Better than Focal and B/W Speakers? I think So! Affordable High End Speaker is Stunning

[@cheapaudioman]

Simple Foundational Nutrition check out drinkag1.com/cheapaudioman and get started! For More Info on Opera Loudspeakers fidelityimports.com Best Hifi Community in the world patreon.com/cheapaudioman check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/ Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

[@preauxtip]

You might want to look into AG1 a bit deeper, there's some stuff you might find quite interesting

[@Nordraw]

Click bait

[@cheapaudioman]

@@Nordraw in what world is this click bait?

[@ie8443]

There's no info about Opera at all on that page

[@OrangeMicMusic]

Why the video title is "Better than Focal and B/W Speakers" but your comparison is with other speakers?

[@tedkay5272]

Watch the whole video

[@mcbowler]

That’s why it’s still a ???. If he knew then he would just say it’s better or not.

[@gusgusnft8231]

Click bait.

[@nc3419]

Have to try for oneself. I found speakers that others have gushed about just didn't work for me...and vice versa. Sometimes the lower end model does more right.

[@stonefree1911]

You've entered click bait, end of game central...

[@timbacchus]

You are full of..............a lot of information for us. Thank you so much for all of your KZbins. You provide many more things that others do not. Thank you for being human.

[@upper90football_]

I would love to see a blind listening test between speakers at different price points! Although I’m sure that would be challenging to set up. Great video!

[@Harald-MacGerhard]

Those Opera speakers are simply stunning .... I came across some ultra slim Opera SP Callas speakers around here, plays like it´s the end of the world..... Only Italians do design like this I want them for my 2nd rig ❤😍🥰🤩

[@BMWBuilds]

This is a fantastic review. The narration and production value, specifically. The highest compliment I can give it is when the final thoughts started I thought I was only 5 minutes in. Time was flying and I was having fun learning. Thanks and cheers!

[@tomwebb7091]

I had these on home demo for a while. At first i felt the tonality was PERFECT but the imaging was dreadful. Then i swapped the speakers round to have the tweeters on the insided and BOOM..... AMAZING sound. Perfect speaker for lower watt tube amps as well. Why did i not keep them/purchase? The PMC Twenty5 21 were musically even better and just worked better in terms of the space they ended up in. But if ever i wanted a pair of lush sounding speakers for being able to enjoy eve the rougher recordings ive got these would be high on my list.

[@mbvx7]

The Sonus Faber , to me, were better than the KEF LS50 Metas. I bought the Lumina over the KEF. (the SF are FRONT ported but the horizontal port just happens to be on the bottom of the speaker) btw randy. whatever camera you use, never change it. the clarity and color, is spot on Perfect. PS. thank you for reviwing more than "just" cheap speakers. My sweet spot for speaker cost is anything under $2500

[@36686593]

I got 20 year old BW 604S3 I love big solid full sound, these bookshelf speakers will never satisfy me, I am happy they sound awesome. 🎉

[@aldepal]

Theres an Ebay seller selling new Emotiva XB2s for $399 shipped. As of this writing Hes got 4 pairs available.

[@rome8180]

And now you can't find these speakers anywhere. I swear if Emotiva must have the smallest manufacturing runs of their speakers of any company. Because every time he makes a video about Emotiva speakers, I look them up and can't find them anywhere. Meanwhile, I can find every Klipsch speaker that's ever been made.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

This is kinda hilarious because I live in Phnom Penh and there's one high-end retailer here, and they have the Opera's on their website, so about ten weeks ago I started researching them. Eventually I decided I wanted to hear them and maybe buy them, so two days ago I wrote to the dealer ... and he doesn't actually have them. :D

[@donjohnson3701]

I have grown tired of speaker comparisons! I just want a speaker that is just good enough! How about an amp and a speaker pkg that is just good enough? Chasing after fairy dust is a drag, man! No joke!

[@ultraneight]

I think not ever settling is the fun part, it's not about the destination it's about the journey and if you're not buying $5k speakers, you can buy many pairs over time, especially when you shop the used market.

