Focal Sopra 2 vs Kanta 2. What does money buy you in HI-FI? (Day 1)

For the fundraiser, please use the link
www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/...
#hifi #speakers #audiophile #stereo #audioreviews
Correction : My room is 250 sqft. Focal Sopra2 is $24K cdn and Kanta is $13k Cdn.
This video is my attempt to explain why I love Focal speakers and highlight the differences between Focal Kanta 2 and Sopra 2.
With all the Focal I have owned, 836v, 836w, Aria 926, 936, 1027s, 1028BE, Kanta 2, Sopra 2, Focal bird, I would say the best value on the used market is the 836v. If you can get one you should.
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Equipment used in the sound demo
Modwright LS100
Moon W5.3
Yter Speakers cables
Siltech interconnects
Denafrips Ares II DAC

[@gwapster13]

I like your review format. Inserting the actual test tracks relevant to the aspect of sound that you are talking about is something all other reviewers should be doing. Kudos.

[@dougjoha]

"Its all there it's just a question of how much effort you have to put in"....SPOT ON!!! ive been wondering this myself over the last 25+ years and you hit the nail on the head describing the difference between a mass market/mid fi system to a higher end setup. It's all in the details.

[@TheNaboen]

You're a good soul, Thomas. And a true enthusiast.

[@norbertpolhossy6708]

Yessss. Finally somebody compared them. This was a really useful video. Thanks a lot for it. Stay safe! :)

[@jeffkalina7727]

This is why you are my new go-to Audio reviewer. You explain terms and the relevance as it relates to components better than any of the other folks trying to do this. Go Thomas!

[@yvesboutin5604]

That's the most brilliant explanation why an high-end system only works if all the components are in sinergy, espescially amp and speakers. Thank you very much!

[@keithbertschin1213]

You deserve the followers because you speak with knowledge and honesty and that goes a long way.

[@joekool79]

You do great detail in determining best speakers!

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Congrats on 30k subscribers, You deserve them all! Thomas great video, awesome work on the commentary. I just received a pair of Emotiva Airmotiv speakers from a giveaway. Have them hooked up to my Parasound Halo P3, and A23. What awesome speakers! Easy to drive, great detail, and clarity. I am rediscovering my music collection, and am really enjoying doing that. Thank you for all that you do, have a great day man!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks. I am so glad you got the Airmotiv. I am supposed to receive a pair to review too. Can't wait to try them. Thanks for commenting.

[@mathieumeyer4869]

I just discovered your channel and it’s been a long time since I wasn’t this astonished. Thank you Sir.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Welcome!

[@kohnfutner9637]

I'm loving these demo cuts, Thomas.

[@DHayut]

Excellent review!!! The way this review is structured should be modeled everywhere and it is exemplary and more important extremely helpful. I own the focal kanta 2 and couldn't agree more with Thomas conclusions. Thomas, I think this video is your best yet and I've watched many. Keep it up!

[@shemaya4979]

I am planning to by kenta 2. Can you please tell me the amp and the dac you got. Also are you using a mono blocks? Please let me know. Thanks !!

[@DHayut]

primaluna evo400 pre Amp, luxman m900 Amp, chord qutest dac

[@thepickyaudiophile]

Great initiative Thomas! ❤️

[@pharoahamunra]

Thomas good video.good to see you seem healthy.we are all going through crazy times right now.thanks for an entertaining video.gives us folks stuck at home.something to do other than boredom.

[@coleh3711]

Finally the Sopra/Kanta comparison!!! Also love the sound clips, they definitely emphasize your point.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I find sound clip fun to include.

[@gerritfridericksohn4627]

Wow! Maybe best video yet. I liked the quiet voice. That background looked really good, too. And you had a rabbit and told a story!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it. That is a wild rabbit! I live in the suburbs so sometimes animals come in my backyard.

[@larrybscott8145]

Not only are you very knowledgeable in hi-fi equipment you are a good man God bless you and your family I don’t know if I’ll ever get to the point that I can afford $10,000 speakers but I’m trying to get there

[@antunkatona5674]

This is very commendable. Well done!

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

You are absolutely correct in your statement about higher end gear being much more difficult to get right than lower end stuff. One might think their stereo is broken while trying to get a good setup/synergistic equipment combo/proper positioning, until they get it JUUUSST right. Then all of a sudden - bam! - it all comes together!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, when it all matches, magic.

[@williammorales8204]

Great explanation video! I was curious about these two.

[@Audiofreak71]

Thomas your doing a great job and you are one of the few KZbin’ers that has respect for others therefore I have great respect for you . Keep up the great work you’ll be at 100k subs In no time . Excellent review as usual 👍

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Well said Lance!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I appreciate that

[@hushpuppykl]

Yeah Thomas ... you used the right term, effortless. I love how you explain things 😬👍👍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, I try I try.

