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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)
128x128j-wall
prof
3,473 posts
 

Ah, got it, thanks.
decooney
1,973 posts
 
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.  
macct
55 posts
 
Sorry to hear of your doubts.  As other stated, I would give it more time to see if your opinion changes.  I have fairly new Sopra 2's (450 plus hours).  I was concerned they may sound bright in my space, but they are absolutely not.  I really like their top end versus Focal's older models.  With the exception of 'shouty" I agree with your other descriptions.  Hopefully you are not in a rush to decide.  
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
NEVER TRUST YOUR EARS WHEN YOU'RE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.  Upper midrange and above frequency balance is skewed and perception is not as keen with alcohol coursing through you veins.  

Always best to do audio evaluation completely sober.  Once the system is set up and satisfying, then enjoy the extra musical benefits alcohol can induce.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
Your 1028 speakers blend better with your tube amp than the sopra because prima luna tube amps have a high output impedance that changes the sound of all the speakers connected to them and it just so happens that the 1028 is a better match with your particular setup. Tube amplifiers are very speaker sensitive and you have found a good match but the best matches with tube amplifiers are the pre 1965 vintage 16 ohm speakers made in america.
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