Short answer: the Paradigm Persona B. It ranks #77 of 214 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $10,499.98; the Focal Sopra N°1 ranks #88, rated 4.0/5, and costs $12,998, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the Paradigm Persona B does well: The standmount of the Paradigm Persona 3F family, with a 1” beryllium dome tweeter and a 7” beryllium mid/bass driver, rated from 60Hz to 45kHz (±2dB on axis). Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Why pick the Focal Sopra N°1: A high-end two-way stand-mount with a 6.5” W sandwich cone woofer and a 1” beryllium inverted dome tweeter, with Focal’s TMD surround and NIC motor. Watch for: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and the Focal Theva N°1.
Buy the Paradigm Persona B. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Focal Sopra N°1 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Paradigm Persona B 3.7 to 4.5; Focal Sopra N°1 3.6 to 4.4). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Paradigm Persona B | Focal Sopra N°1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,499.98 per pair | $12,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #77 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #88 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Drivers | 1x 1” beryllium dome tweeter, 1x 7” beryllium mid/bass driver | 6.5” W sandwich cone woofer, 1” (25mm) beryllium inverted dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 92dB room / 89dB anechoic (manufacturer specified) | 89dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms compatible (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 45kHz (±2dB on-axis, manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-40kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 17.1”H x 8.9”W x 13”D (435 x 225 x 330 mm) | 16.7”H x 11”W x 15.6”D (425 x 279 x 397 mm) |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) each |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 45Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Paradigm Persona B:
- Paradigm Persona B vs Yamaha NS-800A
- Paradigm Persona B vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Arendal Sound 1528 Bookshelf 8 vs Focal Sopra N°1
- Focal Sopra N°1 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Focal Sopra N°1 vs Yamaha NS-800A
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Paradigm Persona B: $10,499.98 per pair Estimated Paradigm eBay
Same family: the Paradigm Persona 3F (smallest floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Paradigm Persona 5F (floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5), the Paradigm Persona 7F (floorstanding, estimated 4.4/5), the Paradigm Persona 9H (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.4/5), the Paradigm Persona C (center, estimated 4.2/5) and the Paradigm Persona SUB (subwoofer, estimated 4.2/5).
Pros: The standmount of the Paradigm Persona 3F family, with a 1” beryllium dome tweeter and a 7” beryllium mid/bass driver, rated from 60Hz to 45kHz (±2dB on axis).
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Bass is limited compared with the Persona towers, so a subwoofer helps for full range listening.
Full Paradigm Persona B review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 17.1”H x 8.9”W x 13”D (435 x 225 x 330 mm) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1x 1” beryllium dome tweeter, 1x 7” beryllium mid/bass driver |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 45kHz (±2dB on-axis, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms compatible (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB room / 89dB anechoic (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Sopra N°1: $12,998 per pair Estimated Focal eBay
Same family: the Focal Sopra N°2 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.1/5), the Focal Sopra N°3 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.1/5) and the Focal Sopra Center (center, estimated 3.9/5).
Pros: A high-end two-way stand-mount with a 6.5” W sandwich cone woofer and a 1” beryllium inverted dome tweeter, with Focal’s TMD surround and NIC motor. Sensitivity is 89dB, and Focal rates the bass to 45Hz (±3dB).
Cons: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and the Focal Theva N°1. Impedance dips to 3.9 ohms.
Full Focal Sopra N°1 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 16.7”H x 11”W x 15.6”D (425 x 279 x 397 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” W sandwich cone woofer, 1” (25mm) beryllium inverted dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons