Sonus Faber speakers

@aniwolfe  No haha!!!

I heard the Sonettos a few weeks ago. Matter of fact I listened to them first,  the Olympica Nova 3 and then Cremonese at 55k. I mean you have to listen to the big boys right lol. Anyway,  I looked at the salesman after listening to all 3 and said the Sonettas sound "anemic" in comparison to the O3 and Cremonese.  While they are nice at $5k, they are no where near as attractive performance wise to the Olympica Nova.  It was very obvious the Nova was in another league. 

You brought up a good point. The amplification was midfi and better quality would really bring out the differences between the models. 

I ended up purchasing the Olympica iii at a much cheaper price than the Nova 3 because there isn't THAT much difference.  Yes the Olympica 3 needs some current to sound their best but they sound wonderful with my Audio Research ref110.  George does bring up a good point. They dip down briefly to 2 ohms so good amplification is needed to bring out their best.  

Mrklas there isn't much difference between the Olympica and Olympica Nova sonically.  There is a good video on YouTube that compares both.  

@mrklasYes I am sharing my experience listening to both models and in addition there is a video on YouTube that a dealer explains the difference in the Olympica 3 and Olympica Nova 3.  Very good video. 

Good point mrklas about the construction. Looks like the top and the bottom of the cabinet are more rigid now so that could help with the speed or accuracy of the drivers. That is from my research and what I have seen 1st hand the main difference between the older and newer models.  The Nova series overall are quicker and have more "attack". 

Oh WOW I would love to have the Nova 5.  Congratulations with that purchase. What amp are you using?

Nice setup. Does the MC302 drive them well? Appears you have plenty of warmth. 

I did have an ARC Ref 110 but I sold it recently and picked up a Ref 150 however, I had to send it back due to a few issues with the amp. Now I am searching again. Shortlist is a Pass Labs solid state and possibly another ARC but I think the Olympica's need good solid state power to overcome the 80-120Hz range impedance dip. 

@mrklas. Audio Research and Sonus Faber do match up very well. 

You're room is quite large so not sure the XA25 can handle that much space. Also depends on your listening levels.  

What size is your room?  Given those choices I would pick the XA25.