[@boohoo5419]

yeah the weird thing about this whole audiophile thing is.. you can buy best equipment ever but you still relying on your ears and your brain thats interpreting the signal. so.. until we start measuring the whole pathway its pretty much nonsense to expect a perfect electro mechanical performance form our speaker. im pretty sure a great percentage of people that have a 50k audio system cant even hear the full frequency range bcs they are too old or have naturally bad hearing. im pretty sure what we actually hear in our brains varies a lot from person to person and from body to body. even the thickness of our eardrum varies. so, we are the weakest link not the magnet of the speaker. cleaning your ear does probably more then buying a 20k speaker. just sayin.

[@awesomeferret]

If that's what you really want, then this channel isn't for you, because you most likely already have a large collection of vintage audio equipment that you got for next to nothing that sounds great. You don't complain on a video about comparing brand new speakers if you want a speaker that's "just good enough" because "brand new" disqualifies ANY speaker from being "good enough" when considering value (and guess who is most likely to consider value... People like us who care more about having fun listening to music than spec chasing). If you truly stand by what you wrote, then you shouldn't be interested in buying speakers made in the past 10 years. If "good enough" really is your baseline, then you're ripping yourself off by paying more than 50 dollars for ANYTHING. I've paid less than ten dollars for speakers and amps that are way better than many products featured on this channel. The catch is sometimes I have to replace capacitors and sometimes they are huge (with vintage hifi, bigger really is better overall, small speakers have come a long way in the past two decades).

[@KingWilliamProtector]

Good point. I That said, I'm sure he has done videos that reference what you're talking about.

[@theoracleprodigy]

For those complaining about the cost, Wilson Audio also uses scan speak for their 10k bookshelf tune tot speakers. I've also heard of some scanspeak driver bookshelf speakers in the 20k range. This seems like a steal at that price.

[@jimbrunsman1011]

This should be useful for those shopping for a smaller speaker. That's 3 really good speakers at different prices, which is helpful.

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Randy

[@jeffreyepiscopo]

Wow, what a rare speaker! I used to have a pair, they’re fantastic!

[@ChicagoRob2]

The Opera’s high sensitivity would make for a superb match with a low-power Class-A tube amp.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Those Operas are beautiful. Very nice.

[@blackwax6564]

Opera Prima V2 is out this month....slightly bigger and similar drivers. Different port arrangement and the tweeter is now centered.

[@lokerola]

Wow, I do love the look of the Opera. And forget the haters complaining about the price. I really enjoyed your review.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Randy, Would love to see a low volume list! I can only think of the Paradigm Founder 40B being around the same price and sensitivity, freq response. If the Operas sound good with the Dayton HT200 hybrid tube amp, I think that could be a winner for our smallish and oddly shaped room. I'll have to audition them.

[@shaunyweaver1144]

I've taken a multi vitamin since I turned 50, I'm now a 127 yrs (well it feels like that) .. Not had any of these, good info ..

[@stevezeidman7224]

Enjoyed it, Randy!

[@Rocker6969]

How do those speakers stack up against the XLS encore?

[@cheapaudioman]

@@Rocker6969 little bit taller and heavier. In all seriousness I really love the encores.

[@charliepugh9436]

Hey..I just discovered you via Mark Island Watch. Very excited. I was sooooo disappointed missing out on collaboration of yours and Marks watch. I just love it and in a SKX case is awesome..

[@greatpix]

It would be interesting to compare the build quality of the drivers from all three speakers.

[@peterwalkerden6778]

It would be good to see what the components are like on the x-over too.

[@ChicagoRob2]

It’s going to be tough to beat the Scan Speaks in the Operas. They are right up there with top-shelf SEAS drivers.

[@ianstorm45]

Well it’s about time alignments, the front firing port is going appear more snapper compared with the rear firing port on the Sonus-Fabre because you don’t have to wait for the sound bouncing off the back wall and traveling to your hear.

