Focal Sopra n1 - mids are a bit recessed compared to Lumina IIs
I upgraded my speakers from Sonus Faber Lumina II's to Focal Sopra N1. I am using the Luxman 595 class A amp, which I used for the Lumina IIs as well.
I love the bass and imaging of the Sopra N1s. Really good! However, one thing is bothering me. The mids or vocals seemed more recessed on the Sopra N1s when compared to my much cheaper Lumina IIs. Why is this? I miss the liveliness of the Lumina IIs from having those mids more forward.
Also, when I heard the Focal Sopra N1s at the store on a McIntosh 12000, I did not detect the mids being recessed. So it's very confusing also in that respect.
Ah, the dealers/pied pipers/V curve ferals, etc have started to arrive for damage control and stating that the OP’s experience is illegitimate. These dudes will soon claim "It’s not the speaker, it is you!!" On a half moon night for exactly 14 mins before midnight, the lush chocolatey full bodied mids of the Sopras will pop out, right boys? Mmhmm. |
I'm a Sopra No2 owner. The Sopra's are very sensitive to where they are placed in the room. If you get them dialed they will sound wonderful. The Sopra's will work very well when placed closer to the front wall than most speakers. This will give you room gain in the upper mid base and smooth out the presentation. In the Focal owners manual, it describes a very specific ratio of distance between the side and front walls. Start there and tweak as you see fit. As others have said above, the Sopra's don't need much toe in. They will still image like crazy unlike many other designs when not toed in. This will help keep them from sounding tipped up. Good luck and cheers. |
If you don't have 200-300 hours on them I'd patiently wait them out. I heard how everyone called Sopra's bright until they broke in and settled down and it really does take some time. Now they're just slightly forward and very detailed. He patient and try different positioning to see what works for you. This really took me a while with my Sopra 2's and was discouraging. Now I'm super happy. |
@dman777 , Here's the ~sound power for your Focal.... Directivity indices are ok with Focal where you could try some salvage solution to improve perception with digital PEQ (no analog eq), i.e., they are a relatively more EQ friendly speaker. But, you don't want to slap too much lipstick on a pig either. If i were you, i'd sell it to any number of dudes who like these types of things and move on to some speakers out there that better suit your ears...Audition the Wharfedale Elysian 4, JBL HDI 3800, etc...or stick with the Sonus Fabers you had...Audition something higher up on the Sonus Faber chain.
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