Focal Sopra vs. Diablo Utopia for use with a sub?

audio.bill

audio.bill

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I'm scheduling an audition of the Focal Sopra 2 speakers after hearing so much praise for their sonics. I'm considering new speakers which would be used in conjunction with a Martin Logan BalancedForce 210 subwoofer for true full range performance. I've read about all the new innovations that Focal has put into the Sopra speakers, and am left wondering whether the Diablo Utopia's performance would still be superior to the Sopra line given my planned use with a sub. I would appreciate input from anyone who has heard both and could provide some perspective. I also have to wonder whether an update is likely expected soon for the Diablo Utopia since I believe it has been out for many years in its current iteration and may be able to benefit from some of the Sopra development. I'd like to avoid buying the Diablos only to have a newly updated version released soon after. Thanks in advance for your help in this regard.
 
Well,

I havent listened to both but really enjoy my Sopra no 2's . I don't feel the need for a sub.

Happy listening.
 
I've heard both speakers in totally different systems separated by a long period of time, worthless for comparison purposes.

I can say I was very impressed with the Sopra especially considering the price. Let your ears be the guide Bill.......
 
Bill - IMHO the Sopra No. 2 is a more sophisticated, more balanced speaker than the Diablo, but admittedly, there is something magical about a two way. The wave guide and other technologies in the Focal Sopra No. 2 bring it to a whole new level.

I was invited by Focal to the official launch back in April. I went for dinner with the execs and I told them flat out "you've priced this speaker way too low." It reminds me of a mini Focal Scala V2. Before knowing the MSRP, I was listening and thought to myself "this will be right around $30,000 MSRP I bet."

And everyone forgets the Sopra No. 1. It is also a fantastic bookshelf speaker. Like the No. 2, it's efficient enough for tube amps as well.
 
I had an audition today of the Sopra 2s, and it looks like I was jumping the gun a bit with my post. While I appreciate the value that they offer they do not provide the sonic balance that I'm looking for. The Sopras are very dynamic, revealing, and image very well. However they are a bit too forward and analytical for my taste (and yes this pair had been broken in sufficiently with over 500 hours.) I then had the chance to hear a pair of Sonus faber Guarneri Evolutions and they provide the magical balance I'm looking for. I found them much more enjoyable and involving to listen to, and the longer I listened to them the more music I wanted to hear. So while they are considerably more expensive at $22K for the pair with the matching stands, I may have to figure out how to swing buying a pair. They would also integrate well with my Martin Logan BalancedForce sub giving them true full range bass extension. This hobby/obsession keeps getting more and more expensive, but it provides much enjoyment and pride of ownership with products in this league. Thanks again to everyone that provided input on this thread!
 
As I said above let your ears be the guide. Absolutely nothing wrong with SF..... keep us updated as to how it goes
 
Yes annapolis Raider, your advice was spot on! Once I was able to audition the speakers with familiar music my preference became obvious.
 
Thanks for the lead, Mike. I generally only buy my gear new, and those are far too large for my current living space. I'm sure they sound great though!
 
audio.bill said:
Thanks for the lead, Mike. I generally only buy my gear new, and those are far too large for my current living space. I'm sure they sound great though!
Click to expand...

How big is your room? Bill - if you can come to RMAF, if may be beneficial to hear all the new goodies!
 
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