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Goldenear Reference Vs. Focal Sopra #2.....pocket the $5k difference and don't look back?

I've listened to both, and each has its pluses and minuses. Unfortunately, I can't listen to them side by side as they are at different dealers.  :-( 
I listen to a lot of classic rock and I'm not sure the Focals are up for the challenge. The Refs sound a bit fuller (to my ears) and I think adapt better to rock music....especially with the built in subs. 
Obviosly the Focal are GORGEOUS and sound incredible...but for $5k ish more?

Im looking to buy one or the other in the next 30 days. Any advise or input would be helpful.

Thx

jnc

Showing 6 responses by stereo5

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 
I own the Triton References and like you, felt they reproduced Rock very well.  Since over 90% of my listening is to Rock, it was a no brainer to me.  I may be wrong but I seriously doubt the Sopras will do Rock the justice it deserves.  If you are in to Classical or Jazz, I would expect the Focals to be better.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 

@contuzzi.........and just where did you get this information regarding Sandy Gross?   I am quite a seasoned audiophile  having been into high end audio since the mid 70's and to my ears, you can't  get a better speaker for 8500.00.  Have you ever actually heard the speakers?

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 
JNC...................funny, I don't find the Triton References to be in your face in the least, not in the very least.  I have heard many Focals and I do not care for them at all.  That Berelium tweeter is like sticking an ice pick in my ears plus I don't care for their asthetics.  The cabinet on the Triton References is gorgeous.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 

First of all, GE designed all their own drivers for the Triton References and they certainly aren't cheap drivers slapped in a box.  Their crossovers use all the best high end parts including Mondurf caps.  The fact that they build them in China in their own factory mind you means nothing.  I believe some of the B & W speakers and Sonus Favor speakers are also made in China yet everyone seems to love them.  If you do not like Golden Ear  speakers, its fine but don't go on with your negativity simply because you don't like Sandy Gross or where they are made.

My wife and I heard over 50 different speakers at the RMAF and we both agreed that our GE Triton References were a much better sounding speaker in our home than what we heard at the show.  I heard the Focals at the show including the new ones with outrageous colors and I still prefer what I have.  I left the show feeling really good that I made such a wise choice.  And, everytimne I listen to my main rig, it puts a big smile on my face and really engages me in the music.  This is coming from a seasoned audiophile with 40+ years in the high end.  I have owned high end speakers made by Vandersteen, DeVore, Von Schweikert, Odyssey and Paradigm and nothing has come close to the Golden Ear series of speakers.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 
I have the References and Triton Ones.  I also had the Triton twos at one time.  You will find the References are about 45% more of the Triton Ones.  More bass, better integrated midrange and better midbass.  Treble is about the same but it will play much louder than the tweeter in the Triton Ones.  Most of the guys in the Golden Ear forum who are running home theater are now using the References for the front and the Triton 1 or 2's for the rear.  I do not do home theater so I can't comment on my experience.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 

oddiofyl..................

I bought the References based on my owning the Triton Ones and being totally satisfied with them.  I never went to the store, I ordered them from Pete Freeman and stayed in touch with him until her personally delivered them to me.  Pete told me they will be closing their retail store in North Attleboro at the beginning of 2018 and will be doing strictly internet sales.

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