[@FoxGhost7]

Just as headsup, if you are Europe based and Media Markt ships to you, you can get the Lumina II for 999 right now.

[@jemsmay2167]

Great review! Understood the comparison approach takes longer, but it makes the review so much more relatable and informative. Know you are not a tube guy, but would love to hear these with a decent tube amp (Project? Dayton?).

[@harrisarp3841]

Thanks Randy!!!If you have the chance try neumann kh-120 ii or kh-150.They may be a studio monitors but i think you will be amazed by their sound!!!!Keep up the good work!!!

[@trilbyrollers]

When I try and access your test track playlist I get "We are sorry, but this playlist is no longer available." :( I'm guessing this might be due to me being in the UK and getting redirected to the UK Amazon Music site. Can you share the track list another way?

[@kevindeem7174]

I love my hobby of speaker building, and I favor scan speak, and sb acoustics, they are related, use with high quality crossover network , good circuit, good speaker design, = nice stuff

[@daveolson5435]

You are absolutely right - at 1:11 (and a couple of other spots) into So What on the Kind of Blue album, the right channel with the Trumpet sounds a little gritty. It's like the mic is overdriven or something is off with the pre-amp. It is easily heard with good headphones or speakers. Even my 67 year old ears can pick it out.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@daveolson5435 I thought I was going crazy or I broke the speaker

[@NicolaDiNisio]

I'm not getting it, please explain 😅

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

I'm still happy with the Sony SSC-S5 speakers I use in my office. I bought them after your review and don't feel any need to "upgrade".

[@reserva120]

I’m still happy with the 15 dollars Sony transistor radio l got in the PX .. better and cheaper than your fancy SSC-S5 speaker .. I see no reason to upgrade!

[@therealboofighter]

I am still happy with my two soup cans and string set up I made when I was kid. I don’t see any need to upgrade anything other then the string for a longer one, so can listen to things farther away.

[@PorkysPizza_]

I am still happy with sign language even though I am deaf 🧏‍♂️. I see no need to upgrade

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thanks for the vitamin heads-up along with the great speaker review. You know the next question is how does it compare to my SVS Ultras? I hope and trust all is well. Take care.

[@allenbrixey1122]

The opera would be definitely unique, something everyone doesn't have.

[@rome8180]

It would be cool if I could ever find any of these Emotiva products you review. I swear, every time you talk about an interesting Emotiva speaker I look it up and there is not a single one available anywhere. Do they just make very limited quantities? I can find any Klipsch that's ever been made at any given moment.

[@mannye]

I would love to see a real evaulation of vintage vs new for cheap audiophiles. I am convinced that vintage isn't really a bargain because of the cost of both electronic and cosmetic restoration of vintage gear. Now that doesn't mean it's a bad value, but I am seeing so much insanely good value in new gear that allows almost anyone to build a great sounding system without breaking the bank, leaving a lot of money left over for buying music.

[@Brian_Romska]

Fancy moving graphics, ha! Good job Randy, thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

@@Brian_Romska finally! Someone noticed!

[@johnpischedda6951]

Hey Randy ! Great analysis, I like how you went for 3 different price points, it gives you confidence that whatever your budget it's money well spent.

[@bradthurkle7217]

Still loving my SVS Altra book shelfs they are beautiful sounding speaker.

[@borlach321]

Those operas look totally premium.

[@terryforsythe8083]

Randy, do you like Opera Prima 2015 better than the Sourcepoint 8 speakers? Based on your video about Opera, I suspect the Prima 2015 speakers use better quality crossover parts.

[@msl8r]

In your living room tests, how did the Operas image compared to the other two? Depth and width, and how big was the seating sweet spot?

[@Briantwitty]

I would be curious to see what you think of the GoldenEar lineup

[@ufarkingicehole]

He reviewed the BRX and loved them

[@Audioloon]

Hi Randy, I really enjoyed this episode. Reminds me of the days not too long ago....Sunday Morning Shootout. Ya, the Opera Prima really impresses but I still wonder if maybe there is a speaker out there that can get closer to or even best the Opera Prima for less $$. I recently happened across another review site on YT and the reviewer had really high praise over the LSA 60 and LSA 80 bookshelf speaker which are sold at Underwood HiFi. So, will you continue to investigate the value proposition further? When I looked at their website a few moments ago the price points were $999/pr for the 60's and $1499/pr for the 80's. They also advertise intro deals but it's best to see what those deals are. Nope, I am not an agent for Underwood Hifi but thought you should know about these options so you can properly inform us about just what the speaker facts is. :) Thank you Randy.

[@newardthelman6871]

Finally, a detailed, informative, meaningful review. The best you've done so far. If you could also review the KEF R3 Meta and compare those to the Opera's, that'd be incredible. The R3's are top of the list for my next speaker purchase. And, btw, despite what you and some of your viewers believe, your head won't explode and the world won't end if you review higher priced gear in addition to the dumpster-grade stuff you normally review.

[@g-jalil6961]

Maestro, I’m 39 and been lurking Hi-Fi stuff since mid 20s. I have different stuff but I’m not savvy enough. I wanna ask you to make a video about budget Hi-Fi( I know you have a lot) but a bit different than existing. I understand we have to sacrifice a bit if we wanna stay under budget. But is there any possibility you shoot video about Home Hi-Fi system with crystal clear, very detailed sound. I mean when you do budget videos, you sometimes mention like for example the mids are ok etc. So, I don’t wanna compromise the sound quality ( very detailed sound, when you can hear every single instrument) I’m down to spend a bit more on speakers but I want it perfect and still not too expensive. I would appreciate if you make that kind of video. I don’t care about loudness, amp, sub etc. I need crystal clear and detailed sound. Thank you

[@stevenbauer1730]

Perhaps you mentioned this in your video and I missed it, but Opera doesn't list any North American dealers on their website. Where can you buy them in the US?

[@otherwillsmith]

“My coat shiny?” 😂 There’s a reason you’re my fave lol

[@alanhuth7568]

This could be my old ears or old system, but I believe there are TWO cowbells at 0:27 on The Chain. Does anybody agree with that?

[@marcgoldin8937]

Did you try the Operas with the tweeters on the outside versus the inside? Did you hear any difference if you did?

[@yambo59]

Im 64 years old and ive heard MANY speakers since the 70's and while I dont doubt there are very good sounding two ways but they are always compromised due to the lack of a midrange - two ways have have always sounded like two ways and three ways sound like three ways, but I cant help notice they price these two ways as if theyre a high end three way - WAY over price, spin it any way you want no ones pulling the wool over this audio guys eyes.

[@davidjudd951]

I'm with you. I'm 65, and own both three way and two way speakers With the right amp., I can get two ways to sound rather decent. But they just can't stack up to the sound of a good three way.

[@Evolved_ue7]

Agree with you both, there are some fabulous vintage 3 - 4 way speakers still around in remarkable condition. My Mission 730 MK1 still gives me goose bumps ..

[@dragonshipva]

There are some speakers out there that sort of defy the norms. Any of the amphion two way designs, for instance. There's something to be said for less electronic crossovers, the way that tweeter plays down to 1kHz is special.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

Two-way speakers introduce a lahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht less junk into the signal path as a result of the crossover network, though. As another commentator said, if you listen to the Amphions, you'll think you're listening to a three-way because much of the midrange energy is being reproduced by a dome, albeit an artificially small one. ;-)

[@maxwellj7985]

Hey Randy! I'm really curious about the audio connections on the Aiyima A70, especially how the XLR setup performs with it. What's your experience been like with XLR on this model? I'm eager to hear your thoughts.

[@davidloving6521]

Where can you buy the operas in the states?

[@gregorygoldbarth7464]

Thank you again for such great details about the speakers. I’m surprised you didn’t bring your recent review of the SVS ultra evolution bookshelf in the equation.

