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Speaker upgrade question - Wilson vs Focal

Hey audiogoners!

Thinking of upgrading and need the community/expert input.

Thinking of upgrading from a set of usher mini ones that I've had and loved for a few years.

I listened to a bunch of speakers, Focus Audio, Martin Logan, B&w, higher end ushers, Wilson audio, and Focal.

The ones I liked the most were the Wilson Audio Sasha DAW and the Focal Sopra 3. 

Loved the forward and detailed instrumentation on the Wilson's, especially the Sasha DAW, but liked the vocals slightly better on the sopras, though instrumentation on them was not as crisp as on Wilson's. But the two are very close.

Music is mostly jazz, classical, light rock, electronic and occasionally symphonic metal / European metal (night wish, sonata Arctica, dream theater). Mostly jazz though, vocal and instrumental. 

Trying to decide between getting the Wilson audio yvette, ( Sasha is too expensive and Sabrina's don't deliver enough) and Focal Sopra 3. Though I can wait a few years and get the Sasha then second hand.

I won't be considering other brands since I already did that research run around. These two brands work best for me and synergize well with my inwall home theater speakers (origin d87s).

I will be powering them using a McIntosh mc452 /C2600 for 2 channel, mostly LPs (McIntosh mt10) and tidal streaming and a anthem 1120 for home theater. 

What you guys think? Go for the Yvettes, wait for the Sasha's or go for the focals? 

Thanks.


128x128mepstein10
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
I’ve owned several Wilson speakers and Focal.  Focal are a tad dry and slightly colored.  Very subtle but that’s what I hear.  Wilson’s will give you a terrifically dynamic and clear presentation .  I would love to have my W/P 6’s back...they were and still are my favorite.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,585 posts
 
Mepstein, neither the WIlsons or the Focals' will 100% synergize with your Origins.

We have been doing surround sound for over 30 years, if matching your origins is a priority, then the Wilsons will be a much closer sonic match, as their tweeter is also a soft dome, so at least they are in the same family.

Did you hear both of these speakers on Mcintosh gear?

The Mcintosh gear tends to be rolled off in the treble vs other brands of electronics which are more neutral, Mcintosh products mirror a more tube like presentation,  which would favor the pairing with the Focals whose Beryilium tweeter does show more detail than the Wilsons, but then you are less close to matching the Origins.

If you are doing surround sound the most important loudspeaker is the center channel, the rest of the loudspeakers for back or surrounds the Origins will still work no matter which main speakers are chosen. 

WIlsons tend to image better with a more holographic presentation than the Focals which throw a wide but less specific soundstage.

Personally we would recommend that you keep looking and not limit yourself to just these two companies.

We heard some speakers at Axpona that combine many of the traits of both of these speakes in a somewhat similar price point. 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ


tooblue
1,882 posts
 
What are you listening to now and can you live with them for the two years if you wait on a good deal on your first choice? If the answer is yes, patience is a vertue.
cd318
2,636 posts
 
I think you know the answer already - you want the Wilson's. 

We audiophiles are used to waiting, and if you can wait I'm sure a decent pair of used Sasha's will turn up. 

Wilson audio make some odd looking speakers but the Sasha's or the Yvette's are not them.
mribob
229 posts
 
Can''t help you with Focal, but I am auditioning Wilson now at home, with the Sabrina's, which surprised me for their imaging, clarity and presence, especially from such a small footprint. My room is likely too big for the Sabrina's, and I too will evaluate the Yvette's vs DAW's...knock on the Yvette's is they are a harder load to drive, lower sensitivity, and dip down into 2 ohms. I think they share the same tweeter and 7" midrange, albeit in different cabinets. One 10" woofer, vs two 8", but a big price point.
Have not heard folks comments on the improvement of the Sasha DAW vs Sasha 2's, because a used Shasha 2 is around the Yvette's price point. Would a Shasha 2 used meet your needs vs waiting for the $$$ DAW? I have not yet heard the Yvette, but will likely audition soon.
Good luck.
Bob
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