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Focal Kanta No.2 speakers - any thoughts? Also in comparison with Sonus Faber Olympica 3s?

Hi,

I am very excited about these new speakers and am looking for some help with a decision I am trying to make. I have an opportunity to buy a used (mint) pair of Sonus Fabre Olympica iii speakers for around $7000 but unfortunately can’t audition them for too long due to travelling schedule and as the seller is moving out soon. The Focal Kantas sounded very good to me (driven by a Devialet 130 pro) at the dealers but the Olympica IIIs  also sounded good albeit possibly a bit more laid back (they were driven by an Audio Research tube preamp and a pass labs power amp). Also, the listening room at the seller's place was not at all ideal/treated so is difficult to do a fair comparison. 

Compared to almost all other speakers I have seen so far the Olympicas are the most beautiful and almost high-end furniture like but the new Kantas don't give the Sonus any advantage in this regard as they are also really lovely looking speakers with many different finishes!  I am planning to run wither of these speakers with a Prima Luna Dialogue HP integrated amp so any feedback in that regard will also be much appreciated. 

If anyone here has heard both these speakers, any suggestions on whether the new Kantas are possibly worth giving up on the Olympicas at $7,000?  The Kanta's are retailing at a bit under $10,000.  If I decide on the Kantas then I will push out the purchase until I can find a better discount at some stage but if with the Sonus then will have to buy right away.

Thanks!
rsure
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
I have the PL HP. If I were ready to plunk down some serious cash, I’d be on the lookout for the Focal Sopra 2 used. I’ve seen them UNDER $10K.

Big Sonus Faber fan here. Aesthetically, not many brands compare. Id go with the Stradivarius Homage if I were capable$

I’ve heard the Focal Sopra 2 plugged into the PL HP. Very nice.
If you can find a pair for $10k or less, i’d consider adding the #2 on your list, before hitting the buy now button.

Good luck on your quest.

rsure OP
29 posts
 
Thank you for your response tablejockey.  In your experience would the PL HPs be a good match with both the Olympicas and the Focal or do they suit one of them more?

tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
rsure-give the distributor a call-Upcale Audio.  Both lines represented there. Kevin can provide more insight on your decision.

markmendenhall
225 posts
 
fwiw, I own the Olympica iii's and powered them with a Pass X150.8 stereo amp with decent results.  I upgraded to the Pass X250.8 and the speakers literally 'came alive'.  I've read much of the negative commentary on this site about the Olympica III's and just don't agree with any of it.  Powered appropriately they, imho, are not veiled, soft, or boring at all, unless 'boring' equals refined, smooth, effortless, and supremely musical.  They sound much more dynamic with sufficient power and never sound muddled, veiled, or reticent.  I suppose if you have a really large room and expect to be knocked back in your seat you might find them too 'polite'.  I play at moderate to loud levels with excellent results; and you are right, they are beautifully crafted, truly a gorgeous speaker to look at as well as listen to.  Just added a Kiseki Purpleheart NS cartridge to my Ace Spacedeck with 10" Ace Anna tonearm and the combo is just outstanding.  Excellent sense of space around the instruments and vocals with breathtaking soundstaging and dynamics.  One of my dealers sells both SF and Focal and he compares them this way:  if you seek precision and impact, with a slightly 'forward' sound, the Focals are probably your best bet.  If you prefer a slightly 'softer' sound (for lack of a better word), and just want to get lost in the music, the SF house sound is for you.    
marqmike
839 posts
 
Recently about 9 months ago I heard the SF Olympica II with a h-30 Hegel amp and felt it nearly the best sound I have ever heard. Definitely not soft, lacking life but quite the opposite. I was enamored by it's natural life like sound. 
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