[@dennis3779]

Nice. They look like my Boston M series. In this price range Mofi or ESL or Triangle anniversary or Quadral 35 and maybe Canton Reference are an option for me but also look at the Epos 7N speakers that probably best them all or save up to the tiny but zeus heavy Fisher Fisher speakers 🤔

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

What do you think of the Ruark sabre R bookshelf speakers

[@Old_Sailor85]

I have to ask. It's been a while, but how do they compare to the CSS Criton 1TDx?

[@ronaldweed6103]

So glad I got a pair of Yamaha towers from the Goodwill thrift store just over 100 $. Hooked the speakers with a hta-100 bt. Purchased a Sony Subwoofer AMAZING 👏. Those speakers are beautiful 😊Randy.

[@BADEAU011]

Hi, do you have the chance to listen Revival Atalante 3 ? i'm curious of your opinion.

[@ufarkingicehole]

I would love to hear how these compare to the MOFIs

[@arthurcooper3484]

Where can you buy the opera speakers in USA?

[@spaminatord]

Great review Randy

[@luckyintervale]

Boss shirt Brah… 👍👍👍

[@tonydelvecchio1431]

XB2’s are awesome

[@gg0297]

I'll always like a proper speaker comparison video. Nice!

[@x5-acousticguitarstuff.2]

Every time the name JBL is mentioned. You should also talk about AR or Acoustic Research and their amazing Speaker Inventions. Founders: Edgar Villchur and Henry Kloss Founded: 1954

[@d.s.6268]

Thanks for another fantastic video Randy ! My question is - as someone who listens mostly to acoustic mustic - Jazz, etc - do you think any or all of these speakers could work without a subwoofer ? I'm assuming the ranking order would be the same as your general ranking, probably relative to price, but would the cheapest of them - the emotiva - still work for my kind of music without a sub ? Would the others ? I could really use some help... thank you :)

[@jerrymoso]

Another awesome review brother! Im still loving my Ascend Acoustics sierra SX!

[@michaelford7922]

What about css audio speakers 1 TDX ? Are they old news ?

[@андрейфедосов-в9и]

Please test the Magnat Monitor S30, I really want to hear the expert's opinion and can they be compared with elac debut b5.2?

[@Suntadyis]

can someone please recommend DAC-Amp that would be a great pair with this speaker?

[@TriAmpMyFi]

. @Suntadyis Never mix digital and analog equipment in one single chassis or box. The DACs all go "audiophile obsolete" years and years before an analog amp does AND, SO don't throw-out a perfectly good amp every time the DAC MUST be upgraded. Get it? Perhaps some question re-phrasing now?

[@TriAmpMyFi]

@Suntadyis A used Teac integrated for $750? How about this instead. S.M.S.L SU-1 Dac $79 into Schiit Saga Plus PreAmp $399 into IotaVX PA3 Power Amplifier $435 for a total of $913 Brand New. And that combo is way better than the Teac. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@Suntadyis]

Thank you for your insights! Will look it up 🙂

[@Mike_from_Canmore]

Hey CAM, have you ever reviewed some Paradigms? The Monitor atoms are excellent for the money.

[@Thedarkdj4450]

So would you say all of these are better than klipsch rp 600 mk 2?

[@feelgeorge]

I would have loved to see kef R3 meta in this line up

[@MikJames-d1g]

Ever see any PSB/Paradigm/Energy speakers around Murica? Seems the older models are all the rage in Canada for dirt cheap ruler flat monitors.

[@ghrant123]

If you can find the older Opera Duetto small bookshelf, you will be impressed.

[@thepracticalaudiophile]

How about the Emotiva similarly priced tower speakers?

[@kadajawi2]

Which Focals have you listened to? Because the higher end ones are not fatiguing on the high end at all. Neither my Kanta 1 nor my Diablo Utopia are (B&W can lean that way, yes). You should listen to the Diablo Utopia (and not just at a trade show). Review them, see if the price is justified.

[@DjamTG12345]

Hey cheapaudioman! The emotiva se8 seems to have been discontinued unfortunately. Is there any other good subwoofer that you would recommend with a high pass filter line out? The svs sb1000 pro is currently out of my price range.

