audiocroissant
100+ Head-Fier
What surprised me in your elaboration is that SoIP out punches Utopia as Focals are known for their dynamic "punch and slam". Otherwise, I expected SoIP to be superior in soundstage, separation and bass. What you described sounds like a significant step-up!in reference to the album I posted, the most stark difference is the ease in which the SolP portrays the soundstage, width, height, and most notably the space in between instruments/elements and the singer. the album has songs with passages that can get quite busy and complex, and switching between the SolP and the Utopia, it quickly becomes apparent how much better the SolP handles those passages.
I find the SolP bass really very good (even with the ultra wide pads) in terms of speed, detail and punch. I'd say it out punches the utopia, and approaches the TC. with the ultra wide pads, there is definitely less bloom and slightly less extension than with the stock pads, but it is much tightened and easier to make out details.
vocals are even more pinpoint, strong and crisp than the Utopia. however, the vocals are also more forward placed than the Utopia, which some may not prefer.
Lol.. I hope I'm not setting u up for disappointment. fingers crossed it is to your liking.
Hope to be able to hear both soon.