Harbeth vs. Focal - Apples and Oranges...


I am thinking about replacing my Harbeth m30.2s with Focal Sopra 1s.  I realize they are very different presentations and I think I am looking for more incisiveness that the Focal sound offers, though I do love the Harbeths. 

Particulars are this:
Supplemented by a pair HSU Research ULS15 MK2 subs. I will retain these (unless...see below)
PS Audio BHK 300 monos and BHK preamp
Modwright/Oppo Sonica DAC
Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core
Fidelizer Nimtra Signature Server/Roon Core

Listening room:
12 x 14 for near field (20% of my listening)
Above opens through double doors to an open space living area where I do 80% of my listening.
Here I sit 18 ft from speakers. Far wall is 36 ft from speakers; open area extends to an approx 1000 sq ft area dining/living area.

Questions:
Understanding that Focal and Harbeth house sounds are vastly different and a matter of subjective choice, I have a few questions:
(1) Will Sopra 1 + subs adequately fill the 18 ft listening position?
(2) Would I sacrifice LF by going to Sopra 2 floors-tanders and losing the subs? Would Sopra 2s fill the larger space or...
(3) Sopra 3s for larger space? Sopra 3s to big for the 12 x 14 space? No subs...

Thanks for any and all comments...

(The back story is that I sent off my m30.2s to replace a blown tweeter and pulled my old Focal 706V bookshelves from my closet. Although the sweetness, etc of the Harbeths was not there ($750 vs $6000), the Focals filled the larger space with such ease that I was astounded. Much moreso than the Harbeths. I had last listened to my Focals with my old system - modded Hafler amp and pre and no subs. What I heard from the 706s blew me away, despite some obvious shortcomings compared to the Harbeth.)
128x128cantorgale

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

For stand mounts, the Fritz line offers not just an incredible value, but better sound quality.


The latest Be tweeter based models will give you the incisiveness you are looking for, with much better mid/bass response than Focal. Also, his tweets are much better than the Focals.

Last time I heard a Focal stand mount, they had significant midi-range suck out too. Fritz do not.


Best,
E