Luxman and Focal is a pretty nice combo....I'd try that before pulling the trigger on the MA12000. Not saying you won't enjoy it more, simply that I would do speakers then amp. Good luck.
Focal Sopra 1 Bookshelves (with subs) or Focal Kanta 2s towers instead?
I am having trouble deciding between Sopra 1 speakers and the Kanta 2 towers by Focal. I heard them both in the store using a MacIntosh 12000. I currently have a Yamaha AS-3200 amp but I will eventually be buying the MacIntosh 12000 also. All new equipment and not used.
The room these will live in is about 300 square feet... like a 13 x 26 foot shoe box design. The room is untreated and I do not plan on treating the room or using room correction software. I have no interest in that.
I love the imaging and separation of the Sopra 1s. But I also love the warmth and low mids that the Kanta 2 speakers give. If I was to get the Sopra 1s, I would get 2 REL 510 subs with it.
Any opinions, please on if I should get the Sopra 1s or Kanta 2s?
Side note: I am not considering anything else... I like Focal/McIntosh set up I heard at the store and sticking with it.
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Sopra 1s with dual REL subs will smoke a pair of Kantas. Focal's are bright, and the McIntosh would be a nice combo. Luxman is pretty neutral or a tad south of neutral. The presentation from both integrateds would be quite different. Class A will not give the bass response that the McIntosh would. Been there and done that!
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@jeffreyw Thanks! But what about those low mids that Kantas 2 have? Won't the Sopra 1s be missing them? |
Speaker to speaker without subs, the Kantas might be more pleasing because of the bass response. However, the Sopra's will be more accurate. When you add dual subs, then the magic begins with the Sopras (assuming everything is dialed in). Since your likes are 90s pop, I would think that the subs would add some "pop" to the presentation. I'm not sure if you have auditioned a system with subs integrated properly, but it can be a jaw-dropping experience when the subs are turned off/on. It also comes down to budget; the Kantas may be a better bargain because of the frequency response; however, in time, the upgrade bug might kick in for a little more accuracy (for jazz and classical), which the Sopras would provide from the start. Interestingly enough, I have a pair of KEF Reference 1 Metas powered by a pair of McIntosh MC611s. The bass response I get out of these little guys could fool someone that I have a sub. My prior amp was a Luxman 590AXII. The KEFs ate up that integrated because of their difficulty to drive. I had absolutely no bass whatsoever, and this was confirmed as a horrible match by a dealer of both. The McIntosh integrated with the Sopras will surprise you. That would be a good place to start, then add the subs! |
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