My choice would be the old Olympica IIs. I find the older model to be closer to the old Franco Serblin sound having very relaxed presentation but still very detailed open with impressive clarity. New Olympica series are brighter and more analytical imo
Kanta No.1 vs Olympica Nova 1?
I've been considering a pair to complement my Revel speakers.
Since the Revel's are neutral originally I was going Kanta as Focal has a brighter sound and seemed like a good complement.
The issue then became after I heard Sonus Faber's Lumina V's. While they don't have the detail or imaging of say Revel F226Be, they have a certain smoothness that the Revel's lack. The Olympica Nova 1 would likely have more detail and better imaging (nobody near my can demo these for me).
As a result I'm torn here.
On one hand there is a price difference, Kanta No.1 is around $6000 for a pair of them refurbished, while Olympica Nova 1 is around $7500 new, and $6900 open box.
The last thing to mention is I can obtain a pair of older Olympica III for $7500 or Olympica II for $6000.
In terms of appearance Focal and Sonus Faber are far better looking than Revel's 1990s budget speaker look IMO.
At this point my main concern is detail and a good complement to the Revel F226Be and M105.
Focal Kanta No.2 are $8400 for a pair refurbished.
Thank you!