Monitor Audio Platnium II

I've owned MA PL500 II's for almost a year. It's the last speaker I will own. 

After owning the Monitor Audio PL500 II's for a while, I finally spiked them yesterday. What a difference a spike makes! In my room, there is more air and it's easier to place instruments/singers in the sound stage. So, why did it take so long to install the spikes? My wife stripped one of the threads and spikes when I initially received them. It's funny, but I contacted Monitor Audio and they said spiking them would make minimum difference. I'm sure in some rooms/systems it doesn't make a difference, but in my room, spiking them was significant.
After owning so many speakers, I just can believe how much more I enjoy the PL500 II's compared to the others that I've owned.

I should have added that I had do order a new spike and thread. It took a little longer than I expected, but I'm glad Monitor Audio took care of me.

I’ve listened to the Sopra 2s, Utopia line, and I own PL500 IIs. I submit they’re different in the way they present details. The Focals remind me of Wilsons, were the sound comes at you; consequently they appear to be more dynamic. The PL500s have an uncanny ability to bring solo singers and/or instruments to the forefront. The performers appear to step forward. The PL500s create a 3D like soundstage unlike any other speaker that I’ve owned. They can sound dry, forward, lean, and too much bass all at the same time. It depends on the room, recording, and associated equipment. I submit that all component choices come down to individual preference...nothing is actually "better".

Plutos,

I prefer PL500 to the Sopra and Utopias that I listened to. I can’t recall the Utopias that I heard, but they were between 30K - 50K. I prefer speakers that to my ears are neutral or on the slightly dark side of neutral and that’s why I love the PL500s. You may prefer Focal! There are no absolutes in Audio, only preferences. My advice is to listen to everything in your price range and let your ears decide.

My system: PL500 speakers, JL Audio F112 V2, Jeff Rowland(JR) 625 S2 amplifier, JR Corus preamp, JR Aeris DAC, Bryston BDP2, Torus Power Conditioner, Wireworld Platinum Power Cables and Interconnect Cables. I have Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 Speaker Cables.

E,
I never thought of it like you just express it, "They are far too smooth and neutral, and perhaps at first listen a little dark." I've owned my PL 500's for awhile and everytime I think their dark, I play something that has a little bite to it and I'm reminded that in my opinion their neutral. The detail is there,  it just doesn't hit you in the face.