Focal Sopra No.2

[David A]

New 130 Pro through already existing Sopra 2, I am using SAM at the moment to 100% but after getting used to the kit (first playback today and running the TQ set up disc) this may change.

Has anyone found the higher frequencies a little too much so far?

Also has anyone found their preferred sweet spot for speaker cable, I am using NACA5 which isn't a good fit I feel for this set up.

I'm also using a 130 Pro with Sopra 2s which replaced a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.3 SE. It sounds like you're having fun with the amp break in while I had fun with the speaker break in. I did have some issues with brightness with the Dyns when I first got the 130 but that settled with break in and a bit of attention to setup. The Sopra 2s were a bit more of an issue for me, both with highs and lows, because they have a wider frequency response and they load my room differently to the Dyns.

I think the high frequencies are fine with the 130 once you get the setup right. I'd definitely avoid speaker cables with a tendency to brightness and I'm using Kimber Select 3033 which are no longer available but which are very neutral. Other cables in the setup can have an effect too. I kept the cables I was using with the Dyns and haven't tried anything else so I can't offer any suggestions on the cable front though my dealer seems to recommend Tellurium Q Black. I haven't heard them.

My room is acoustically treated and I had to adjust the placement and positioning of every one of my panels and remove a metal topped side table and an aluminium floor standing lamp from the room in order to avoid brightness, even with neutral cables. Playing with the speaker positioning and toe in also helped. If you have a lot of toe in on the Sopras with them pointing directly at you or just behind you I'd try reducing the amount of toe in a bit. In the end I ended up with a very nice top end with less tendency to sibilance than I had with the Dyns and sibilance was uncommon with them. If you don't have acoustic treatment you can adjust then you may need to experiment with the tone controls.

I have SAM on but I have the amount set to 0%. I have a smallish room, a bit less than 30 sq m, and I get enough support from the room without dialling in extra extension though I think the phase correction I get with SAM turned on helps.

Once you get things settled in and tuned to your satisfaction the 130 and Sopra 2s is a very nice combination in my view.