[@planchernewfinish]

Great video , touching, all my condolences to the familly.

[@howardskeivys4184]

I don’t claim to be any type of expert, but, I have spent a lot of time, energy, money and experimentation over the last 35 years, building a sound system which reproduces music the way I like to hear it. You talk about one set of speakers producing too much bass energy for your room size of 300 square feet. That figure doesn’t mean a lot, cubic feet is a more accurate measurement, because with room acoustics you must allow for the height of the ceiling. Anyway, your room sounds a very similar size to mine. My solution, is a pair of speakers with an airy clean top end, a smooth, full bodied mid, a fast, tight, accurate and punchy low frequency not worrying too much about how low they go. Then, you add a pair of good musical active subs. This puts you in total control of the amount of bass energy in your room. It also means that you can get away with a smaller amp, as it will not have to meet the demands of a more bass heavy pair of speakers.

[@gerard3797]

I have similar experience. A lot of consumers buying too large speakers with too little control over the bass.

[@SirMountainpass]

Exactly my approach! My room is not big enough to do the Sopra 2 justice. Happy with my decision a few years ago to combine the 1008 BE2 with an active Sopra 1000 SW which I can fully adjust to my requirements 😉

[@ponchantos]

Been waiting for this one. Thank you Thomas 🙏🏾. Just about to get one of them for my home theatre build

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, it will shake your house man.

[@ponchantos]

@@ThomasAndStereo I'm excited. So I'm leaning on the sopra because I experienced the b&w lower to high-end difference. Now next thing was what you mentioned was gear to drive the sopras. I'll do research on what focal suggested and I'll keep you posted

[@ponchantos]

@@ThomasAndStereo hello Thomas .I just wanted to let you know because of you have now bought the focal sopra 2 and I don't regret anything. I'm getting rid of my b&w 805s or I'll put in a different room. This is the exact detail I wanted without going into the utopia $$$ range. I really love. I'm only running it with an integrated marantz 8012 for my home theater and music. So now I'll be upgrading the gear slowly. But it still sounds amazing with this marantz Amp. Thanks for the advice. Ps I left Vancouver went to toronto on a business trip and tested And heard lots from B&w 800s Sonus faber Olympics and sonetto Focal kanta and sopra and utopia This was the best 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@CaptainCrunch823]

Love your videos Thomas!

[@eastgreenlander5016]

Love the disclaimer in the end 😂

[@audiophilemusings3530]

Thank you so much for the detailed review. Its fantastic!!😊👍👌💐.

[@HumanAction1]

The quality of your videos have significantly jumped. I've always enjoyed your content but I guess I started noticing when you finished your room that you come across with way more confidence and more focus, but still maintaining your personable, down to earth overall presentation. The way you're filming has also taken a huge leap forward and again, looking more sleek and focused, still manages to stay down to earth and engaging. Keep up the great work Thomas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the comment. I was trying to to improve my presentation but was wondering if it made any difference. I know I should improve the audio by using my better mics too since I have those also.

[@HumanAction1]

@@ThomasAndStereo there's always room for improvements in all aspects of life, but I'm just glad you're able make them and still maintain the core of what makes your channel so unique and engaging -- the reason why I keep watching the videos : the equipment and gear keeps changing, but Thomas can be relied on to stay himself. That's why I watch, as I'm sure a lot of other people do.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

Focal speakers are so underrated on Internet, I’m happy we have such an ambassador for them. (don’t make the mistake to listen to your Sopra with an Accuphase pure Class A amp, your bank account will not thank you).

[@philipgardiner2003]

Maxime I don’t understand why this wouldn’t work.

[@RennieAsh]

@@philipgardiner2003 He means it works so well, that he had to buy the Accuphase = $$$ i.e. your bank account will not thank you

[@wadimek116]

Nothing is underated on the market. People vote with their wallets and focal is not universally best brand. For me its pretty averange, had their aria line but quickly upgraded to sonus faber because of their incredible mids and highs details.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

@@wadimek116 I mean, it has been better recently, we hear more and more about Focal. They deserve it. They do very well on their headphones lineup too also. I never said Focal was universally the best, but they are definitely with the best. But « average »? Don’t make a fool of yourself. Nobody would call Focal average. The Aria are very nice for their price, but at the end of day you get what you pay for. Same for Sonus Faber. You won’t get high-end sound with a pair of Lumina. Coming back to Focal, their beryllium tweeters are universally acclaimed and the fact that you can get them on the Kanta line for way less than 10k is crazy. I got the Sopra 3, which are like mini Utopia and I can’t be happier.

[@wadimek116]

@@Maxime-ho9iv I still call focal average. I would even consider choosing their products for msrp. The only reason I owned focal clear and aria 906 is because I only paid half for it. There are many better companies than sonus faber to but Im buying sonus faber as best compromise between cabinet quality and sound quality. Focal clear is only focal product I heard that I would recommend on msrp price

[@Theguypostingthis]

I've got focal mini utopias. Great speakers!

