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

I've listened to both, and each has its pluses and minuses. Unfortunately, I can't listen to them side by side as they are at different dealers.  :-( 
I listen to a lot of classic rock and I'm not sure the Focals are up for the challenge. The Refs sound a bit fuller (to my ears) and I think adapt better to rock music....especially with the built in subs. 
Obviosly the Focal are GORGEOUS and sound incredible...but for $5k ish more?

Im looking to buy one or the other in the next 30 days. Any advise or input would be helpful.

Thx

jnc
contuzzi
413 posts
 
gdhal: that means nothing.  Sandy Gross is the ultimate wine & dine and marketing master when it comes to reviewers.  They’re not bad speakers, but if you’re ever going to be skeptical, be skeptical about anything he touches, review wise.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,414 posts
 

@contuzzi.........and just where did you get this information regarding Sandy Gross?   I am quite a seasoned audiophile  having been into high end audio since the mid 70's and to my ears, you can't  get a better speaker for 8500.00.  Have you ever actually heard the speakers?

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,414 posts
 
JNC...................funny, I don't find the Triton References to be in your face in the least, not in the very least.  I have heard many Focals and I do not care for them at all.  That Berelium tweeter is like sticking an ice pick in my ears plus I don't care for their asthetics.  The cabinet on the Triton References is gorgeous.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
gdhal: that means nothing. Sandy Gross is the ultimate wine & dine and marketing master when it comes to reviewers. They’re not bad speakers, but if you’re ever going to be skeptical, be skeptical about anything he touches, review wise.

@contuzzi, I get the gist of what you're saying, and to an extent I agree with you. However, the marketing wine and dine routine could be said about many audio manufacturers who wind up getting "awards", and the Golden Ears have many. That said, Sandy does know a thing or two about about measurements and reviews, and in fact pointed out an error to John Atkinson regarding his (John's) Stereophile review measurement technique, which I understand John subsequently went back and remeasured using a different technique which showed that Sandy was/is correct. John is supposed to include a comment on this when he posts the review online.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
you can't get a better speaker for 8500.00

Yes you can. : )
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