OP I'm with you, I also hear that recessed mids plus I'm not a fan of the slight brightness Focals have, at least that is what I always hear every time I've heard them. Yes you most likely got a "good deal" but if you don't like the sound well then it's not the deal you really thought!
Focal Sopra n1 - mids are a bit recessed compared to Lumina IIs
I upgraded my speakers from Sonus Faber Lumina II's to Focal Sopra N1. I am using the Luxman 595 class A amp, which I used for the Lumina IIs as well.
I love the bass and imaging of the Sopra N1s. Really good! However, one thing is bothering me. The mids or vocals seemed more recessed on the Sopra N1s when compared to my much cheaper Lumina IIs. Why is this? I miss the liveliness of the Lumina IIs from having those mids more forward.
Also, when I heard the Focal Sopra N1s at the store on a McIntosh 12000, I did not detect the mids being recessed. So it's very confusing also in that respect.
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@rsf507 @deep_333 when I heard the the Sopra 1s (and Kanta 2s) at the hifi store on a MacIntosh 12000, I did not detect recessed mids at all. In fact, I feel in love with the sound! The MacIntosh 12000 has a EQ, is that why? I can’t remember but I think I also heard it with the EQ off and did not detect a recessed mid sound. Also, as a side note... on my home system I don’t think the highs are very strong on the Sopra 1s. I think the Lumina IIs had more strong/boosted highs. But yet the mids where not recessed on the Lumina IIs so doesn’t make sense. |
I've listened to prior generations of the same speaker and found a similar issue. Interestingly enough, the problems goes away with the larger versions. For instance, the Focal Profile 2-way vs. the 2.5 way (2 vs. 3 drivers). I think it's a deliberate balance, the 2-ways seem to be better suited for low-mid volume listening. |
I have had a few listing sessions with the Sopra's and kanta 2-3's over the last few weeks, in a well treated room. I agree the Sopra's midrange is recessed and the top end is tipped up. the Kanta's are not nearly as bad and are a bit wormer presentation IMO. Amps were the new Naim mono blocks and the new Chord Integrated (very nice amp but lacking in options).
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