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Looking for alternative to Sonus Fabers

I own a pair of Sonus Faber Concertinos. These are nice little speakers with a beautiful voice, but once in awhile I crave something that sounds a little different. I wish I could be more specific than that, but I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. Basically, I'm looking for suggestions on a second set of speakers I could have on hand for my changing moods.

I want to limit the search to monitors or small floor standers in the $500-$1500 USED price range. I'm considering ProAc Response One SCs, Totem Model Ones, Vienna Acoustic Haydns and Bachs. IF anyone has heard these or had the chance to compare them to the SFs, I'd be interested to hear your opinions. Any other suggestions for other models are welcome too.

My system currently consists of a Sim Audio Moon I-5 integrated, Musical Fidelity E60 CD player and NHT SW3P subwoofer. I also have a Bel Canto DAC 1.1 on the way. I mostly listen to female vocals, acoustic guitar and piano, and to a lesser degree classical compositions, Rock and R&B.

Thanks for your help.
gunbei

Showing 3 responses by avkmusic

avkmusic
12 posts
 
How about Sonus Faber Grand Pianos??? I still own Grand Pianos (but now listen to another brand another model much more expensive) and do not sell them because I like them too much.

To my ears, the Grand Pianos sound more clear and are more pleasing to me than the Concertino. They are also not as lush as the Amati (though they do not pretend to go down to 20hz) and I like that about them. I auditioned the Meadowlark Kestrel and, per my ears, I prefer the Grand Pianos. I have not auditioned the Grand Piano HOME so cannot express an opinion as to those. I have seen the Grand Pianos on Audiogon for around $1500 to 2000.
avkmusic
12 posts
 
I am not sure of the power requirements of the Concertino relative to the Grand Piano. For the Grand Piano I first used a Densen Beat B-100 (I think 100 watts) and that was not enough power. I switched to an ARC VT-100 MkII and never thought I lacked power, though I probably could have used more. However, the VT100MkII and the Grand Piano sounded pretty good together. I did not use any other amps with the Grand Piano. The Grand Piano sounded more true in the upper mass and lower midrange.

One caveat is that I did not do a side by side comparison with these speakers in the same room with same electronics but in different rooms and with different electronics.

One other caveat on the Grand Piano is I have only used them with the stone isolation bases. I never used them without the bases but would not be surprised if the bases materially improve the sound.

Hope this helps.
avkmusic
12 posts
 
In my post I meant to say the Grand Piano sounded more true than the Meadowlark Kestrel in the upper bass and lower midrange. The caveat I expressed was regarding my comparison of the Grand Piano to the Kestrel.

Sorry for the disjointed posts.
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