[@thecaptain2000]

Heard the sopra 2 and 3 with a primaluna dialogue premium HP and they were absolutely singing.

[@2savetherepublic]

Sir Thomas, you are a refreshing soul.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, thank you

[@Mike82ARP]

I totally get what you're experiencing. My experience with a ultra revealing tweeter was hearing an Accuton ceramic tweeter. Comparing to a good, but not great soft dome the cymbals sound shimmered rather than sizzled. Clearly, the ceramic tweeter handled it better. Same goes with Emmylou Harris, whose voice can come across as harsh with e lesser driver, but sublime with the better tweeter.

[@christianocean8998]

Very good video !!! I was looking for this comparison between the two ! Good job :)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you liked it!

[@christianocean8998]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thomas what do you think about Musical Fidelity M6si? Is it a good amp for Focal Kanta NO2? Thank you

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@christianocean8998 It all depends if the top end of the M6Si is bright or not. The Kanta 2 are super easy to drive so most amp will be fine but when you play with Focal, it is always the top end extension that you have to be careful of.

[@christianocean8998]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you. I go it !

[@feelgeorge]

I have being waiting for this video to drop for days

[@kohnfutner9637]

That bass drum test at 9:12 on my Klipsch 280f was intensely masterful. My walls shook with thunderous pounding low bass

[@robertzillig5481]

Great review video !

[@robertzillig5481]

Sent you an E-mail sir! :)

[@m.9243]

JM Labs / Focal have a long tradition of speakers with superb detail, thanks to the very high quality twitters they use, either Titanium or Beryllium. One of my pairs of speakers is the *JM Labs "Electra 926* with the titanium twitters. When it comes to Jazz or Classical Music these excell well above speakers that cost much more....and they are no less than 10 years old!.. PS: Sorry to hear about the loss of a family member.. We live in uncertain times indeed!

[@Fat-totoro-cat]

What a great video - thanks for making it.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RLBGM1]

Hello Thomas you are becoming one of my favorite stereo reviewers

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Happy to hear that!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Here is the link to the fundraiser www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/thomas-and-stereo-fundraiser-for-doctors-without-b/ No need to give a lot but if we can all chip in just a bit, it will make a difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The money all goes 100% to them directly and does not pass thru me. Mistake : My room is 250 square feet. 13 feet x 19 feet. Focal Sopra2 is $24K cdn and Kanta is $13k Cdn.

[@scottyo64]

Love this take! I had dreamed of the Sopras one day but they are out of my buget. I have BIG muddy as you say bass in my RF7 IIs then quick bass with my LRSs paired with a REL 5i. I have been pretty happy while being locked down moving speakers from system to system. Its been fun trying different set ups.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Never heard the RF7 II, was supposed to get the RF7 III for review , I should follow up with them actually.

[@scottyo64]

@@ThomasAndStereo I tell people that if you like fine wine you won't like RF7's of any series. I also like beer so they fit my lifestyle!

[@manbir-vy1vo]

Great one. Love to see ur videos and there is alot to learn out from these videos. Keep going on Thomas. One more question to ask, can you reveiw the KEF BLADE ONE, if you get chance. It will be good to see ur videos in future. Stay safe GBU

[@FrankyRedEyes]

That grand piano sounds amazing thru my iPad. It sounds even better thru my old well used Technics Mash CD player ($20) Yamaha amp ($1000) Sony sub ($400) and used B&W speakers ($2k) I would never spend more on speakers than I spent on my New Camry but that's just me. Congrats on nearing 30k subs. Great channel Thomas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sounds like you have a nice system there.

[@RennieAsh]

Then again if you didn't buy a new Camry you could buy the speakers instead :)

[@NikosPage]

Great video!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks Thomas ! The drum demo sounding great on my HPM-100 4way supertweeter 12inch carbon fiber drivers ! I be honest they give the Lsim 703 a serious run for the money depending on amp of course 😆 I can't get over These speakers 775.00US in 1978 and they still rock-out but 150 pounds isn't easy putting on 20 inch end tables lol Yeah this year soon as I get back to work I will get me a refference speaker , Student loans are Payed off !! 😆 😆 😆 Thanks Thomas its awesone what your doing to help those in need , theirs not a better feeling !

[@ThomasAndStereo]

$775 in 1978 is probably $2k in today's money! Yeah, lots of nice speakers you can pick up on the vintage market. Thanks for dropping by.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@ThomasAndStereo Those new speakers look nice ! Thomas i have never owned or heard a beryllium tweeter ! I bet they do sound amazing !

