2. speakers
  3. 174139-119931

Thoughts and Advice regarding Sonus Faber speakers

I would like peoples thoughts on the Sonus Faber Sonetto V’s. I’m seriously considering  purchasing them to replace 20 year old Thiel 2.3’s.  I have had the coaxial driver (combo midrange and tweeter) replaced in the Thiel’s by Coherent Source service in Lexington and they did a great job…but to my ear they are still a little to analytical.  Not on all recordings…but some. I really like the mid range and vocal treatment of the Sonetto V’s.  Any thoughts? For $5000.00 would you consider them a high end audio product…or are they more of a home theater speaker  (as they are towers). How good is the company on service and standing behind their products? Some have suggested that since I am after a more relaxed presentation…I look at dynaaudio speakers. Perhaps Evoke 50.
There is a dealer about 3 hours away. Some of my audiophile friends think the Sonetto’s may be a lateral move…that a 5G speaker today is no better than a 3G speaker two decades ago.  They have suggested buying pre-owned Sonus Faber in the 6-7 G range…but that is really above my budget…and I’m not sure about the risk. One more thing….will the Sonetto’s be significantly easier to drive.  My Thiel’s are [email protected] V-1m…impedance is 4 ohms….the Sonetto’s are also 4 ohms but 90db SPL - 2.83 V/1M. My current system  is an Audio Research 100.1 power amp -solid state 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms…200 into 4…Audio Research LS 16 pre-amp (hybrid)…Audio research CD-3, and VPI Scout Jr. Turntable. You can see my dilemma….any advice would be appreciated.
BTW…most dealers to not have the models in stock and the wait time after ordering is 3 months.

gsieg

Showing 1 response by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 

IMHO, it would be a sideways move. You could probably roll your preamp tubes and get a bit more warmth. The Thiels and ss AR amp both are probably a bit on the cool side so what you describe isn't a shock.

Tower speakers don't mean they're for home theater. It means they will have larger or more low frequency drivers and be able to provide lower bass and sometimes deeper and/or better defined bass. 

While Sonus Faber might provide the most beautiful cabinetry and designs, I've seen, each time I tried to convince myself to buy them, alternatives provided me more of the sonics I was seeking at the same or lower pricing. All that Italian woodworking craftsmanship doesn't come cheap. 

You might want to check out GR Research's youtube video where they modify Sonus Veneres. It was pretty interesting and IMHO candid in its commentary. Cheers,

Spencer

More to discover