics and in-home review when you get them!

[McIantosh]

Originally Posted by Iostream

Question for those of you using McIntosh, 8ohm or 4ohm taps for the Sopra?

I've twice switched from the 4ohm tap to the 8ohm on the Sopra No2, once when I home demoed them, and of late after breaking-in my own pair. On both occasions I found the 8ohm a better match for my MC402. The mid-mass is fuller and more fleshed out. The low end is more prevalent with the presentation slightly less forward which I prefer. Ultimately though, it is just to try both and find which one best suits your taste. The Sopras will definitely let you hear the difference.

[Kelvinz]

Originally Posted by Iostream

Looks like I am pulling the trigger on a pair of Sopra no 2. I was set on B&W, and spent a good bit of time comparing the 802d3 and 803d3. I felt that all things considered, the Sopra is a better speaker than the 803d3, though I liked the high end on the 803d3 a bit more, the the Sopra mids were a little bit better, and bass was much better on the Sopra. The 802d3 was an improvement on the Sopra, but a minor improvement, to the point that I could not justify the cost difference. It matches the Sopra in bass performance, seems on par with midrange, and comes out just a head in the highs. Of course I have been using B&W for 15 years, so I have been a fan of their sound. All of these auditions were with McIntosh Electronics, either 601 monoblocks or 452 stereo amps.
Question for those of you using McIntosh, 8ohm or 4ohm taps for the Sopra?

How interesting I briefly listened to the sopra against 803d3 and Wilsons today and found the opposite the sopra was very clinical and fast but didn't deliver much in mid warmth or bass. I wonder why my impressions are so different.

[Iostream]

Originally Posted by Kelvinz

How interesting I briefly listened to the sopra against 803d3 and Wilsons today and found the opposite the sopra was very clinical and fast but didn't deliver much in mid warmth or bass. I wonder why my impressions are so different.

Could very well be a matter of the chain driving them. All of my auditions were with a whole lot more power on tap than any of the speakers could have used.

Could also be a matter of listening preferences. I prefer clinical and fast as long as it is accurate. That said, I didn't find the B&W any more bloated than the Focal, both were pretty fast and accurate. The 802d3 actually was the best of the speakers I heard, but by a small enough margin that the price difference was hard to justify. I definitely preferred the Sopra to the 803d3, but again, it was close enough that I wouldn't have paid much more for the Sopra over the 803d3.

I am running into a bit of a problem though, the place I auditioned the Sopra isn't exactly a Focal dealer, they have been in the past, and they were doing the audition as a favor. I am not sure the details of how they came into possession of the Sopra, but they are still trying to figure out how to sell me a pair. When I called back to tell them that this was the speaker I wanted, they said they would have to get back to me, and still haven't.

[scirica]

Originally Posted by Iostream

Could very well be a matter of the chain driving them. All of my auditions were with a whole lot more power on tap than any of the speakers could have used. Could also be a matter of listening preferences. I prefer clinical and fast as long as it is accurate. That said, I didn't find the B&W any more bloated than the Focal, both were pretty fast and accurate. The 802d3 actually was the best of the speakers I heard, but by a small enough margin that the price difference was hard to justify. I definitely preferred the Sopra to the 803d3, but again, it was close enough that I wouldn't have paid much more for the Sopra over the 803d3. I am running into a bit of a problem though, the place I auditioned the Sopra isn't exactly a Focal dealer, they have been in the past, and they were doing the audition as a favor. I am not sure the details of how they came into possession of the Sopra, but they are still trying to figure out how to sell me a pair. When I called back to tell them that this was the speaker I wanted, they said they would have to get back to me, and still haven't.

Where are you located?

[Kelvinz]

Originally Posted by Iostream

Could very well be a matter of the chain driving them. All of my auditions were with a whole lot more power on tap than any of the speakers could have used.

Could also be a matter of listening preferences. I prefer clinical and fast as long as it is accurate. That said, I didn't find the B&W any more bloated than the Focal, both were pretty fast and accurate. The 802d3 actually was the best of the speakers I heard, but by a small enough margin that the price difference was hard to justify. I definitely preferred the Sopra to the 803d3, but again, it was close enough that I wouldn't have paid much more for the Sopra over the 803d3.

I am running into a bit of a problem though, the place I auditioned the Sopra isn't exactly a Focal dealer, they have been in the past, and they were doing the audition as a favor. I am not sure the details of how they came into possession of the Sopra, but they are still trying to figure out how to sell me a pair. When I called back to tell them that this was the speaker I wanted, they said they would have to get back to me, and still haven't.

Sorry I'm confused by your statement. In one sentence you're saying the 803's were the best and the next you say you preferred the Sorpas over 803?

[Iostream]

Dallas. I know there are custom installer Focal dealers around that carry no stock and could probably order them, but this dealer set up the demo, so I figured I would give them the first chance at the sale.

[scirica]

Originally Posted by Iostream

Dallas. I know there are custom installer Focal dealers around that carry no stock and could probably order them, but this dealer set up the demo, so I figured I would give them the first chance at the sale.

That's the right thing to do for sure!