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Focal Kanta No.2 speakers - any thoughts? Also in comparison with Sonus Faber Olympica 3s?

Hi,

I am very excited about these new speakers and am looking for some help with a decision I am trying to make. I have an opportunity to buy a used (mint) pair of Sonus Fabre Olympica iii speakers for around $7000 but unfortunately can’t audition them for too long due to travelling schedule and as the seller is moving out soon. The Focal Kantas sounded very good to me (driven by a Devialet 130 pro) at the dealers but the Olympica IIIs  also sounded good albeit possibly a bit more laid back (they were driven by an Audio Research tube preamp and a pass labs power amp). Also, the listening room at the seller's place was not at all ideal/treated so is difficult to do a fair comparison. 

Compared to almost all other speakers I have seen so far the Olympicas are the most beautiful and almost high-end furniture like but the new Kantas don't give the Sonus any advantage in this regard as they are also really lovely looking speakers with many different finishes!  I am planning to run wither of these speakers with a Prima Luna Dialogue HP integrated amp so any feedback in that regard will also be much appreciated. 

If anyone here has heard both these speakers, any suggestions on whether the new Kantas are possibly worth giving up on the Olympicas at $7,000?  The Kanta's are retailing at a bit under $10,000.  If I decide on the Kantas then I will push out the purchase until I can find a better discount at some stage but if with the Sonus then will have to buy right away.

Thanks!
rsure

Showing 4 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
I have the PL HP. If I were ready to plunk down some serious cash, I’d be on the lookout for the Focal Sopra 2 used. I’ve seen them UNDER $10K.

Big Sonus Faber fan here. Aesthetically, not many brands compare. Id go with the Stradivarius Homage if I were capable$

I’ve heard the Focal Sopra 2 plugged into the PL HP. Very nice.
If you can find a pair for $10k or less, i’d consider adding the #2 on your list, before hitting the buy now button.

Good luck on your quest.

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
rsure-give the distributor a call-Upcale Audio.  Both lines represented there. Kevin can provide more insight on your decision.

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
rsure-
This looks like a deal worth checking out.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-focal-sopra-n2-2017-11-20-speaker

Based on value- maybe a better deal than the SF's you're considering. Technically, a step  above the Kanta, subjectively as nice looking as Olympica.

Having heard both thru the PL HP, I thought either one would keep me happy. Since they were separate occasions, I can't recall hearing one more convincing than the other. Markmendenhall 's closing statement regarding sonics between the two, I think is spot on.

Regardless, those speakers deserve to be placed well into the room, away from the walls and gear rack. The sellers setup looks compromised. I would have those in a room 3ft from the side and 4-5 from back to start. 

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
rsure-any room short of a "listening room" is always a compromise,especially in a living space.
We have significant others we answer to,and other "real" factors.

I use the Cardas placement, with great results.
http://www.cardas.com/room_setup_calculators.php
Not for everyone, since speakers take a good deal of room space.
Certainly not wife approved!

I would get the straight talk from Upscale regarding just how competent the HP is, driving the Olmpica's. 

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