[@TheRealJohnHooper]

It is an addiction.. You just dont want to call it that way :D

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Hey John, glad you are back! Yes, in Chinese we call it 'Got poisoned'

[@stanleymah3010]

Thanks for a great review, Thomas. I think you bought these at a good time. MSRP on the Focal Sopra 2 is now $23,990.00 CDN.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I know Focal raised the price but that is insane!

[@gerritfridericksohn4627]

I wonder if some companies will not survive current economic situation. Some of these companies just have to be hurting.

[@liocean8828]

@@ThomasAndStereo why said that?

[@riceman78]

What an awesome video. Great comparison I also love Focal and have 1028. I would love Sopra 2 but dont have the room or the $$$$ either.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@anthonyhopkin]

Hi Thomas. Thanks for another Great review. You seem to have a - possibly unique - way of accurately describing the stuff we dream about and long for. Here's to 100k... and beyond ;¬D} Greetings from the Channel Islands

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@adeelcyril3339]

I’ve just set up my Kef Ref 3, Kef Ref 1 and kef ref center 2c. Of course I blamed you Thomas. Ha ha... just kidding. Loved this video as well as all the others....congrats on nearly 30k subs...well deserved.

[@gkbbao]

I just had audition of Sopra 3/ Diablo 300/ emmlabs dv2+ns1/ synergistic foundation cable. So basically the feeling is like to listen to a show, rather just the music. The sound is so real and made kinda picture in front of you. You do feel the resistance of the string, and the move of the artists hand. Next audition is Scala with Vitus SIA 030. See if they can make another step up.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Cool, just as I mentioned in my concept 500 video where you feel like you are at a show. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmfIoaaiiLd-j6c

[@chaowang5867]

make so much sense to me,thank u

[@Velvet_Torpedo]

Another enjoyable video Thomas Was hoping you were gonna do a sound demo between the two. Glad you did. Took me about 3 notes to know that personally I perfer the Sopra 2's. I'm personally willing to give up that extra bit of detail for that extra bit of musicality. The overall sound signature of the Sopra was more to my liking. Shame that you feel their are too boomy for your room, but I know exactly what you mean.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, maybe if I can get better electronics, it will solve the problem.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

Watching your videos again with my new system and enjoying it😍😍😍 With the wow factor😉. With Out Wife 😂. ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE No one saying turn it down neighbors don’t wanna hear it😂😂

[@LuxAudio389]

Well done. I have the Sopra No 3's and yes they can drive you mad in a good or not good way. Definitely game changers. Talk to the chap in London who's system you featured. He looks to have a smaller room with his Focal Sopra No2's. Maybe he can help you get those dialed in for your room. Tx again✌️

[@TheLarry8888]

I'm still loving my focal 948 aria

[@quattr03]

you're lucky bast* I'm enjoying 926 here ;-)

[@osandawijeratne5455]

@@quattr03 926 is a well rounded speaker very easy to live with. I find the 948 have to be listened to loud or you won't get the bass out of them. Enjoy.

[@godssoldier597]

Amazing video thomas i totally agree with what u said excellent video

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks Sylvain! Hope you are enjoying your Kanta!

[@chris-ti7pb]

I’m a proud owner of the Kanta 2, but I’m shocked by the difference to the Sopra’s. Those are awesome, could easily hear that through this ugly iPad of mine.. Now I have a new goal in hifi-life.

[@skipgordon5382]

I know this post was long ago but I wanted to pass on a message. You have owned and spoken highly of Focal for a long time. I just traded my Turnberry GR's for Sopra 2's and the early experience is great. I look forward to getting to know the Focal signature better. What I am hearing at this stage is just more. The Tannoy had a strong mid range presence but not the overall dynamics and full sound stage as I have now. Thanks for the valuable information you share with us. I'm running PrimaLuna EVO 400 pre and monoblocks with twin REL S5 SHO subs so there is a lot to work with. I'm not finding any issue managing the bass either. I have a fair amount of room treatments (absorption & diffusion) so so far all is good. My room is 13 x 21 x 9.5 so this helps.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, congrats on your purchase!

[@jeffgrummons2954]

Great comparison and description of the differences. Did you ever get your hands on a Kanta 3 to see if it truly was the sweet spot between the Kanta 2 and the Sopra 2?

[@myadventures8]

The fast bass, you are describing, is very similar to how damping factor works. An amplifier damping factor with heavy gauge speaker wires, handles that. The different types of speakers with amplifier combinations changes those numbers. Resulting in fast or slow sounding bass.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes, I noticed that we different amps, it makes a big difference. In fact, it will be something I mention in my Q acoustic 3050i video in 2 days.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

Yes, damping factor is the absolute key spec to look for in an amp.

[@AN-ce1nd]

The Electra Be line which I have in two model lines is absolutely the best speaker I have ever had. Sopra to me is the replacement of the Electra line.

[@shemaya4979]

Hey Thomas , What is that two subs next to kanta2 's? What is that model ?

