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
I tried to like the Focal 948’s.  However, I kept thinking where is the bass.  I am not a huge fan of Focal speakers.

How big is your room?

I listened to a pair of Salk Song3 Encore’s at the RMAF and I was really blown away.  They cost about $6,000 a pair and they blew away a pair of $60,000 speakers 3 doors down.  Jim Salk sells direct so he can avoid having to sell his speakers at low prices so the dealer can make all of the money.  As a result he can afford to build high quality cabinets and use better quality speakers. I could kick myself for not buying them.  However, my wife would divorce me if I purchased them now.

Have you incorporated a pair of subwoofers into your system?  If not they made a huge difference in creating a better sound stage.  I am partial to REL and have put two REL S2 SHO’s in the corners.  Their high level connection allows them to act more like woofers providing you dial in the cross over and volume so they blend with the main speakers.  Even my wife noticed the difference.

how big is your room and how are your speakers placed in the room ) short wall vs long wall.  I wonder what the others in this group think about my response as I am only 3 years into this hobby?

Are you able to return your new speakers.  Maybe using you old speakers and adding a pair of REL’s might solve the problem?

What seems to be missing with your new speakers speakers?  Were searching for more crisp sound highs to hear greater detail.  What was missing with your old speakers.  Based on the music you listen to perhaps you searching for more bass?  If so a pair of subs might be the solution.  I have listened to Focal’s and I asked myself where is the bass.  I think they are a perfect speaker for listening to classical music.  They produce excellent mid voicing especially when it comes to listening to the violin section.

I would be curious to hear what some of the experts in this group feel.

I think it might boil down to the music you are listening to and what want to hear,
@Krymer2 I bet I had my Sopra 2's playing for 500 hours before I really felt they settled in. It's little bit by little bit. It, for me, did not miraculously happen at one magical hour. Now I have 2k hours and with my all PS Audio suite and all Synergistic Research cabling the sound is marvelous!!


+1 Krymer2

Yep.  Unless someone has experienced the changes first hand often times can make judgement prematurely, likely to resell or return in a panic. The naysayers of break-in take the hit and move on, while the next owner can sometimes seize the second hand bargain, and with some patience end up with some nice audio gear for a savings.    
Drink when listening to the Sopras and sober with the 1028s. If that doesn’t work call 330-253-8181. That’s the phone number for AA .lol
LOL clearthinker!  I've never heard Moabs and would love to, but that was funny
Are you using the 4 ohm taps on the PL. The Sopras are much harder to drive then the 1028. I had 1038s with PrimaLuna and when I went with the Sopra 3 I ended up selling for a high current solid state amp.