Focal Sopra 1 Bookshelves (with subs) or Focal Kanta 2s towers instead?

@dman777 

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!

@jeffreyw  Thanks! But what about those low mids that Kantas 2 have? Won't the Sopra 1s be missing them? 

@dman777 

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!

Another vote for Sopra 1s.

The Kantas are very good speakers, but the Sopra offers soundstage and imaging that the Kanta line simply will not offer. The Sopra tweeter is very good, and the Sopra woofer is very well matched to it. The only thing missing is a teensy bit of midrange clarity and the very low bass response that subwoofers will provide.

Something else to consider: The Sopra 1 will sound better at moderate volume levels.

OP, good on you for sharing a pic of your setup.  Having said that, if your listening position is outside of the two channel speaker pair, the equipment will never offer you it's real capability.  Maybe look for a surround solution that will fill the seating area with pleasing coverage.