Sonus Faber Amati vs. Wilson Sasha V (and perhaps vs. Focal n3)


I am looking to upgrade my dual-purpose home theatermusic system. Currently I have a 5.2 system with Focal speakers (Aria line) driven by a Marantz Cinema 30 + Emotiva XPA-5. Source is Tidal with Wiim Pro. 

I will replace the Emotiva with a McIntosh Mc462 + Mc255 (saving the two additional channels for a possible expansion to 7.2 down the road). I also plan to add a C2800 for 2-channel listening through its HT Bypass.

I am torn, though, on the speaker choice. At first, I was considering the Focal Sopra 3s since I am relatively happy with the Arias. However, the more I read, the more I was drawn the Sonus Faber Amati. It is a gorgeous speaker, and seems to garner significant praise for its musicality. I worry, though, about its dynamics for HT duty. The matching center (the Vox) is also extremely expensive, especially compared to the Sopra center.

I also started to consider the Wilson Sasha V. I have also admired Wilson speakers and I think the design, while polarizing, might fit with our contemporary decor more so than the very traditional Amatis. The Sashas, though, are 50% more than the Amatis and Wilson seems to have its fair share of detractors. 

I plan to find time to audition each of these, but it will be in a dealer’s showroom and probably won’t accurately reflect the experience in my (less than ideal) room. I’d very appreciate any thoughts or opinions on these three speakers and how they might compare. Thank you!

ripordaff

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

I have heard more than one model of Sonus Faber: Olympica Nova, Amati and Lillium. Amplification: Luxman, MacIntosh, Audio Research, Boulder, and I am sure something I am not remembering. To my ear the best pairing by far is Audio Research. If you only listen to rock I can see the pairing with Mac. I can’t see the pairing with Luxman ever. Boulder sounds good for solid state, but misses some of the warms and midrange bloom of ARC. This is my taste for detailed and musically real presentation.

Well, as usual, @soix +1.

 

I love Sonus Faber speakers, but would never pair with Mac… on the other hand, if I had Mac (I would not choose this either), would pair with Wilson. I am also not a Focal fan. Many people love all these brands. Find the speakers you love the sound of, then choose complimentary electronics.