[@scarecrow66ab]

I love my legacy signature se. A great speaker for around 7000.00.

[@Cooliewhistles]

scare ive heard great things about legacy signature and the next line up (focus se?)

[@jansimon1597]

This was à News YT-clip that I’ve not seen from you. Thanks. I use Focal 826w, and I have felt that the top was to hasch. I’ve tried a lot of position change, cables, amplifiers and so on, but the top end to hasch. Then tried to mount some Leather around the tweeter, and boom…. The haschness was gone. Some reflexion/timereflexion I guess. Now I need some time to reaudio my ears 😁 The amplifier by the is Rotel Michigan RHB-10. Thanks for your work.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for sharing!

[@photonutcase]

I love that woofer test track at the end, it reminds me of THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS ; ]

[@arvinawotar4252]

The Sopra 2 sound extremely clean, detailed, precise and you don't hear the box, you just hear the music. The Kanta 2 is muddy all through the mid/lows/highs, has a lot of boxy resonnances and you clearly can hear the box coloration. As someone who use Focal studio monitors SM9, it was very hard to like the Kanta 2, I don't know how they charge this price for something so muddy.

[@faludabutt8253]

And upon your reviews, I bought Focal Chora 826. And man, I am impressed. It’s fed with class D amplification. I can play it really loud with no or nominal fatigue in a non-treated room. I need to use panels as I play loud. Thx for introduction to focal. Would you say Kanta 2 is more of a audiophile speaker than 826? I still feel 826 is an excellent HIFI speaker ( still listening )

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice and congrats. Kanta 2 is more refined and detail with its Beryllium tweeter as well as a faster sounding speaker.

[@lancekluemper3708]

I agree with thomas. Biggest difference to me from aria 948 to sopra 3 is the sopra have authority. They have this presence that is hard to explain. The sound is more full and powerful. They sound better for sure but you can definitely get your money's worth in the older chorus/aria models. You'll need a sub with those focal lines. Dont think you need a sub with sopra. Especially in a smaller room. As cheap as arias are these days there hard to beat. If you ever come across a chorus 836v or 836w on the low. Pull the trigger. Thanks for the video thomas, nice to put a video with the words lol

[@roytan1479]

Thank you Thomas! Really like this video. How about a video without gears. Can we talk about how you appreciate music as an audiophile/enthusiast?

[@alexvanschaik4753]

Hi Thomas, I really love your reviews, they are very informative and helpful when looking for a new set of speakers. This week I sat with a dealer listening to the Focal Kanta 2 speakers. I let him play a few songs, amongst others Fast Car by Tracy Chapman and A Real Mother For Ya by Johnny Guitar Watson. I felt, hmmm, these speakers should sound better. Then the dealer put on Bob Dylan's Man In The Long Black Coat ... and I was stunned. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The quality of the speakers was immense. Big base, big super broad soundstage, clear mid and high, all was excellent. And then it hit me: great speakers need great recordings to shine. If the recording is mediocre, then that is what the Kanta's will show you. That was my key takeaway that afternoon.

[@RockCity1111]

I just subscribed. Thank u Thomas for explaining things the way u do. I feel out of place here though because I dont have much disposable income laying around. I am trying to replace a stolen system and have about 2500 to start with but I dont know what to get 1st. I have always had integrated reciever/ amp but I want to build a quality budget system. And I'm the rocker type.

[@AN-ce1nd]

I run mine with a modified 555II with OnSemi transistors. They sound fantastic. But they are exclusively used with my Marantz SR7008 AV RX. I sold my Focal 1028 Be’s and traded for the Sopra 2’s. Honestly, kind of spent several thousands more and it’s not a drastic difference. Live and learn. I’ve also powered them with my VTL-IT85 at 60 watts per channel.

[@CaBdosdos]

So if you went. Acknowledge in time you wouldn't have bought your Sopra?

[@averagepainter]

what a quality video!

[@NateEll]

Several yrs back k listened to the Sopra 1, Sopra 2 and Revel Studio 2. Just didn’t like the Sopra 2, but I liked the 1’s. I went with the Studio 2’s. Then more recently I heard the Kanta 2- excellent! If I were buying speakers today the Kanta 2 would be awfully tempting

[@hassannasir90]

Why not the Sopra 2 in comparison to Kanta 2?

[@NateEll]

@@hassannasir90 I was not thrilled with the Sopra 2’s tonal balance

[@willykluppels2493]

Amazing sound.....

[@petekutheis3822]

Cant wait til PMC review!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Can't wait to get them!

[@jeromejax8675]

Thank you Thomas for the long awaited review of the two Focals: the Kanta 2 and Sopra 2. And yes it is your fault that I have the Kanta's now but with No regrets. 😉😉 You mentioned your room dimensions as to why you feel the Sopra 2 produces too much bass and the Kanta 3 would be a better fit than Kanta 2? But the Kanta 3's have 8" woofers wouldnt that be too much too? My music room is 20x16x8 opening up to the kitchen which is another 23x20.. The Kanta 2's give me everything I want. And.....from your sound Demo, the Kanta 2's have more clear detailed sound quality in the mids and hi's than the Sopra 2 with enough bass I can live with. Thanks again for your videos keep them coming, MR. Kanta from NY. 😁

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I remember you got the Kanta 2 a while ago. I would guess even if they have 8 inch woofers the Kanta 3, the nature of the flax cone compared to the regular Focal woofers is that they produce less visceral bass. So they go for speed instead of weight. Yes, it's normal in the sound demo the Kanta 2 sounds more clear as I mentioned, the midrange has more texture and when there is 'less bass', the top end shines more.

[@Gerryinthewoods]

Good info and questions. I was thinking the same. Thanks Jerome.

[@slidetek]

I just got some Kanta 2's a few weeks ago after I _was_ buying some Electra 1028be's for my new place. I have them in a "great room" that's approx 30 x 20 (fam + kitch) that extends further as it opens to other rooms, staircase, entry etc. with a 20' ceiling. Hardwood over slab floors (a first for me). I'd originally planned to set up the 2 channel in the living room, which is 12x16ish, opens into entry and dining so 60% larger. But I felt it was the more easily tamed room of the 2 as far as acoustic treatments. Honestly, I can't imagine a larger speaker. The bass is ridiculous, almost shocking at times. But never in-your-face. Just sudden "holy $%@&!" I'm so glad I didn't set up in the living, because they'd be way too much. I really wanted the W drivers originally, feeling the flax was a step down to move to mass production. I've totally changed my mind.

[@jeromejax8675]

@@slidetek I too was in the same boat. I thought to myself also the Kanta's should have had the W cone with the 7 in woofers. But to my surprise, the Kanta's have some Thump to them with the 6.5" Flax cone also dependent on the song played. I think once I get the sub(s) I want, it will be game over. Note, the electronics you pair them with also matters. I would also try the Gaia II IsoAcoustics treatments for the feet of your Kanta's too. Believe me they make a Big difference in Bass output and SQ of your speakers. You will be very happy. Happy Listening! 😊

[@Gerryinthewoods]

@Jerome Jax I was all pumped up for the Kanta 2 -same as your beauties...until I see that you’ll be adding a sub. Makes me wonder if I now need a Kanta 3 or Sopra in my 20x20x10 room. I definitely want some low end, but it can be punchy and fast and doesn’t need to shake my walls. Love your setup.

[@CriPPleR_HD]

My journey ended with Focal 1027be and McIntosh gear. Have not felt like I am missing anything to chase. Ignorance is bliss! 😁

[@NiSHAN256]

I want to share this quote from Mike Moffat, the co-founder of Schiit. "Human hearing seems to be more integrative than differential, so those small differences between components may be magnified over time, and therefore seem larger and more important than during rapid switching." That was said to the electronics differences during a fully blind testing at Schiit HQ. Listening to the small differences in a test is not like living with the small differences. Same goes with speakers from different tiers. If you have time I highly recommend reading the chapter 3 from Jason Stoddard blog called Lighted by the Blind.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, that sounds interesting. Thanks, I should check it out.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I have the Aria 926 and a Focal sub. They have a smooth sound and sound great. Seriously though most of us can't afford or even want to spend 10k for speakers. I have the beryllium tweeters in my Focal Twins in my recording studio. I like them better but the Aria are still great.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

The Aria 926 opened up after playing them for a while. As the bass has a more solid solid that I decided to remove the Focal sub and put it back in my recording studio with the Focal Twins. I use the sub just for playback and not mixing. as for mixing the Twins are great. But when you playback music and you want to feel it more, the sub helps. Oh my home stereo NAD preamp, I put the bass on +1 on the EQ just to add a little more bass. Its perfect.

[@russellreising4294]

Fantastic review video. I am curious about how you feel about Martin Logan Summit X electrostatics. I absolutely have loved the lower priced Focals I've had, but I now have the Martin Logans. I love them with my Simaudio Moon integrated amp and DAC. I'm not sure I have the itch again, but I'd really appreciate any remarks you might have abou the two different speakers. Keep up the good work.

[@mattil.3678]

Hi Thomas, interesting video and comparisons with the 1028 upgrade. I was wondering if you may have an opinion or comparison of the 1038be vs a Kanata 2. Or Sopra. Best regards

[@jcslone1]

Hey Thomas, just came across this video and your channel and I am most thankful someone (you!) compared the Kanta and Sopra...I've been in love with the Sopra ever since I first saw them (and I haven't even heard them yet!), and the used market price is rather good (seen them go for as low as $8k USD)...I saw you had the 836v, and I'm curious if you've heard the 706v (had mine since late 2009, and even repainted the cabinets recently) as well as what amp pairings you recommend for the Focals. Right now I run a Pio Elite VSX-44 AVR (I got it for $43, bargain!) and I also have a Yamaha RX-V465 AVR that I had purchased back in 2009 with my Focals, and a Velodyne DLS-3500R active sub (no room treatment done yet unfortunately).

