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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
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
I mostly use the GoldenEars in a 5.1 movie setup, and I love them, but when I want to do serious listening it’s with the Focals.
@jra_samba

That is a very fair assessment on your part. And of course, you certainly are entitled to listen in whatever manner you choose. I too listen seriously.
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oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,797 posts
 
Stereo 5, I know we are close in proximity ... I was wondering did Audio Concepts have the top of the line Golden Ears on display to demo or did you order them based on your satisfaction of the pair before?   
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,380 posts
 

oddiofyl..................

I bought the References based on my owning the Triton Ones and being totally satisfied with them.  I never went to the store, I ordered them from Pete Freeman and stayed in touch with him until her personally delivered them to me.  Pete told me they will be closing their retail store in North Attleboro at the beginning of 2018 and will be doing strictly internet sales.

jra_samba's avatar
jra_samba
15 posts
 
Sorry if anyone thought I was being disparaging about 'serious listening' and the GoldenEars. All I meant was when I decide to listen to music, I usually chose the room with the Focal Sopra 3's.

I'm not saying anything bad about the GoldenEars with music. The room with the Sopras used to have a pair of Focal Electra Be1027's, and back then I chose to do 'serious' music listening with the GoldenEars.

They are both really good speakers, we're lucky to have such a great choice at these price points !
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