Focal Scala Utopia V1 vs Competition in 2017

The Sopra uses a midrange with a tuned mass damper in the surround and the Utopia EVO series has incorporated the same driver. For $10k though, you’re not buying Sopras No.2 or No.3. That’s more like the price of the Electra 1038Be and I’d say the Utopia Scala V1 would be a superior speaker.

I think it is better value than anything from Wilson or B&W at that price. Similar type sound but as I recall I think they image extremely well.

The bass driver was updated in later models - you may be able to do that too.

I am happy to hear that it is possibly a good deal. Anybody who compared Sopra to Utopia or otherwise ? 

I haven't heard the Sopras, but had the Focal Scala V1 from release until recently.  From the reports that I have read, I have not seen a single person prefer the Sopra 3 to the Scala. 

Note that the only difference between Scala V1 and V2 is a tuning of the bass (the V1 cannot be upgraded to V2 as there are physical differences between the units). 

One small point of caution on the Scalas is that the tweeter is slightly hot and not kind to sibilant recordings.  To the extent that you have tube gear, less revealing components/cables, slight loss of hearing in high frequencies or are generally not bothered by a slightly hot top end, I would be surprised if you can find a better speaker for the price being offered.