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I had a few drinks and bought some speakers, I've now sobered up

Ok, so I purchased some Sopra 2's two weeks back and was throughly excited to own them. They came in a few days ago and look just beautiful. The problem is, I don't feel like sonically they are that much "better" than my 1028's. Visually I'd take the Sopra's any day. Sonically they sound good but:

 Sopra 2's sound (too) laid back compared to the 1028. I'm honestly perfering the 1028's as they have snap and feel a little more in your face. The higher mid bass frequencies feel better blended with the upper frequencies. 

The upper frequencies did feel harsh at first but settle down and some placement helped satisfy that. But it still it doesn't feel blended. The top frequencies are more clear and the mid bass is more pronounced and clear, but not as blended. 

I'm listening to punk, classic rock and experiential music and feel the 1028 is the better performer. I feel wrong for saying it, but it's true. Any help or advice or are these to be put up for sale as I'm expecting?

(Gear: PL Dialogue Premium pre/power, Clearaudio Concept Wood, Hana EH, Musical Surroundings Nova III, nice cables. 13x9 small bedroom with first reflection treatment)
128x128j-wall
divertiti
225 posts
 
That's normal, give it time.  There are multiple reasons why:
1. When we upgrade a major component, especially speakers, it's a shock to our system. We are used to a kind of sound we know and love for so long, that a big change will sound off, strange, and wrong to our ears. It takes time to learn what the new component is doing, sometimes initial impression of laid back and dullness is actually improved refinement and lack of certain distortion or coloration. Similarly sometimes the first impression of excitement and brilliance becomes fatiguing and annoying after awhile.
2. Speakers take awhile to break-in, you might want to get to at least 150-200hrs before forming an opinion.
3. After speaker change, often times you need to re-evaluate your speaker placement as well as cables. Both of those need to fit your new speaker to get the best from it. Different speaker require different placement in the room and distance to listener to really couple well with the space.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Buyer's remorse is a terrible feeling. I think many of us here have suffered with it at one time or another.

I suffered from buyer's remorse all my life until I was around 25 or 30, somewhere in there. Took me that long I guess to become aware enough of what was going on and figure out what to do about it. From then on, as long as I do those things, no problem.
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
954 posts
 
I’d give them some break in time before making any decisions. The woofer suspensions need to loosen up, and good poly caps can take some burn in time.

You might also find that the new speakers are "different", but bring other attributes that you learn to appreciate.
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
372 posts
 
The Sopra's definitely bring a different attribute and some of it is very nice. Imagining and depth of sound is stellar. Bass has more depth and chestiness. But man, the treble can be almost shouty at times. That's one of my biggest concerns. 

Also, the emotional connections I've read people have with speakers is real. I've done (quite) a few back and fourths between speakers this weekend and Satellite of Love definitely has more emotion through the 1028 than Sopra's. Maybe more time it is....
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Stop switching back and forth for a while.  Leave the Sopras in the system.  Let your ears acclimatize to them.  They may well have qualities that only show themselves on more extended listening and which you're currently missing.  Eventually, you can do another A/B if you like, but get fully used to the Sopras first.
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