Better than Usher Dancer Mini-X DMD?


I've been using these for a couple of years now and have been very pleased. Recently added an ATC P1 Pro amplifier and a 12-in Jamo Sub 650 to the mix and things got even better. I'm trying to decide if this is my end game as they say. While very good in my opinion, obviously these are not the best stand-mounted speakers in the world so there's always room for improvement. My listening room is 9 ft by 12 ft so I guess that qualifies as near field. I might already be at the point we're spending large amounts of money would only yield small improvements in sound quality, considering my room size. The speakers cost around $3,000 new and just wondering what you guys would suggest in the $5,000 to $10,000 new range, although I would likely buy used to save some money. Thinking maybe Joseph Audio, Dali, Dynaudio, Revel or TAD. All opinions welcome, you guys haven't failed me yet!
milkdudd

Showing 1 response by jo1mtb

I love Focal Utopia.  I’ve had Sopra 3, Sopra 2, and most recently Sopra 1.  I have Diablo EVO now.  
I recommend listening to Sopra.  To me there is an unnatural excitement to the upper-mid/lower treble, that, although not fatiguing, is distracting in a look-at-me kind of way.  Ultra-clean, clear, but contrived, pushed.  It seems to be part of that speaker at least to me when used with Audio Research Ref/Transparent Ultra and Primaluna Evo400 separates/ with Nordost cabling. 
  I will admit, I did not let any of them break in for 300-600 hours.  More like 100 hours.  They all
imrpbed drastically in the few days.  But the Diablos (EVO) do not have the same “look at me” upper mid/low treble challenges of the Sopra - right out of the box.  Sopra sounds great with electric music, and electric instruments (guitar), but I couldn’t get past the crossover mid-tweeter.  Seems to be a house sound of the Sopra line.  To me it lacks refinement. 
On the other end of the spectrum, and in your budget, You might want to look at used Sonus Faber Cremona M Auditor.  Great for the money and I would take them over the Sopra 1.