[@freemenofengland2880]

Randy, couldn't they make them any smaller? I'd like to hear them with 4 inch drivers... ☹😉🤣

[@gloodle]

Have you or are you thinking about maybe doing a review of the Cerwin Vega LA165?

[@jonaskeusch]

A tad off topic but: I just ordered a pair of 1TD-Xs. Would the Yamaha A-S701 be a good match? Have a good second hand price available (50% off). Thanks!

[@brendanhoffmann8402]

I prefer my speakers big (on a budget of course). But I do have some great little speakers for my laptop. Mackie CR4 powered speakers. Good for mixing pro audio too.

[@nc3419]

Seems like they have a similar sonic signature, the Emotiva and Operas. Similar comparison was described between the last gen Emotiva and Martin Logan 15i, with small differences at least by one person whose comparison I read. I had the 15i and while it was highly entertaining for movies, it just didn't sound right with some of the music I listen to, at least in comparison to speakers I have and had in my room and system. Something about aluminum drivers that seem to do this with my ears. Have Focal 807Ws and Triangle zetas and similar can be said between those and the new Emotiva and Operas as desribed here. The Focal just is better at most everything else although small drivers can do something a bit different. Now using Opticon 1s and really like them especially with a sub. Different than the French speakers, different from the Logans, and wonder what the next step would be in a small speaker moving up. Menuet Se didn't work out, too refined that it took the life out of recordings, too warm, smoothed out. Have an eye on Closer OGY and the Lumia II Amator but will add these as they may be another option. Also the most expensive. There are not alot of small options that work well for both music and movies, and not made in the PRC at this point. Some used ones pop up once in a while but today, harder to find at budget prices hence paying over a grand, or two, or more.

[@dinwa276]

Interesting video. How are these for low level listening?

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Should be great because of the high sensitivity (91 dB) and high impedance (8 Ohm).

[@SuperiorXInferior]

How do these compare to the Wharfedale aura 2's, SIERRA-2EX V2, PMC prodigy1's?

[@danielheffernan7897]

I love my Opera speakers, managed to get a new set on sale from a hifi store in the UK pretty close to the retail price of those Emotiva’s, so was very lucky! Effortless is the word I would use to describe them. The build quality is fantastic also and I believe they play very well with tube amps although I’m yet to try myself. Great review.

[@myronhelton4441]

A little over 20 years ago, I got the better Sonus Faber Concerto's with the better paper woofers, the later ones had polypropoline woofers. My speakers had first order crossovers that are the best. I wouldnt have a speaker without first order crossovers. My speakers had the best cabinets. The speakers a year before mine didnt have first order crossovers. When I got my speakers was the year that most companies came out with better crossovers that made the speakers clearer sounding. Sonus speakers after my speakers are not in the same league.

[@Hiluxtaco]

Nice review, Randy..

[@AudioPhun]

Say I wanted to plunk $2-3k on some great small speakers….pewpew to your head, R3 Meta or Opera? Driving them would be a Cronus magnum (for now) or 2250B…

[@ruog395]

Whichs your opinion about of Edifier mr4?

[@progrock3603]

Sonus Faber Sonetto ll G2 new model vs. the Opera would be an even match price wise. The new Sonetto is a 👀!

[@LarcR]

So the Operas are better than the Emotivas. But are they 4x better? I'd never even consider spending 5x the money for anything less than a night and day degree of improvement.

[@mrortamir]

I wonder how all these might compare with the Monitor Audio Silver 100s.... Priced at around $1,500, I think they might just give the Operas a run for their money.

[@frogdishon]

Ok. I'm old school. Does anyone else see Bang and Olufsen speakers in these? They just look like a Bang to me.

[@BobGeogeo]

The 27 second club?

[@batcave4193]

Great vid! Everyone runs out to buy q acoustics 5040 😂 i have them already 👍🏻

[@steveh545]

It's the 27 Club....