[@piker3000]

Strange experience... watching this vid late night on my headphones and was startled at the vocals at 5:50 over my left shoulder...which is where my main 2 channel setup is. The sound came from outside the cans (semi open back) ... had to jump to check if they were on to avoid waking the kids .. but the song is in your video!

[@ethr95awd]

i really liked that forward kanta sound better in the demo - the sopra was super laid back

[@cyberathlete]

I preferred the laid back sound of the Sopra No. 2 for a change

[@datka3]

I’ve enjoyed Sopra 2a in my system over the year what a beautiful built sexy red speaker, this was my first hi end one after klipsch Rf7 iii , went with Martin Logans ESL 15a and its amazing for me , cabinet built quality and paint job on Focal was better I think , I just happened to like electorates I guess , for the money sopras are best sold mine for 8k :) I miss it even though I prefer ML sound :)

[@hassannasir90]

you find ESL 15 to be better than sopra no.2? I own ML Summit X so thought to upgrade them to Focal Kanta/Sopra 2. Please advise

[@DevBone42]

Hi Thomas, thanks to you I've kinda gotten obsessed over getting some Focal speakers. I found some demoed Kanta No.3's for

[@DevBone42]

about the same price as the Sopra No2's. What's your opinion

[@ThomasAndStereo]

The key to the decision for me will be the room and the kind of bass you want. If you room is too small, then the Sopra 2 is a no.

[@stevenwilder1869]

I had the sopra 2 like them but up graded to Focal Maestro's and wow the last speakers ill ever need. Each 256 pounds of pure enjoyment.

[@kennigt]

Had Sopra no2. Good, punchy kick bass, but not too much at the bottom in my 20m2 (open a bit at the back) . Very fast tweeter. For small rooms I have to recommend Isoacoustic feets or Towhsend Podiums. Latter works well in my room, bass boom is gone with bigger speakers than soprano2.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, my friends have those, it does tighten up the bass.

[@IanHolmes]

I greatly appreciate the video. I am sitting here listening to a pair of 826s and really appreciate the commentary on the detail that is found in the upgrade to better speakers. I also happen to be running a pair of JL e12 subs beside them, all off my Cambridge audio evo150. I suspect that the Kanta 2 or 3 is probably the move for me if I have the base covered by the subs? Not to mention the fact that the choral would also demand more power than my Evo would likely deliver. But what is this about the power conditioning??

[@Granyala]

Man, I envy people that can afford these kind of setups and have a house to take advantage of them. Oh well, I will continue to enjoy my Aria 906 in my tiny 16m² apartment and leave the rest to my Focal Clear. Nice video though!

[@donjohnson3701]

Sometimes after watching equipment reviews I get the bug to lust after a new speaker or amp, but, I just remember Thomas saying “good enough”! Yes, good enough, reminds me that there is always something classier or edgier but what I have is good enough for me. So, I go back to listening to my vintage Heresy’s and Marantz 2275. But, those Focals still look good.

[@nc3419]

