Goldenear Reference Vs. Focal Sopra #2.....pocket the $5k difference and don't look back?

The GE references are overrated by paid magazines and overpriced. I owned the ones and loved them for what they cost me new ($4500) 
I heard the reference extensively and did not find them much better to warrant nearly double the price. At that price point, you can do much better. They still use cheap Chinese parts (look and touch the plastic base) and make such a big deal about the “massive steel support 3/32 inch thick” 
that part is at home deport for a few bucks !! look at that size on a ruler, not a big deal.
Don’t get me wrong, they sound phenomenal, (like the ones) just not worth $8500.
buy a pair of used ones for $3500.
or if you like imaging, my Spatial M3 triodes beat both in every single category except the lowest bass, IMHO.
Happy listening !!!

Focals are very revealing and demanding speakers. They can shine gloriously with good recordings and right upstream components but also they will ruthlessly bring out all the nasties of mediocre (rock) recordings and/or shortcomings in upstream gear.

Sopra is far from full range so a good sub like JL F113/113 is necessary.

Not only do I listen to live Dead, I've seen them live too. They play big Meyer Sound rigs that don't go below 30Hz so I don't know what you're talking about.

@kosst_amojan

I have to think you took your bathroom break during the drums and space portion of the show (usually middle of second set). Even then you should have heard and felt it.

https://www.mickeyhart.net/news/all-about-the-beam-baby-5211

The GE references are overrated by paid magazines and overpriced. I owned the ones and loved them for what they cost me new ($4500)  I heard the reference extensively and did not find them much better to warrant nearly double the price. At that price point, you can do much better. They still use cheap Chinese parts (look and touch the plastic base) and make such a big deal about the “massive steel support 3/32 inch thick” that part is at home deport for a few bucks !! look at that size on a ruler, not a big deal.
Don’t get me wrong, they sound phenomenal, (like the ones) just not worth $8500. buy a pair of used ones for $3500. or if you like imaging, my Spatial M3 triodes beat both in every single category except the lowest bass, IMHO.
Happy listening !!!

@winefix

I've already discredited the abundance of misinformation you disseminate here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/goldenear-triton-reference-vs-one-review/post?highlight=3%2F3...