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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 13 responses by j-wall

j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
The Sopra's definitely bring a different attribute and some of it is very nice. Imagining and depth of sound is stellar. Bass has more depth and chestiness. But man, the treble can be almost shouty at times. That's one of my biggest concerns. 

Also, the emotional connections I've read people have with speakers is real. I've done (quite) a few back and fourths between speakers this weekend and Satellite of Love definitely has more emotion through the 1028 than Sopra's. Maybe more time it is....
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@twoleftears @mapman greet advice. I guess patience is a virtue. Change is not welcomed I guess, but I guess with change there come experiences I may be missing by reflecting of what I had versus what I have. Interesting. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@prof Focal Electra 1028. The previous generation of the Kanta 2's. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@macct more time is underway. I've moved the 1028's to a different room to ease the comparison thoughts. I'll give it a few weeks before I revisit. The upper range and bass range aren't even comparable to the 1028's. Maybe more honest. The 1028's were a lot of fun so it's possible just an adjustment to the "truer" representation of sound. Though I've heard some complaints from the MDF cabinets. 

@bpoletti thanks for the advice. The experience was done neurotically sober this weekend. It could have been the style of music as well. My Bloody Valentine - Loveless might have been the culprit....

j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@tastypeter nailed it on the head. It was a slight panic of "wow I just spent all this money and this is what it nets?" Settling in for the next few weeks to get them comfortable and dialed in. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@mmcelyea yeah I'm running them off of the 4 ohm tap. I ran the 1028's at 4 ohms as well. Well it may be amp season next....and I was just about to upgrade my Audioquest cables again...
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@karl_desch have you heard the analog mastering pressing? It's pretty damn hifi if you ask me! 

I upgraded to Audioquest Robin Hood Zero so we'll see how they do when they get here. I've been experimenting with less whiskey and toe in and I think I'm happy with where they are headed. I will say these have less to do with break in and more to do with settling in as they werent brand brand new. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@karl_desch I definitely know what you meant. I for once got to call alternative music high fidelity so I just wanted to capitalize on the situation! I should probably try familiar music from here on out. 

I have Rocket 88 on loan right now and the Robin Hood's on order. There isn't much info on the Robin Hood in the forum, Rocket 88 and William Tell have decent info on them, but the WT were too expensive so I'm taking a leap of faith with the RH. 


j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
I have never actually heard a "typical" hifi demo disc. I've been to a dealer out here that asked really odd/off-putting questions about what I'm looking for. So I've decided to go on my journey on my own without the local dealer. Would rather do this myself without the turtleneck type. 

And good to know about the Rocket. I should have them in a week and I'll definitely be giving my (amateur) thoughts to help the forum. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@tablejockey definitely very true and honest. Very strong upgrade, but not groundbreaking. Can it honestly be groundbreaking from each of those levels though? 

There was definitely some sharpness at first, but the Sopra's did settle down. Detail is definitely a step up. Focus is tamed with some treatment readjusting and placement. But, I think what actually tamed everything was going from kt120's to kt120's. Extension needed to be calmed in my small room and kt120's solved it. Wish I could say it was my idea (thanks Kat!) 

In conclusion, Sopra's are staying. And to all you newbies like me, chill out, calm down, and let things marinade before you up and sell. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
I meant to say KT150's originally and changed to KT120's really tamed down the extension and softened things a bit. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
@viridian yeah I'm definitely staying away from that so I don't buy Boulder or Dartzeel gear 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
346 posts
 
Kat at Upscale gave me the idea and it was definitely a move forward for my 10x14 small room. I'll definitely be trying kt88's. El34's have me very curious as well, but I'm not sure how well the Sopra's will respond to them being lower output. 
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