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Focal Sopra n1 - mids are a bit recessed compared to Lumina IIs

I upgraded my speakers from Sonus Faber Lumina II's to Focal Sopra N1. I am using the Luxman 595 class A amp, which I used for the Lumina IIs as well. 

I love the bass and imaging of the Sopra N1s. Really good! However, one thing is bothering me. The mids or vocals seemed more recessed on the Sopra N1s when compared to my much cheaper Lumina IIs. Why is this? I miss the liveliness of the Lumina IIs from having those mids more forward. 

Also, when I heard the Focal Sopra N1s at the store on a McIntosh 12000, I did not detect the mids being recessed. So it's very confusing also in that respect.  

dman777
mofojo
2,289 posts
 

What amp did you hear them with at the store? 

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,974 posts
 

He said a McIntosh 12000.

deep_333
1,355 posts
 

The 2kish/presence band dip and boosted top end of the Focal will give you the perception of recessed mids. You will find it very hard to compensate with purist amps. If your amp has tone controls, turn down the treble knob to try and get the mids back. Or get a dac like the RME with built in PEQ and adjust to taste (Purism hurts/leads to constant disgruntlement).

Good luck.

mofojo
2,289 posts
 

Curious where you see those measurements you are referring to? 

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