Focal or B&W or ?

[Shorty]

I’m looking to upgrade speakers for a dedicated theater room 15’ x 25’ x 9’ 75% movies 25% music. I’ll be using McIntosh MC8207 for power and I have 2 of them with enough free Chanels to bi amp if needed.

I demoed the 804d4, 803d4, Kanta 2, and Sopra 2. I slightly prefer the Focals to the B&W’s and also like the look of the Sopra much better than the Kanta but I’m defiantly not hearing twice the value out of the Sopra 2.

I’m thinking I should give the Sopra 1’s a listen as well since they are the same price as the Kanta 2 and I also like the Sopra center channel being 3 way vs 2 way for the Kanta center.

What else should I listen to that will have a similar bright sound ?

[Formerly YB-2]

Canton and Triangle both offer competitive products. Their fit & finish is at least the equal of Focal and B&W. They both offer a somewhat different (but no less correct) sound.

[audiogear]

Canton just released their new Reference Series in 2023. Competitive with your B&W and Focal options listed above, they also have full range towers and 3 way centers. Competitive retail as well. Doesn’t hurt if you’re able to find a listen at a local showroom.

If you decide on Canton, Ivan (MasterLu) is an authorized dealer here on AA and known for his world class service and value especially for subscribers.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Shorty

I’m thinking I should give the Sopra 1’s a listen as well since they are the same price as the Kanta 2 and I also like the Sopra center channel being 3 way vs 2 way for the Kanta center.

What else should I listen to that will have a similar bright sound ?

I think the Sopra 1 is a 2-way stand mount. For floorstanders under $10k I would also consider the Revel Salon and the Perlisten R7T or S7T. Perlisten also makes a nice suite of surround sound speakers.

[clpetersen]

If you like the Sopra's check out also the Magico A-series.

[Shorty]

Thanks everyone. I have a Magico dealer here. Can’t find anywhere to hear the Cantons.

[Doug Lax]

Originally Posted by audiogear

Canton just released their new Reference Series in 2023. Competitive with your B&W and Focal options listed above, they also have full range towers and 3 way centers. Competitive retail as well. Doesn’t hurt if you’re able to find a listen at a local showroom.

If you decide on Canton, Ivan (MasterLu) is an authorized dealer here on AA and known for his world class service and value especially for subscribers.

+1

https://legendaudioandvideo.com/Speakers.html

[Formerly YB-2]

Here is a very positive review of the Canton Ref 7K. I was very pleased with my Ref 9K for several years. Still miss their crystal clear mids & highs.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/...7k-loudspeaker

[JoeN]

Though in your case I’d be partial to Magico A5’s, between Focal and B&W I’d select Focal. I owned B&W back in the early 2000s - 802s in cherry. They were good. A friend just a few doors down from me owns Focal. His are very good.

PS: This is to my ears and two different systems and in different rooms. As you know it’s better to listen for yourself.

Enjoy the journey.

[Shorty]

Found a great deal on a 4 month old pair of Sopra 2’s that were traded back in to the dealer that originally sold them. They Should ship out to me next week!