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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
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
I've heard the Venere 2.5 and 3.0 in one system, and the Liuto in another, compared against VA Beethoven Baby Grand.

The Veneres struck me as engineered for the mass market: impressive and ear-catching over the first 15 seconds of listening, but not for the long haul (too "Technicolor" a sound, the same way color and saturation is adjusted to the max for display in shops). The Liuto is in a different league, far superior. If you're considering the Liuto don't give the Veneres a second thought.

I listened to them carefully against the VA Baby Grands. The Liutos go deeper, but ultimately I preferred the treble presentation and overall integration of the Baby Grands. But it was a fairly close-run thing.

Gifted Listener has a pair of demo Liutos at a decent price. They also come up here used at very attractive prices (there was a set in Midlothian not so long ago). At Gifted (Centreville) you can audition them against the VA, some Thiels, Linn, etc., but start with the VAs.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Twoleftears, couldn't agree more on the Veneres, a dismal speaker.
snapoli2
97 posts
 
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. 
bassdude
455 posts
 
Though they might be a bit too transparent, clear and detailed for your preference, the WaveTouch Audio Grand Tetons are about "as good as it gets" at any price / style of speaker.

Many are selling their high priced / high-end, brand named speakers for the Grand Tetons - because of there superlative sound, expecially for their paltry price.  

While I've got several superb speakers, which would dazzle anyone - the Grand Tetons rival / exceed them all.  

If you don't mind their "look" - you will be amazed at their incredible sound - which I find better than the Harbeths (any size) or the LS50's.  Of course, you could always have them refinished to your taste.
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