Focal Sopra Speaker Line: No. 1 and No. 2: 3Q 2015 Featured Product

Featured Product: Focal Sopra Speaker Line: No. 1 and No. 2

Our featured product this quarter is one that has been very highly anticipated since it’s announcement at the Munich show this year. Within hours of delivery the new Focal Sopra line of loudspeakers had already begun fully delivering on that promise in spades. Now fully broken in, our Focal Sopra No. 1 and No. 2 speakers continue to amaze every listener that has heard them. We’ve been huge fans of the Focal Utopia III speaker line we carry (as well as all of our other Focal speakers), but there was always a gap between the Focal Electra line and the Utopia line. Both in price and size.

We have no intention bringing back the 80s, but this is probably some of the best trickle down we’ve ever heard! The Sopra line is a direct descendent of the mighty Utopia III line, borrowing the Utopia’s highly touted Beryllium tweeter and patented “W” sandwich cone technology, as well as the sophisticated product design looks. The Sopras’ look is even sleeker, with race car lines and that signature forward tilting top section and metal “Infinite horn loading’ tweeter back metal enclosure. These speakers leave a lasting impression both visually and sonically. Sopra is Italian for “above” or “over”, truly they are something special. The Focal Sopra No. 1 is a stand mounted speaker coming in at 16 47/64” H with a 6.5” driver and the same beryllium tweeter as the No. 2. They again have much of the same trickle down technology of their larger Utopia III brothers. For those with smaller spaces and preferences towards more traditional 2 way stand mounted speakers, look no further. Pair these with one of our highly praised JL Audio Fathom or eSubs for full range, or go with the amazing bass response they provide on their own.

The Focal Sopra No. 2 speakers visually and sonically command your full attention in the room. Both speakers come in the more conservative walnut woodgrain, gloss black or gloss white, or if you’re feeling a little more spicy, spring for the red or bright orange ones that won’t be quickly forgotten. And while not small by any means, if you’ve been lusting after one of the Utopia speakers but have had concerns about the best fit for your space, the Sopras will fit in well into even the most realistic sized rooms.

These are probably one of Focals best design efforts to date. With involving sound, precise stereo imaging and sound staging bordering on the magical. These speakers don’t lob gimmick ‘Hi-fi’ at you, they instead pull you right into the music and help you forget about the speakers themselves. You’ll find that you’re listening through them, not just to them. Getting you in a direct and involved connection with your music. All four drivers perform coherently together, reproducing the complete audio band, with seamless transitions between drivers. While certainly not cheap, considering it’s direct heritage and amazing performance, these aren’t just a great speaker at this price, it’s a great speaker period… at any price.

Voiced neutrally, never overstating anything. It has a natural midrange with great presence and body, without losing even one ounce of resolution. Bass is clear, accurate, full and deep. Deeper and fuller than the supposed ‘competition’ at this price and beyond, you’ll soon forget about the hifi magazine’s favorite ‘darlings’ they always tout. The Sopras play deeper and fuller with more detail, and at a much lower price.

Focal’s award winning in-house R&D, ‘Made in France’ build quality, trickle down tech, and custom cabinets sourced from their locally owned own cabinet shop make for some of the most well thought out and built speakers on the market. You’ll never ‘want’ for another speaker in your life.

You can read all of the specs for the Sopra No. 1 here. The Sopra No. 2 here.

You can read some of the early reviews starting to flow in here, here, and here (pdf).

We can’t wait to show these beauties off to you! Come in for an audition today!