Speakers sonically similar to Sonus Faber?


I recently demoed the Sonus Faber Venere line (their cheapest, made in china line) and loved it. It was being powered by inexpensive gear (sonos server source, arcam DAC, some integrated elite pioneer). i liked it much better than much more expensive speakers powered by much more expensive gear.

sadly, even venere 2.5 is still a touch out of my price range. my question: are there other speakers that might be sonically similar for a lower price?

some info that might help:

-the speakers in question use a silk dome tweeter and curv cone drivers
-i liked that they were very smooth and dynamic, and also sounded very good off axis and outside the sweet spot
-my listening rooms are not big. 14x17 ish
-my sources are 100% digital
-bookshelf/monitor or floor standing are both fine, just nothing too big

these are some that i've read might be a good fit, but might be hard for me to demo before hand: harbeth P3ESR, KEF LS50, sjofne clue, totem-mani 2

thanks for any suggestions!
tenken

Showing 1 response by snapoli2

Look for a pair of the 3.0 used - love mine. Ive owned a decent amount of speakers and although the fabers lack a wee bit of bass it makes up for it in non-fatigueing sound and warm detailed demeanor. On the flip side I also own a pair of the Venere S (the flagship venere) and to be honest, it pains me to say this (especially my wallet), but the 3.0's sound so much better. The Venere S remind me of Klipsh with a very harsh forward front end. Don't bother shopping around - get what you want, your ears arent lying to you - the venere sound wonderful.