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
I listened to Goldenear Reference speakers at my local dealer a couple of months ago. Not to hear the speakers but to hear a Chord Blu MkII. I just don't like the way they sound. Of course just my opinion:)
I listened to Goldenear Reference speakers at my local dealer a couple of months ago. Not to hear the speakers but to hear a Chord Blu MkII. I just don't like the way they sound. Of course just my opinion:)

@ricred1 

That is a very fair assessment on your part. And of course, you certainly are entitled to your opinion.  As I too am entitled to mine.
I'm fortunate to have an office above my BBQ joint where I can fit whatever I want- Even my wife has Zero say in what I have. I've heard the Focals but not the GE's- The Focals are very nice but I tend to agree that they are not where its at for rock. Personally, I have different stuff for different material. I listen to everything from Yo Yo Ma to the blues to Black Sabbath and Pantera. If you have the space, I would score the GE's and put the $$$ saved into smaller/stand mounted for the mellower stuff. I have a bunch of JBL for when it's time to wail- L'7s , L100T3s and 4312's. If I blow them up, well, they didn't cost 10k so it wouldn't ruin me. On the other hand I have B&W CDM'9s that were my regular everyday speakers but I just scored a pair of little Sonus Faber Auditors on stands that are just out of this world. I got them for a grand. I think pursuing something like that would give you the best of both worlds and save you some loot at the same time. Just a thought.
I would like to throw this in there too- over the summer I got a pair of Revel Gems and M20s for quite a bargain- I'd never heard anything from Revel prior but did a bunch of reading before plunking down the cash. You will find that many reviews have stated that they will take the punishment of high volume rock and still sound great for more detailed stuff. The ones I have are little but I would agree that. I had a bout 3 months solid with them running daily at work. I've never heard bigger Revels but if I had a reasonably large budget (Focals) I would definitely consider them for the mix
Well, Happy Holidays guys, and hope we all spend some quality time listening to our speakers over the next few days!

Now, my situation is different than most of your as I am a Home Theater nut, and listen to, and watch movies, 90% of the time I go to my room, as compared to most of you, who listen to music only.

I am looking for your opinion on how the GE Ref would sound in my HT room!

My room is 14.5' x 22'

have a 128" screen in front,

have a pair of GE Triton Ones, with the GE XXL CC,

and 2 GE rear in-wall,  2 GE in-wall sides, and 2nd CC in my ceiling, with 4 GE Atmos speakers in my ceiling.

My question to you, will I hear any difference if I upgrade my R & L front channels to the Reference from my Ones?

Thanx in advance for your suggestions,

Steve