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Kanta No.1 vs Olympica Nova 1?

I've been considering a pair to complement my Revel speakers.

Since the Revel's are neutral originally I was going Kanta as Focal has a brighter sound and seemed like a good complement.

The issue then became after I heard Sonus Faber's Lumina V's. While they don't have the detail or imaging of say Revel F226Be, they have a certain smoothness that the Revel's lack. The Olympica Nova 1 would likely have more detail and better imaging (nobody near my can demo these for me).

As a result I'm torn here.

On one hand there is a price difference, Kanta No.1 is around $6000 for a pair of them refurbished, while Olympica Nova 1 is around $7500 new, and $6900 open box.

The last thing to mention is I can obtain a pair of older Olympica III for $7500 or Olympica II for $6000.

In terms of appearance Focal and Sonus Faber are far better looking than Revel's 1990s budget speaker look IMO.

At this point my main concern is detail and a good complement to the Revel F226Be and M105.

Focal Kanta No.2 are $8400 for a pair refurbished.

Thank you!
 

128x128archerious
james633
888 posts
 

have demoed the Olympica III and Nova 3 a few times. I own the Revel 228be and use subs which is important I think. 
 

The short version is I think the Revels are a better speaker. 
 

The long version… the Sonus Fabers have a slight dip in the upper mids. 2-3 db in the 2-3k range but I think the highs are a bit more tipped up at 10k compared to the revels. The Sonus Fabers also have a bit rounder bass with a bit of upper bass bloom. 
 

I have not heard the Kanta so I can’t comment but based on their measurements they are a touch bright. Depending on your age (upper hearing) it could be a good or bad thing. 


Personally I would not by focal or Sonus Faber as a second set of speakers to revel. They are both a step down in absolutes and just different. You might like different better though.  If I were going to try something different I would try open baffle or horns for a major change. 

l1975r
28 posts
 

I have heard both in the last two weeks while demo'ing new speakers myself and they both sound really good. However, I prefer the Sonus faber sound myself. That said the fit and finish of the Olympica Nova are light years ahead aesthetically in my tastes and opinion. The Focal Kanta, though sounding awesome, have a big plastic-looking front that cheapens the look; where the Sonus faber Olympica Nova have beautiful woodwork and look like the expensive price you paid for them. That is just my opinion. If you have a more modern look in your room the Focal may be for you. They both sound great though.

Also, in full disclosure, I just bought Sonus faber and will be updating my system here when they arrive.

overthemoon
398 posts
 

You have a wonderful quandary!  Enjoy the process. I am on my third Sonus faber speaker and love them ~ yet there are so many excellent speakers it is hard to not wonder what other options sound like. 
 

 

mrteeves
36 posts
 

Honestly, it would be up to personal preference. I will say for me it would be the Olympia Nova all the way and this is coming from a Kanta 2 owner. SF standmounts sound fantastic!

archerious's avatar
archerious OP
6 posts
 

Thank you all for your replies, especially @overthemoon @mrteeves @l1975r.

I actually managed to find a dealer locally (about 2 hours out), on the weekend I’ll see if I can make it into the city and audition the Olympica Nova.

 

About 30 minutes from Grid there is a store, NAIM Focal, and they offered a Kanta audition, so I will see if I can audition them on the weekend.

 

Been on call at work so fingers crossed this works out.

Thanks again to all that replied.

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