Focal Scala Utopia V1 vs Competition in 2017

I've not tried Transparent, though the store I bought them from raved about them with TA Reference XL.
My buddy has Gryphon Diablo 300 and Audio Physic Avantera III and the step from Morrow SP7 speaker cables to Transparent Reference XL was gigantic - component level change.  You could literally hear that now the amp and speaker were doing what they could.
I'm waiting to try them in mine but suspect they'll be good though very $$$
I think the Lessloss C Marc could be the price winner - maybe Cerious Graphne Matrix would be an alternative in the under $10k range.

Scala Utopia V1  for 10k is a good value if it is in mint condition functionally although there could be some dent.

It is worthwhile to go for it.

@leeagc did you try them with Transparent Gen5 Ultra or any other Transparent? I've heard that Focal use Transparent in internal testing

Hey Emerald,
Now that you had those Scala's for a few months, what are your thoughts up to now? Pros, Cons, Interested to hear what you think.

I was in the business and have field experience with these speakers. 

The V1 can't be updated to the V2, say Focal. Regardless. Utopia 3 is a very good range. Proper placement and equipment matching will yield results that stand the test of time. 

The Sopra is strictly for audiophile material only. You can imagine the buying demographic. 

@emerald 

Congrats on the speakers.  

There's really no way to tell what cables will work best with a particular setup.  Best option is to work with your local dealers or set up an account with the Cable Co and try out various brands until you find the one that makes you happy. 

Its not boxing its what you like only you can pick.

Congrats on your new Scalas, I originally compared V2's to Sopra 2 and massively preferred the Scala.

I have a Devialet driving a pair of Focal Utopia Diablo's and having tried a large range of speaker cables found the Analysis Plus Solo Crystal 8 to be the best.  Nordost were awful.  The enormous differences in cables I've heard lead me to beleive there are better but the cost will jump significantly!  On the 'to try' list is Lessloss C-Marc, Siltech, Crystal and Elrod.  All double or quadruple the AP prices.

I'm using the latest version of ROON with AIR built-in and have found direct over wifi to sound best.

purchase is done. 

In my system, my cables, my power and my room acoustics. I am an extremely happy owner for the next 5 years. All I would care about now is to find a well matched speaker cables that bests my Audioquest Meteor. 

Looking at Siltech Prince at this point. 

Go for it then.  Price is fair and it's an excellent speaker.

@bar81 thanks for the advice. However, my setup is too revealing as well. I am using Mac mini > AQ diamond usb > Devialet 250 > AQ meteor > speakers

The whole chain is connected with silver cables. Devialet is considered neutral and reveals the micro details with a SAM software to perfect the base response. 

It might be too hot combo but I kind of like it. 

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.

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

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.

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.