It's of each brand's original models, but I can offer a comparison.
In early 2000, I auditioned the 1st-gen VA Haydn in my home and thought it was a very well balanced and smooth sounding monitor. A year later, I purchased a pair of 1st-gen Concertinos from the same shop that let me borrow the Haydns. The comparison has a lot of time between it, so my observations are from memory.
Overall, I felt the Concertinos presented a rounder, more organic sound than the Haydns which seemed a bit closer to "neutral". Both however, were very very smooth. I think the Haydns have a more precise sound, but are never clinical sounding. They don't seem to really emphasize any part of the spectrum. The Concertinos by contrast have a more prominant midrange. They're also slightly bloated in the bass and consequently less nuanced in those regions.
From what I remember, both monitors used the same tweeter, but that could have changed with the subsequent model upgrades. It could also be that the Sonus Faber's rounder midbass might create the illusion of less prominant high frequencies which could manifest itself as an overall smoother sound.
At the time, my system was on the lean side and that's why I opted for the Sonus Fabers, but given my system today which incorporates more tube gear, I might go with the Vienna Acoustics. It would be interesting to do another comparison.
Lastly, both monitors are beautifully crafted and are probably the most attractive I've owned. Both are works of art.
I hope this helps.
In early 2000, I auditioned the 1st-gen VA Haydn in my home and thought it was a very well balanced and smooth sounding monitor. A year later, I purchased a pair of 1st-gen Concertinos from the same shop that let me borrow the Haydns. The comparison has a lot of time between it, so my observations are from memory.
Overall, I felt the Concertinos presented a rounder, more organic sound than the Haydns which seemed a bit closer to "neutral". Both however, were very very smooth. I think the Haydns have a more precise sound, but are never clinical sounding. They don't seem to really emphasize any part of the spectrum. The Concertinos by contrast have a more prominant midrange. They're also slightly bloated in the bass and consequently less nuanced in those regions.
From what I remember, both monitors used the same tweeter, but that could have changed with the subsequent model upgrades. It could also be that the Sonus Faber's rounder midbass might create the illusion of less prominant high frequencies which could manifest itself as an overall smoother sound.
At the time, my system was on the lean side and that's why I opted for the Sonus Fabers, but given my system today which incorporates more tube gear, I might go with the Vienna Acoustics. It would be interesting to do another comparison.
Lastly, both monitors are beautifully crafted and are probably the most attractive I've owned. Both are works of art.
I hope this helps.