Focal Sopra No.1 or Monitor Audio PL200

Projectman

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I have narrowed my next set of speakers to the Focals and Monitor Audios. I have a dedicated audio room that is 12x15’. I have a pair of KEF LS50s with a sub in there now. Any opinions on either of these speakers based on the size of the room. I will use a subwoofer with either set I choose.

I can get the PL200s for around $4500.00 (7 months old) and the Focals for around 5500.00 new in the box.
 
I really enjoyed my Sopra 2’s while I had them. Really can’t comment on the others. You know what they say. Have a listen first.
 
I have heard the Sopra 1s and liked them a lot. It was under snow conditions at Axpona with Naim electronics. They sounded great.
 
I own a pair of Focal speakers now and had the opportunity a while back to listen to a pair of Monitor GL300. I would personally pick the Monitors if I had to choose today.

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so the sopra is a standmount and the pl200 a floor stander ?, will you need a sub with the pl200 ? both are good speakers . i enjoyed my diablo but i always missed the depth of a floorstander
 
I've heard both, which to pick really depends on the sound you are looking for and what electronics you have.

The Sopra has the Focal sound but more refined and warmer than the typical Focal. Keep in mind this is in reference to the gear I heard them with and my opinion. I heard them driven by Sim Audio. I heard them again at shows but cannot recall the electronics. I heard the larger Sopra with high range Pass but the combo didn't seem to have synergy, could be the music played or other associated gear.

I was really impressed with the PL200. In fact, I meant to start a thread here after hearing them and never got around to it. They were driven by Levinson 536 monoblocks and 526 preamp. Incidentally, we were also listening to KEF Ref 5's and Audio Physics, Tempo. The PL200 was my favorite presentation, the type of sound I like. The speakers disappeared, exhibiting excellent imaging, they were incredibly fast giving percussion excellent transients, so much so, at one point I was actually startled. Vocals were good and brass really sounded good.

I found the PL200 very exciting to listen to. With all that being said, it is Monitor Audio, in the several track I listened to I experienced no fatigue but the speaker don't hold back any top end or upper midrange. The bass is quick and accurate with no lag. I found the bass tuneful. We didn't play anything with real low end bass and this was a large room, so it could be that your sub is still needed. In what I heard, I didn't think anything lacking, however, with the size drivers used and extremem lows not tested, it's possible. If you've read about them you should have noticed the midrange has its own cabinet within the cabinet, the rods that go through the cabinet to further brace, you can tighten them, leather covered baffle.

I hope this helps some. I heard the PL200 recently is the reason I can give more detail. I did really like them though and suspect my memory of them will stick with me.

To sum up, each speaker sounds a good deal different, both good, it comes down to preference, PL200 easily faster, more the aggressor of the two, excellent imaging. The Sopra a more relaxing, warmer presentation by comparison. I remember when I first heard it I thought a more refined Focal sound, meaning if you are familiar with Focal, the Sopra has that type of Focal sound, just tamed down or relaxed by comparison.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. I have decided on the Sopra 1s, and I plan on using them with a subwoofer. I have a small dedicated audio room (15’ X 11.5’) so decided to go with a smaller speaker for now. The Wilson Audio Sophia 2s I have now are too big for my space.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. I have decided on the Sopra 1s, and I plan on using them with a subwoofer. I have a small dedicated audio room (15’ X 11.5’) so decided to go with a smaller speaker for now. The Wilson Audio Sophia 2s I have now are too big for my space.

Very happy and got them brand new in sealed box for a great price.
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In a room that size a pair of REL T/7i or even up to T/9i subs should finish you up. Placement could end up somewhere close to where the Wilson's are sitting now.
 
You made the right choice. The Focal Sopra 1 is a great speaker. Only thing better is the Sopra 2. I use my Sopra 1 with a REL T9i. Word of warning, these are power hungry speakers. I had to upgrade my McIntosh MC275 to a McIntosh MC452 to handle the Focal Sopra 1 without distorting at loud volumes.
 
The Classe' Sigma 2200 integrated should have plenty of juice for the Sopra 1's in that room. If the Sigma still has the classic Classe' sound it should be a great match to the Sopra's Be tweeter.
 
they look wonderful , well done . i was looking at a beautiful red pair on ebay . colour is very important when you come to sell . i had a greay pair of diabo`s once and had incredible trouble selling them due to that
 
The Classe' Sigma 2200 integrated should have plenty of juice for the Sopra 1's in that room. If the Sigma still has the classic Classe' sound it should be a great match to the Sopra's Be tweeter.

shame classe gone out of business now though
 
Congrats. Monitor Audio speaks have a reputation of being "pipe and slippers" kinda sound. You live in the Sarasota area, soMike could set you right with the Focals, which he loved since his first audition at an audio show years ago.

PS, our local dealer here in Switzerland carries Focal/Naim/Apertura and Monitor audio.
 
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