there you go. That is very helpful. Stands to reason given difference in cost. I have fallen in love with the Blade 2 aesthetics ... strange how that happens, for last few years, since Blade was introduced, I didn't care for it. Now, I like the small footprint and slender width.
Help me Pick my new speakers
- Thread starter volks
- Start date
there you go. That is very helpful. Stands to reason given difference in cost. I have fallen in love with the Blade 2 aesthetics ... strange how that happens, for last few years, since Blade was introduced, I didn't care for it. Now, I like the small footprint and slender width.
And their side firing woofers cancel each other out which results in near zero cabinet resonances. The blue with the blue single source driver is beautiful.
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Paul
Senior Member
Hi Volk, If you going to keep the Mc set up have you ever consider the Dynaudio C2 ? I always love the synergy with Mc 
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Mr Peabody
Well-known member
You did ask for opinions, so here's mine.
I've heard the Blade 2 & Ref 5, I prefer the Ref 5, but the Ref 5's were driven by better electronics, the Levinson 585. I thought the Ref 5 was easier to listen to and more engaging. The Ref 5 did seem to accentuate the midrange, where I'd say the Blade 2 seemed to have a more flat response by comparison.
I've heard Wilson two years in a row at Axpona, twice driven by D'Agostino and once by some tube gear that I have forgotten the name, I have to say none of the auditions impressed me, I was left wondering what all the buzz was about I heard in the past.
I love the MBL speakers but all my auditions was driven by MBL gear.
The Magico sounded great. Not sure what the model was, seeing it was at a show I'd guess one of their better ones.
I heard the Sopra driven by Sim audio, it sounded good, I thought they had the Focal sound but more refined and easier to listen to. An audition with Pass gear was not as impressive for some reason. Could be set up, but I wonder if the Sopra is a good match with warm leaning electronics. Mike may be able to shed some light on that.
Mac seems to be teamed up with Sonus faber now. I've heard SF localing and although they sounded alright to me I wasn't a fan. I heard a couple systems of the SF & Mac, I was really surprised at how good the SF did sound and the synergy with Mac. SF also sounded good driven by Jadis.
And, if I may add to the list, you might be surprised at how good the JBL 4367 sounds with the purity & dynamics it brings.
all good stuff
I've heard the Blade 2 & Ref 5, I prefer the Ref 5, but the Ref 5's were driven by better electronics, the Levinson 585. I thought the Ref 5 was easier to listen to and more engaging. The Ref 5 did seem to accentuate the midrange, where I'd say the Blade 2 seemed to have a more flat response by comparison.
I've heard Wilson two years in a row at Axpona, twice driven by D'Agostino and once by some tube gear that I have forgotten the name, I have to say none of the auditions impressed me, I was left wondering what all the buzz was about I heard in the past.
I love the MBL speakers but all my auditions was driven by MBL gear.
The Magico sounded great. Not sure what the model was, seeing it was at a show I'd guess one of their better ones.
I heard the Sopra driven by Sim audio, it sounded good, I thought they had the Focal sound but more refined and easier to listen to. An audition with Pass gear was not as impressive for some reason. Could be set up, but I wonder if the Sopra is a good match with warm leaning electronics. Mike may be able to shed some light on that.
Mac seems to be teamed up with Sonus faber now. I've heard SF localing and although they sounded alright to me I wasn't a fan. I heard a couple systems of the SF & Mac, I was really surprised at how good the SF did sound and the synergy with Mac. SF also sounded good driven by Jadis.
And, if I may add to the list, you might be surprised at how good the JBL 4367 sounds with the purity & dynamics it brings.
all good stuff
Excellent post.
Agree on Sopra's with overly warm electronics. I prefer something a little more linear. They are really smooth sounding.
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Dr Tone
Banned
I wouldn't drive Focal with anything other than warmer sounding components. They are fast and have a bump in the top end.
The top end sizzle and aggressiveness might impress at shows for short periods of time but don't make enjoyable longer listening sessions.
At least that's my experience as a former owner.
bthomas9
New member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2014
- Messages
- 419
Are you planning on keeping your Mac gear? That may make a difference in my opinion. But in order of my listening preference...
1. Magico s3 mk2 - if you can wait a few months (theory but have owned s1 and s5mk2)
2. Blade 2 (extensive listening)
3.
4.
5. Sopra 2 or maybe original s3 (own sopra 2's)
Don't get me wrong, I REALLY like the Sopra's but they don't compete against the blade 2 or mk2 magico's. But at their price point, they are very hard to beat imo. I've used Devialet, Hegel, and VITUS amps and I think all would match up well with any of these. I may lose my audiophile card for saying this, but I have very little experience with Mac gear. My 2 cents
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1. Magico s3 mk2 - if you can wait a few months (theory but have owned s1 and s5mk2)
2. Blade 2 (extensive listening)
3.
4.
5. Sopra 2 or maybe original s3 (own sopra 2's)
Don't get me wrong, I REALLY like the Sopra's but they don't compete against the blade 2 or mk2 magico's. But at their price point, they are very hard to beat imo. I've used Devialet, Hegel, and VITUS amps and I think all would match up well with any of these. I may lose my audiophile card for saying this, but I have very little experience with Mac gear. My 2 cents
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Paul
Senior Member
Just curiosity , What didn't you like about them ?
Have you had a chance to compare the Focal Sopra 3's with the Blade 2's?
Audiophilehi
Member
Have you listened to the Contour 60's or has anyone else had the opportunity to listen to them?
Congrats Mike! Those are beautiful looking and sounding speakers. :celebrate008_2: