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Speaker Asylum General speaker questions for audio and home theater. |
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Speaker Asylum General speaker questions for audio and home theater. |
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A few weeks ago I had an opportunity to audition the Golden Ear Triton 1 ($5,000/pr) and the new Focal Sopra No. 3. (14,000/pr.) in a good listening room and driven by fine ancillary components. It was interesting that there were a more differences than might be expected given the speaker designs.The powered woofers and somewhat greater total radiating area of the low frequency drivers in the Triton 1 allow greater flexibility in positioning than the Focal, but didn't give the speaker much of an edge in bass impact or extention. Both were reasonably clean and reached low enough for most music in medium-size rooms, but neither were really capable of full range reproduction at realistic levels. Overall, I had no real preference between the two and would try to supplement either with a quality subwoofer system.
The midrange was a strength for the Focal. Strings and vocalists were well reproduced and demonstrated the "effortless" character that draws the listener into a performance. Imaging was natural and focused. The Triton did a good job with much of the material, but added a bit of chestiness to male vocalists. Tthe soundstage was also less stable and somewhat narrower. The Focal wins this round.
The treble is tougher to compare given the pleated (AMT) driver in the Triton and beryllium dome tweeter in the Focal. The dispersion patterns seemed significantly different. The Focal holds up better horizontally with the Triton fairing better vertically. Cymbals, female vocalists and the"leading edge" of brass and strings were very close in quality. At high levels, the Triton became a tad harsher and unsettled, but there really is no clear winner to be had here.
Build quality and cosmetics are important factors to many listeners, as is cost. The Focal Sopra No. 3 is beautifully crafted and clearly designed for the discerning audiophile. It also costs nearly three times as much as the handsome and well-engineered Triton 1. Both are worthy of an audition and thoughtful consideration by any audiophile searching for fine sound.
Edits: 06/19/16
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Topic - Golden Ear Triton and Focal Sopra No. 3 - rkeman 20:41:57 06/18/16 (2)
- RE: Golden Ear Triton and Focal Sopra No. 3 - ecl876 15:25:55 06/19/16 (0)
- Very nice report - thank you - airtime 07:29:03 06/19/16 (0)
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