I thought this group would appreciate an update on some recent listening and impressions.
I auditioned some Focals and the Wilson Sabrinas yesterday. The Focal (Sopra II) and Sabrinas made a very positive impression on me. I listened to the Focals with a Bryston 300W amp and preamp. The only negative observation about these was that in comparison to the Sabrinas I felt the bass had authority but was slightly over-full on the Sopras (I wasn't expecting this as the bass not being fleshed out enough on some Kanto No2s I heard with a much smaller 100W Luxman amp, possibly too small).
By comparison the Sabrinas blew me away - balanced, articulate and with more 'air' on the lower end despite the authority in the low mid and low. The Sabrinas were driven by a Linn Selekt DSM with an integrated amp rated at 100W and their Katalyst DAC. With the difference in powerI was even further surprised with the comparison. These are currently my first choice.
I'm wondering how to describe what I liked about the Sabrinas to the Focal representative so he can have a chance to make a stronger comparison perhaps with different electronics. When I say 'air' in the room I will note the room with the Sabrinas was a larger family sized room like the one I have at home while the Focals were in a more intimate dedicated listening room; I'm not sure if that makes a difference and I'd enjoy the Focals just as much in a slightly larger room. I'm leaning toward the Sabrinas because I have heard a combo that works for me right now but since I still have a couple of listening appointments ahead I'm still somewhat interested in how to integrate what I heard and possibly work with the Focals. Interested in impressions and positive combinations with both speakers from anyone.
Cheers.