I had a few drinks and bought some speakers, I've now sobered up


Ok, so I purchased some Sopra 2's two weeks back and was throughly excited to own them. They came in a few days ago and look just beautiful. The problem is, I don't feel like sonically they are that much "better" than my 1028's. Visually I'd take the Sopra's any day. Sonically they sound good but:

 Sopra 2's sound (too) laid back compared to the 1028. I'm honestly perfering the 1028's as they have snap and feel a little more in your face. The higher mid bass frequencies feel better blended with the upper frequencies. 

The upper frequencies did feel harsh at first but settle down and some placement helped satisfy that. But it still it doesn't feel blended. The top frequencies are more clear and the mid bass is more pronounced and clear, but not as blended. 

I'm listening to punk, classic rock and experiential music and feel the 1028 is the better performer. I feel wrong for saying it, but it's true. Any help or advice or are these to be put up for sale as I'm expecting?

(Gear: PL Dialogue Premium pre/power, Clearaudio Concept Wood, Hana EH, Musical Surroundings Nova III, nice cables. 13x9 small bedroom with first reflection treatment)
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Showing 2 responses by decooney

Give it 200hrs of solid play time at least.  Members over at the PS Audio forum commented a nice change with the Sopra 2s after several months (up to 6 months) before they truly relaxed and settled in.  This is not an uncommon situation with some of the better quality drivers and stiffer surrounds on the mid-woofers and tweeters too.  My sister's Focal speakers were bright and mid-bass peaked at first and settled in nicely after 4-6 months of casual play time. You can speed this up of course playing them a bit louder and longer when possible.  
@Krymer2 I bet I had my Sopra 2's playing for 500 hours before I really felt they settled in. It's little bit by little bit. It, for me, did not miraculously happen at one magical hour. Now I have 2k hours and with my all PS Audio suite and all Synergistic Research cabling the sound is marvelous!!


+1 Krymer2

Yep.  Unless someone has experienced the changes first hand often times can make judgement prematurely, likely to resell or return in a panic. The naysayers of break-in take the hit and move on, while the next owner can sometimes seize the second hand bargain, and with some patience end up with some nice audio gear for a savings.