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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
bpoletti
1,554 posts
 
NEVER TRUST YOUR EARS WHEN YOU'RE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.  Upper midrange and above frequency balance is skewed and perception is not as keen with alcohol coursing through you veins.  

Always best to do audio evaluation completely sober.  Once the system is set up and satisfying, then enjoy the extra musical benefits alcohol can induce.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
Your 1028 speakers blend better with your tube amp than the sopra because prima luna tube amps have a high output impedance that changes the sound of all the speakers connected to them and it just so happens that the 1028 is a better match with your particular setup. Tube amplifiers are very speaker sensitive and you have found a good match but the best matches with tube amplifiers are the pre 1965 vintage 16 ohm speakers made in america.
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
372 posts
 
@macct more time is underway. I've moved the 1028's to a different room to ease the comparison thoughts. I'll give it a few weeks before I revisit. The upper range and bass range aren't even comparable to the 1028's. Maybe more honest. The 1028's were a lot of fun so it's possible just an adjustment to the "truer" representation of sound. Though I've heard some complaints from the MDF cabinets. 

@bpoletti thanks for the advice. The experience was done neurotically sober this weekend. It could have been the style of music as well. My Bloody Valentine - Loveless might have been the culprit....

pedroeb
493 posts
 
Any impulse purchase is a bad thing. Take your time and do your research. If necessary, put it in the cart and wait a day or two. By then you should have a good feeling whether the proceed or not.

In the end the only way to really know if something lives up to expectations is to preview it in your own environment with your own equipment. Without a trial period it can be an expensive process if it doesn't live up to expectations.

Read the reviews, try to ignore the influencing PR and look for any negatives. Check for consistencies between other reviewers.

Apart from that, caveat emptor.

tastypeter's avatar
tastypeter
18 posts
 
I used to have the 1028 Be as well and loved them. I upgraded over a year ago to the Sopra 2’a. I also have a PrimaLuna, so we have almost the same experience. I am absolutely in love with the Sopra’s. Unfortunately there is a Break in period, that takes time. There are ways to accelerate the process. You can read up on it. I think your in shock you spent a bunch of money, and are questioning yourself. I am confident in time you’ll look back and chuckle how superior the Sopras are to the Electras. As others mentioned, try moving around your placement. Time will change a lot. Good luck, and give in and enjoy. In 6 months if you feel the same, they are highly desirable. The still can be sold. Give them a chance. 
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