Olympica Nova III or V?

I auditioned both and much preferred the V.  

Either would sound great... but I would go with the Nova V as well. I have owned Olympica and now Amati Traditional. 

Given the size of your room definitely go for the V.

@stephenwerner During my demo, the Nova 3 and V 

Both demonstrate the Sonus Faber house sound I am not a fan of.

Initially was a fine presentation on sections of the song that had a lot of harmonics but became grating over time.started becoming edgy, clanky, piercing, edgy and clenched sounding and this was with the prescribed amps being used in the demo. Dealer said those amps "matched the synergy"

Unfortunately, they didn’t to my ears. It initially always starts as a wow microscopic view on the overtones, brass instruments and sounded clear but with each song I played, that colouration lost its novelty fast.

Never liked them. Can wow on first listen but stay with it and it becomes a niggling annoyance in the upper registers of frequency response.

That’s just my singular opinion though as I feel you can do much better for the asking price unless you don't index for tonal balance. Others may chime in.

Great question, and you’re right to think objectively.

Based on your dimensions, the room is certainly not small or constrained. The added height from the loft effect will increase the sense of air and spaciousness, but also means bass energy can “escape” upward instead of loading up as much as in a sealed low-ceiling room.  So the room itself leans toward being able to support a larger speaker without immediately overwhelming you.

It is 'generally' recommended to have the Nova V's two to three ft from a rear wall. However, I live in an apartment with a lounge area slightly smaller than yours and placed my Nova Vs about 1.5ft from the rear wall, without any compromise or negative impact. It sounds phenomenal.  I auditioned both Nova III & V, and without a doubt the V outperforms the III in every way. There is no 'boomy' bass or bass bloat - at least not in my system (feel free to check out my complete system on my profile).

That being said, one cannot detetermine suitability without evaluating the source and amplification as a complete cohesive system - and understanding how to get the best out of the complete design. With a McIntosh MC611 driving each Nova V, I intentionally wired each speaker to the 2ohm tap, instead of the 4ohm tap (McIntosh Autoformer capability). This allows my MC611s to behave as if it’s driving a more difficult load, so it “over-supplies” current to my Nova V. In my system this translates to a tighter, more controlled bass and a sense of ease on dynamic swings. The higher damping factor also prevents the Nova Vs from sounding loose or bloated. 

The Nova IIIs are designed to fill medium to medium-large rooms with balance. They are tighter, quite forgiving in placement, without risk of overloading a room. If you listen at moderate levels and want easier placement, the Nova III is the safer bet. If you want to enjoy moderate, as well as dynamic scaled audio, the Nova V will not dissapoint in any way.

hope that helps

My room is 16 x 28, 10 feet of that being behind my listening chair. I auditioned the V’s and fell in love with them. And after years of searching for the right speaker at the budget I had to work with, I decided to buy the III’s as they were still more than I had budgeted. The dealer told me that if I found the III’s to fall short, he’d let me upgrade.

But I decided that these were more than adequate across the board, in fact a few of my listening buddies insisted I had done a great job incorporating my sub, but my sub is only active in 5.1! 
 Then about 6 months in I upgraded my speaker cables from Cardas Golden Cross to the ClearReflection which immediately added bass that is well beyond my expectations, not to mention the mids entered the soundstage more prominently placed and the highs backed down just the right amount.
But as mentioned above, due to your room volume, I would go V if you have the means. You can always dampen the bass with acoustic absorbing effects, but can’t add it. I just got lucky with my system. Other factors amplification, cables etc.as you know will contribute to the overall result.  As they say better to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.

Good luck and I have never looked back on buying Sonus Faber 

Get the V's.  Even at low leveling listening, they would be so much more enjoyable.

I have had the Vs for several years and never thought about upgrading my speakers.   Tweak your source/DAC stuff to move up the listening ladder.

Thanks for all the advice - really appreciate. I worry about the bass becoming overwhelming in the apartment. I had a pair of Sonetto G2 VIII in our previous 19.6 feet x 19.6 ft apartment living room with single volume regular height ceilings - and the bass completely overwhelmed the room. 

Would the nova V be a risk or is the Sonetto g2 tuned much deeper than the nova?

