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Focal Sopra 2's vs Titron GoldenEar Reference speakers

Hello there, After a long and drawn out process, I’m finally down to a couple of choices for my New Speakers. The two speakers are the Focal Sopra 2 and the Golden ear Triton Reference Speakers/ I’ll either buy the golden ears new or buy second hand sopra’s 2’s only used for 2 months. The price is the same either way. I have heard both speakers in perfectly attuned rooms that were tweaked out. The last set of speakers I purchased sounded very different in my NON dedicated listening room than they did in the store. After this speaker purchase " which is a big one for me at these prices" I don’t want to even think of buying new loud speakers for years. I’m not one to change his gear often. Though I do change my underwear everyday. That was a very poor attempt at humor. If any of you reading this have heard both of these speakers, I would love to hear your thoughts on them good, bad or indifferent. My non dedicated listening room DIMENSIONS are 8 FEET HIGH,20 FEET LONG and 14 FEET WIDE. I will be using Mcintosh solid state preamp and power amp for the new speakers. After the speaker purchase, future purchases and time spent reading about hi-fi will be dedicated to room improvements. I like to listen to music loud, very rarely do I listen at low volumes. I’m 50 percent split on the music of my youth, Metal and punk. The other 50 percent Diana Krall, Duke Ellington
and more audiophile like music. It seems to me at the 11 Canadian price point it’s hard to find a speaker that does it all well. I have to admit I’m a huge mark for the look of the sopra 2 loudspeaker. Of course the Golden ear reference come with built in woofers which is a plus. I’m not a big bass head though. If any of you fine people could offer me your opinions or some insight to either speaker, It would be greatly appreciated. I;m a bit antsy as this is a big purchases for me and I don’t want to mess it up. A huge thank you for taking the time to read this long winded post. Would love to hear some strong opinions. Enjoy the music.

Mikey

riverboat
jchiappinelli's avatar
jchiappinelli
116 posts
 
You're talking about two very highly regarded speakers here and either should serve you well. A couple of points to consider. Both of these speakers have sensitivities over 90 db. I think the Focals are 91 db and the Triton References are over 93. While you didn't specify the power of your amp, either one should be very easy to drive. However, the Tritons each have an 1800 watt Class D amp to handle the low frequencies which go as low as 12 HZ. That, combined with the higher sensitivity allows you to use a low wattage tube amp should you choose. I wouldn't think such an amp would match as well with the Focals. The Vocals don't go as deep (34 HZ) if that matters. 

Regarding the comments about the upper range. Quality speakers such as these are not just thrown together with quality parts. There is a lot of engineering that goes in to "voicing" the sound. I think most get it right enough to avoid harsh or shrill top ends. Such aspects, when heard, are most likely related to room acoustics which are difficult to get right. 

If loud and deep is what you like, you cannot beat the Triton References or the Triton 1r for the price.

J.Chip
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firstnot's avatar
firstnot
248 posts
 
The Arizona Audio/Video Club held a shootout in February 2019
of the Focal Kanta 2s vs the GE Reference.
Powered by a Hegel 590 Integrated. Room 25 x 35 x 8. 10 Absorbing panels were also employed.
We have about 40 members in attendance. Music was varied from classical to vocal to Blue Grass.

The final tally was about 1/2 for each product. The Focal edged the 
GE by a couple votes.

I sat on the side and changed speaker lines
but felt I preferred the Focal sound. Although the GE's
bass kicked Focals butt. 

From my observations the Sopra which are a notch up from Kantas
should be significantly better. 

I do caution you on your "Prices about the same" statement.
When comparing prices if the Focal is used, so should the GE
In which case the GE would have a significant price advantage.
Kanta 2s seem a closer pairing.




ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,204 posts
 
I have found that with my Sopra ll's removing the metal cover over the tweeter widens the sound stage and smooths out the treble. 

ozzy
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