2. speakers
  3. 187249-184484

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.  

dman777
mfili35
38 posts
 

https://youtu.be/gcf1Hp_oAv4?feature=shared

Watch this before you look at the Wharfedale Elysian

I own the r11 non metas which I love.. the thing I noticed about them the most when I listened to them was the deep engrossing sound stage something I rarely have Heard on any speaker ..live jazz is simply (you are there)sublime.. I almost bought a used pair of Electra 1038 be's, and was always a focal fan.. but lately I have turned towards Sonos Faber, Amanti G5.. if I had the money of course..

erik_squires
15,861 posts
 

I did some research, and based on the measurements here:

 

https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1445:nrc-measurements-focal-sopra-no2-loudspeakers&Itemid=153

Besides the normal advice for Focals (little to no toe-in) you may also want to add some EQ between 5 and 10 kHz to dampen the treble bump.  Alternatively some gentle use of the treble control will work.

dman777 OP
19 posts
 

I read on the Focal website that it takes about 50 hours to break in their speakers to get the correct audible characteristics.  I think I might have total 1-2 hours. So maybe the mids might change? 

inna
7,135 posts
 

I don't see how 50 hours of burn in time can be enough for any speakers. 200-500 hours is where it often is. That's in addition to Luxman amp, as ghdprentice said. I bet, D'Agostino Momentum would be great. Sorry, had to say it. Or VAC.

mfili35
38 posts
 

Definitely need 300 -400 hours on that speaker played at louder volumes and the beryllium Tweeter takes a long time to break in I’m sure it’ll make a difference in the mids

More to discover