Ps. I’m using a Luxman 509z

There is never a "right" answer, given the subjectivity of individual preference. The IIIs, however, are phenomenal speakers (though the current list price of $18K does make you scratch your head). You do have to like the Sonus Faber sound, which I find quite lush and romantic.

Is the base as tight and focused as it is on the Vs? No. But with a sufficiently powered amp (you'll likely want to go ss), these are immensely musical and enjoyable speakers. You will likely be very happy in your space with the IIIs.

I've extensively listened to both speakers.  With your large size room I would lean towards the Vs.  Regardless of which speakers you choose the closeness to the front wall could be an issue.  If this causes the speakers to bloat or boom you might find that bass traps will help tremendously.  Good luck and cheers.  

"....but became grating over time.started becoming edgy, clanky, piercing, edgy and clenched sounding and this was with the prescribed amps being used in the demo..."

The above description of sound was coming from the electronics... not due to the speakers... this is not the sound any Sonus Faber speakers bring to the table... This would be the sound fed them. 

@ghdprentice that character didn't change with any change in electronics. As I told the store what I was hearing and they kept switching to warm, solid state stuff and tube stuff and still that excess was present. So I can say that is definitely the speakers cos no combinations changed that

The shop told me first hand that those are the recommended components that are known to pair well with the Sonus Faber brand and it didn't help still

I don't think I can still say it was components

Then I have no explanation. I have twenty years of experience with Sonus Faber and they have never under any circumstances sounded like that. They are musical and forgiving speakers that sound natural. 

I've always been curious on the Sonus Faber offerings but have never been able to audition them.  I assume synergy is big with them like anything and room is a huge factor. 

Curious how someone can consider them harsh and grating and other people find them to be natural and forgiving.  I know we all have different preferences but seem like love or hate type designs from this conversation.  Of course it's one person in this thread but they're not the first person I've heard say they didn't enjoy the SF sound.  They certainly look gorgeous but that's personally a low priority for me when sound is concerned

One man's "transparent" is another man's "unforgiving." Some would consider the treble to be sweet, detailed, and refined, while to the ears of another, it's harsh and brittle. Bass can have an elegant bloom or a muddy boom. A natural and nuanced midrange might strike someone else as nasal and fatiguing.

Measurements aside, you like what you like, and you use the words that describe your preferences. Fortunately, we all get to buy whatever we want (and can afford)!

I have the Olympia Nova III’s in a 18’ x 22’ listening room with the speakers 2’ from the wall. Ceiling is 8’. Running vintage MC 275 & C34. 
Find the sound warm and defined ( vocals) for the Blues that is my main listening preference. Bass is good and not overwhelming. I was informed by dealer I would appreciate them more with greater power. Have also a HK Citation 16 ( like vintage) amp and sound is also very good although not as warm. 

Since you like the SF sound I think either would be a good choice but due your ceiling I would get the V’s if budget allows to be on safe side. Happy Listening!!!
 

@jmanw

This is why listening to live acoustic music like symphonies, small jazz groups and individual instruments can train your ear to the real thing can be so useful. This gives you an empirical ruler with which to compare reproduced sound. 

Nova V is the way. Got mine 3 years ago and I feel they will be my last tower speakers until I have to downsize system and living space. Sound is so full, detailed, and airy even with my SS amp (McCormack DNA 225). Listened to them for 3-4 months without a sub and blew me away. Decided to add my REL T9 to 2ch portion of system. Blended well with Nova V helped Classical pieces sound better

@kofibaffour Your description of the SF sound left me scratching my head. If anything, I find the sound a little too rolled off and forgiving. I owned Olympica II and then III. Both driven by Audio Research integrated amps -- GSi75 and VSi75. We all hear differently and have our preferences, but this combo left a lot to be desired. Ultimately, I decided that the SF sound was not for me but quite obviously the company is doing something right, otherwise, it wouldn't have lasted this long as a premiere speaker brand. They make beautifully sculpted cabinets with fine Italian leather.

@sonicdead how big is your room?

@mbolek how big was your room when you had the Nova Vs?

@stephenwerner  My room is 16'  x 25'.   

@sonicdead  Ok great thanks mate. And how far do you have yours fto

the wall?

@stephenwerner 4 ft. 

Thanks everyone. After much consideration I've decided the Nova III is the best fit for my space. Appreciate all the feedback and help !! Can't wait for them to arrive!