No direct experience. The original Secondas were Plateas with a second woofer if I remember correctly.
The prices for Opera speakers may seem a little high, but they are made like fine furniture ... hardwoods, as opposed to mdf, custom designed SEAS speakers,etc.
$1500 seems like a good price for a well cared demo. I paid $1100 for the Plateas on closeout, they listed for $2k or so.
Rich