Looking for thoughts on Sonus Faber speakers

@gsieg I'd listen to anything and everything.

You're spending money that folds - audition, get a home trial or whatever you need to feel confident in your decision.

I'm lucky - I have friends with different systems and a local dealer who carries a variety of speakers.  I've been impressed with Devore Super Nines and other speakers but when I really sit and listen there's certain things I seem to appreciate and other characteristics I don't. 

For example, I've heard Wilson speakers and they sound very good; however, they don't move air as much as my Sonus fabers and its something I associate with part of listening to music.  It's a personal preference.  And therefore Maggies are speakers I find interesting and a unique experience but not a potential speaker for me.  That doesn't mean they aren't great for someone else especially if they enjoy listening to opera and string quartets!

@jjss49

Yes. In the beginning for me, I remembered amplified concerts and "good stereos" in college early ’70s). These had me recreating some shrill and often overly detailed sound. While great, it optimized one genera over all others (I was on an electronic kick for a long time). It wasn’t until I started going to the symphony a couple time a month and acoustical jazz that I realized I was chasing trizzle and overly highlighted details. This changed my course to Audio Research and Sonus Faber... all music types have gotten better with each step.

When young, enthusiasm and effort propelled me, but in retrospect, experience trumps it. My systems now sound many times better than they ever have.

Sonus Faber, old or new has the sound of real music with the appropriate components. While old, I think, helped make up for common solid state shortcomings, the new play well with good quality components of either camp.

Well I've auditioned the KEF R11's and they were pretty impressive. Not bright. Big soundstage.  An enjoyable listen.  But I'm returning to my Sonus Faber dealer for another listening session. In the end I think the Sonetto V will win the day.  Only because I'm focused on natural smooth and an enticing sound a can listen to for hours. But I must admit the KEF's were more appealing than I would have suspected.  I could easily live with their sound if I had not heard the warmth of the Sonus Fabers. But I need to listen critically again. The KEF's on sale are a pretty good value. No discount offered yet on SF. Any more thoughts?  I welcome them. 

I don't know where you live - the dealer I have worked with in Dallas sells a lot of Sonetto Vs.  He's very willing to trade them in because of their popularity - consider asking the dealer if they have any trade-ins available or coming up to get a discount.

I have owned a pair of Olympica Nova Vs for about six months. They constantly surprise and delight me. I upgraded from a pair of Goldenear Two Pluses. Big jump in price, but also in quality.

I think it is important what gear you use to run the Novas, though. I use a Pass XP-30 preamb, VPI Prime Signature turntable with an EMT HD006 cartridge. I think these are pretty "true" components, in that they don't color the sound much. My phono preamp and amp, however, are not quite so straight up. I love the ARC sound, and purchased a used PH-7, whose tube infusions I love--a touch of bloom and wide soundstage. My amp is a Hovland Radia. The only non-tube amp that Hovland made. It is so mellow, I love it, and like the ARC 7 is a perfect match with the Nova Vs.

I have heard that the new (Nova) sound of the SF's is more transparent than the older sound. With the right gear in front of them, I think the Novas are spectacular. I heard them demoed with Macintosh gear and the pairing was very smooth. I can see that if a person puts the wrong (analytical rather than musical) gear in front of the Novas they might sound harsh. The way I have them set up, they sing.