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

I agree with the previous poster, at 8500$ there are certainly as good or  at least slightly better speakers that the GE Reference.  OTOH, the Reference model is considerably better than any of the Tritons.  I found the Tritons more beamy than many electrostatics.  I do like the Focals more; but if you like rock, why not look at a comparable (or used!) Vandersteen?  I forget the model in that range. there are the CTs orTrios that might be had used in your range, or new less than 5K over the list of the GE Ref.  They do a great job of bass response w/o the Ref's slight overemphasis. 

So the better question is...get the Sopras, or wait for a nice set of Magicos, Raidhos or YGs to hit the used market.

Used Magicos FTW

The GE references are overrated by paid magazines and overpriced. I owned the ones and loved them for what they cost me new ($4500) 
I heard the reference extensively and did not find them much better to warrant nearly double the price. At that price point, you can do much better. They still use cheap Chinese parts (look and touch the plastic base) and make such a big deal about the “massive steel support 3/32 inch thick” 
that part is at home deport for a few bucks !! look at that size on a ruler, not a big deal.
Don’t get me wrong, they sound phenomenal, (like the ones) just not worth $8500.
buy a pair of used ones for $3500.
or if you like imaging, my Spatial M3 triodes beat both in every single category except the lowest bass, IMHO.
Happy listening !!!