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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
clearthink
1,421 posts
 
kosst_amojan " Mr. Focal schill chiming in... "

Translation is kosst doesn’t understand the advise, can’t explain the advise, or never heard the product under discussion therefore the opinion freely offered to which he responds must be from a shill, an idiot, a liar, or a purveyor of snake oil. He is so predictable by the way kosst I am not afraid of you so you're threats and attacks will have no effect on me.
avanti1960
1,500 posts
 
don't get the GE or Focal love.  listen to some different speakers before you make a decision.  

emcdade
95 posts
 
Hmmmm,

All in-house designed and hand built in France vs. subwoofers and drivers slapped in a box and made in China.  For that kind of money, only you can decide.  

You could also buy some Sopra demos for $10k or so to bridge the price gap.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
All in-house designed and hand built in France vs. subwoofers and drivers slapped in a box and made in China.

You realize of course your statement means the premise is that something touched by a humans hand is necessarily preferable or otherwise comes out right. 

Comes a time when the blind man takes your hand, says don't you see?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,455 posts
 

First of all, GE designed all their own drivers for the Triton References and they certainly aren't cheap drivers slapped in a box.  Their crossovers use all the best high end parts including Mondurf caps.  The fact that they build them in China in their own factory mind you means nothing.  I believe some of the B & W speakers and Sonus Favor speakers are also made in China yet everyone seems to love them.  If you do not like Golden Ear  speakers, its fine but don't go on with your negativity simply because you don't like Sandy Gross or where they are made.

My wife and I heard over 50 different speakers at the RMAF and we both agreed that our GE Triton References were a much better sounding speaker in our home than what we heard at the show.  I heard the Focals at the show including the new ones with outrageous colors and I still prefer what I have.  I left the show feeling really good that I made such a wise choice.  And, everytimne I listen to my main rig, it puts a big smile on my face and really engages me in the music.  This is coming from a seasoned audiophile with 40+ years in the high end.  I have owned high end speakers made by Vandersteen, DeVore, Von Schweikert, Odyssey and Paradigm and nothing has come close to the Golden Ear series of speakers.

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