I am a Sonus Faber fan but getting big volume out of the smaller ones is just not possible as it is with the other speakers on your list. Visit Music Direct and look at the various JBL models. The Klipsch classic line also has speakers that are dynamic, efficient and decent sounding. I think the Cornwall is a great speaker for the money. If you want to rock these are the speakers you want to look at. Way more dBs per dollar and they will save you a lot of money on amplifiers.
Budget floorstanders - Sonus Faber vs. Revel vs. Focal
I am moving on from the vintage speakers I've been playing with over the past 10 years (ADS L1230, Ohm Walsh 4, Klipsch Forte, Snell Type A) and want a smaller footprint, new speaker. I had narrowed down to the following:
Sonus Faber Venere 2.5
Dynaudio X34
Focal Chorus 726
Revel F35/F36
My room is rather large (20x30x9), half living room, half dining room, so I need to move a good bit of air. I tried the Dynaudio X34's and they felt a little "small." My gear is a Mcintosh C39 pre and Proceed AMP 5 (125@8ohms, 250@4ohms, has 4 working channels and can use to biamp). I mostly listen to rock/alternative/punk with some jazz and classical and have preferred a warmer sound - I am not as much into detail and pinpoint imaging as I am an energetic, fun, easy-to-listen-to sound. I have been known to turn my system up quite loud and want something that doesn't become unpleasant at volume.
I'd appreciate any opinions from folks who have heard any of the above. Thanks.
Sonus Faber Venere 2.5
Dynaudio X34
Focal Chorus 726
Revel F35/F36
My room is rather large (20x30x9), half living room, half dining room, so I need to move a good bit of air. I tried the Dynaudio X34's and they felt a little "small." My gear is a Mcintosh C39 pre and Proceed AMP 5 (125@8ohms, 250@4ohms, has 4 working channels and can use to biamp). I mostly listen to rock/alternative/punk with some jazz and classical and have preferred a warmer sound - I am not as much into detail and pinpoint imaging as I am an energetic, fun, easy-to-listen-to sound. I have been known to turn my system up quite loud and want something that doesn't become unpleasant at volume.
I'd appreciate any opinions from folks who have heard any of the above. Thanks.