Something special about those W drivers. In spite of the AlMg (non Poron) tweeter, my hearing cuts off after 13K Hz and while it can be a bit hot depending on recording, I generally like its' detail, texture, resolution and airiness knowing there is better at a higher price, much higher most likely. My 807W is a big standmount and I've tried to find a smaller replacement that sounds close or at least gives me that emotional high/foot tapping, etc when listening. Tried many under a grand. Considered Triangle Borea 2/3 given the reviews, Monitor Audio Silver 100s on sale now (these might demand more power), even the Golden Ear BRX among others. The synergy of the 807W with its' sensitivity along with a low powered Keces E40 is near perfect for me which makes finding a smaller replacement all the more difficult. Probably the best budget choice are the Borea series. I also found that better resolution such as the Quad S2s I tried lacked the life I was looking for with music, it was good with soundtracks/movies because of the detail but missing alot of what I like for music. The Focal 807W series are really a general, all purpose speaker that's hard to outright beat, let alone match, among many speakers particularly if a more forward sounding speaker is your thing. It's no Harbeth but then again, it can do a few things maybe a Harbeth would struggle with. I also have a Triangle Plasir Zeta (like the Color series) which sound great for their price and being a budget design. I think the fit and finish is a bit better than the Borea series and it has a generally smooth sounding titanium tweeter (which can still show some glare with sibilant passages). If the Borea are a step up, they could work, but given they use a silkdome may not be as airy, wispy with the highs. Some silk domes while detailed show that detail with a heavier emphasis rather than the lighter, wispier metal drivers, in my experience. Perhaps they would have less glare though. Give and take perhaps? While the Zetas lack the texture, dynamics, resolution and detail of the Focals , they aren't so far behind to make them unlistenable. They do alot really well but the Focals give some magic such as wrapping the sound around you at times, more so than the budget designs, some of which just cannot at all. I have Cambridge Minx XLs also and like them for their discounted price-performance. Probably among best speakers around $200 give or take, IMO for a silkdome. Lack the glare you can get with metal drivers but also lack the detail and texure but are easy to drive and can play loud enough. Resolution is at least as good and IMO a small step up from the Zetas, so would make a nice desktop or bedroom speaker. Both the Zetas and Minx XLs work better nearfield. Midfield you lose just a bit, not bad though for their capabilities. If I only listened to the Zetas, I'd adjust and find many recordings enjoyable. but with alot of smaller, budget speakers, you notice big differences in how they handle poorly recorded and/or busy passages. They tend to get hashy while the Focals handle it deftly and minimize problems. If the recording is really bad, they will show it. So many reasons it's so difficult to just outright sell them. Though something between 12 to 14 inches would look a tidier as long as it still produces a nicely sized and accurate soundstage within a budget. I could go higher in price but the choices are still a fairly large standmount 14-15 inches+ and over $2K in price. How much better would I get at the lower SPLs I listen may or may not be worthwhile, but considering the options. For harder to drive options, I do have a Hegel which I could keep, but as one gets older, one perhaps wants lighter and smaller so may sell depending on my speaker decision. System synergy definitely has to be considered. Also, speakers that don't provide good SQ at lower volumes are out. If I really wanted to throw money in the game, I'd get a speaker pair $2K above and perhaps a Benchmark ahb2 (13 lbs) or a Keces S300 (under 30lbs) with a higher end dac with a decent pre section. My Topping D70S may suffice but, if you make that jump to the next level, you don't want any serious bottlnecks. Then there's cables and all. BTW, the D70S and the H160 dac are on par as to level with the D70S being a bit fuller sounding while the internal dac of the H160 is a bit more resolving, with a bit more separation and not as full sounding. I can prefer one over the other depending on music. Both are enjoyable. Could I be happy/satisifed with good enough SQ and even stand pat? Perhaps. Chasing after a unicorn you may end up riding alot of horses. Yea it's fun, but frustrating at the same time. If I stand pat, I'm pretty happy/satisifed with the only caveat being the size of the speakers, maybe wanting a little more of this and less of that sort of thing. Knowing that more expensive gear would add "perhaps" a bit better here and there but could also take away from something I currently like given my listening preferences causes me hesitation. Maybe I'm just talking myself into ending my search. I'm sure I am not the only one going through this. Ah the hours wilted away on reviews...

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for writing a nice long comment.

[@RennieAsh]

I've had ponies, donkeys and boars too. Maybe a llama and an alpaca.

[@MrBonger88]

I like that the Sopra is front ported. Makes placement So much easier.

[@sergeysmelnik]

Porting direction has no affect on placement as per Genelec.

[@MrBonger88]

Sergey Melnik Tell that to REW in my room. I have to have speakers very close to both front corners. Every rear ported speaker I’ve tried in my room turns into a boom box in the corners. Maybe in an ideal situation there is no difference

[@sergeysmelnik]

@@MrBonger88 unless you have the same exact speaker built twice with on having ports one way and the other having ports the other way. You can't use two different speakers as an example.

[@MrBonger88]

Sergey Melnik obviously. All I’m saying is is that of the dozens of speakers I’ve had in the past , I’ve had less problems with placement of front ported (and sealed) models

[@frankdeangelis1211]

Thomas Rocks!

[@Telemed911]

As a scientist and physician, I am grateful to you for suggesting support of "Médecins Sans Frontières." A great organization - there even was a popular song with a play on their name by Peter Gabriel back in the day called "Games without Frontiers." I like my Wilson Audio Sasha DAW speakers better than the Focals...

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, I need to try Wilson one day.

[@kirkvandixon]

Thomas, very good channel. I have a two-channel vinyl room that is 140 square feet. I want to swap out my Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Baby Grands with the Focal Kanta 2 speakers. I have two PrimaLuna EVO 300 amps and I use them as mono blocks. Do you think the Kanta's will be a good fit in my room? I hear that they mate well with tube amps. I also have two Rel S/510 subs to even out the low and mid range frequencies. Thanks for your assistance.

[@MrCuzziebronz]

Hi Thomas - Subscribed, great informative video. I just looked at a pair of the Kanta 2 with the Naim Nova yesterday and the Music sounded fantastic! Do you think these would be ok as the main speakers in a home theater environment also?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes because I find them really dynamic.