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Which bookshelf speakers to choose: Focal Sopra 1 or B&W 805D3 or KEF Ref 1?

I'm in the market to upgrade my 2.1 system that is currently composed of Monitor Audio Gold GX 100 bookshelf speakers powered by a Hegel Rost Integrated and backed up by a Rel T/5i sub.

I've been exploring the B&W 805D3 but cannot find a KEF dealer in Denver, CO.  Shame on you KEF.  

Everyone I spoke to said I owe it to myself to listen to the Focal Sopra No 1 before making my decision.

Any thoughts on which direction to go here?
gtlatsis
mdelrossi1
65 posts
 
Looking forward to your impressions. I’ve got the Focal 1008be2, an after hearing the KEF LS50W I’m looking to hear the R3 and the Ref1.

t66supra
3 posts
 
Of the speakers you listed, the Focal Sopra 1 are my favorites. I’ve heard them multiple times and liked what I heard.  I have auditioned all of them, including at the same place with the same front end.
gtlatsis OP
3 posts
 
Wow t66supra - the opportunity to audition all three at the same place sounds like a rare chance.

Thank you for your input.
dweller's avatar
dweller
2,152 posts
 
I own B&W 804D3s which have one of the top five tweeters I’ve heard. Probably cant go wrong with the 805s. If these will be on your desk, or very close, I'd use the KEFs with their Uni-Q driver.
mental
1,029 posts
 
I've always been a B&W kind of guy, their latest technology is even better than previous models. I've briefly owned Focal, and auditioned KEF and my preference was always B&W. I'm biased I guess.
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