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.  

dman777

@deep_333 is it possible to bring up the freq graph of the Sonus Faber Lumina IIs to compare? 

@j-wall That sounds good, thanks. I kind of wish the Sopra's were brighter though. 

@ghdprentice You hit the bullseye about the Luxman. I am on the fence about selling it because I can not afford to keep buying speakers until I find the right speakers for it. Although, the Sonus Faber Lumina IIs are not neutral. I also tried the Sonus Faber Sonettos II and those were neutral. In fact, they were boring to me and I much prefer the Lumina IIs. 
 

I got a really good deal on the Sopra 1s. I bought them brand new, unopened and never used from a dealer for just 7k. I really like the McIntosh 12000 amp. I plan on buying that amp in 6 months. Should I just wait until I buy the amp to see if I like the speakers more? I get anxiety where I feel like I should sell the speakers right away before they loose more value (I am still new to this hobby).  

https://youtu.be/gcf1Hp_oAv4?feature=shared

Watch this before you look at the Wharfedale Elysian

I own the r11 non metas which I love.. the thing I noticed about them the most when I listened to them was the deep engrossing sound stage something I rarely have Heard on any speaker ..live jazz is simply (you are there)sublime.. I almost bought a used pair of Electra 1038 be's, and was always a focal fan.. but lately I have turned towards Sonos Faber, Amanti G5.. if I had the money of course..

I did some research, and based on the measurements here:

 

https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1445:nrc-measurements-focal-sopra-no2-loudspeakers&Itemid=153

Besides the normal advice for Focals (little to no toe-in) you may also want to add some EQ between 5 and 10 kHz to dampen the treble bump.  Alternatively some gentle use of the treble control will work.

I read on the Focal website that it takes about 50 hours to break in their speakers to get the correct audible characteristics.  I think I might have total 1-2 hours. So maybe the mids might change? 

I don't see how 50 hours of burn in time can be enough for any speakers. 200-500 hours is where it often is. That's in addition to Luxman amp, as ghdprentice said. I bet, D'Agostino Momentum would be great. Sorry, had to say it. Or VAC.