I was in a very similar situation deciding on a new set of speakers to replace legacy Dynaudio speakers. I was absolutely smitten with Sonus Faber and particularly the Sonetto V’s as that was in my price range. I listened to them in a couple of different environments and finally settled on Focal 936’s which were also offered by my dealer in a similar price range. These are actually much less now as they have been supplanted by the Evo X series. I really, really wanted those Sonetto’s as they were so beautifully crafted and visually and artistically appealing, but at the end of the day, my ears really won out (as it should). After an extended break-in period, I’m very happy with my Focals. Do I still want Sonus at some point - for sure, but only if my ears convince me. One more thing - I actually really liked the Lumina's - be sure to give them a listen.
Sonus Faber Sonetto V’s Thoughts Requested
Hello. While I’ve never posted, I’ve been a very regular lurker here for the last couple of years. The wealth of knowledge here is truly remarkable and much of it is over my head. I really respect the opinion of @Soix , @ghdprentice , and @erik_squires as well as others not named. I also appreciate how they generally go about their posts and replies, while a few others can get petty and combative, which is unfortunate and unhelpful. Overall, it seems like a good bunch that genuinely loves their hobby and likes to help others, which is great. I know, nobody asked, but I thought some of you who have been here a while might find the thoughts of a first time poster, who has been reading this informative forum for a while, somewhat interesting.
I definitely do not consider myself an audiophile, but I have always greatly appreciated good sound. I currently have an older model Arcam AVR-450, which is rated at 125 per channel in stereo mode, driving a pair of KEF Q750’s. I also have a KEF R2C center and a Revel B110 sub. I’m happy with the sound but have become a bit smitten with the Sonus Faber Sonetto V’s and I’m thinking that they will be a somewhat affordable upgrade in sound, and I find them very visually appealing, which I know shouldn’t matter, so call me shallow. I have not heard the Sonettos, but have heard the Amati’s, which of course is a large step up. I’m ridiculously rural, so finding a dealer for a demo is not much of an option. I do prefer a somewhat warmer sound as opposed to a brighter one. I’m not a bass junky believing that bass should enhance not overwhelm. Bass should be heard of course, but for me, there is more in the mids and highs than the lows that makes for good music to my ears. I generally listen to classic rock like Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Elton John, Winwood, Heart, Doobies, Clapton, etc.
My questions to the group are: 1. Would the Sonetto’s V’s be a noticeable upgrade over my Q750’s in SQ? 2. Is my Arcam “good enough” to drive the Sonetto V’s satisfactorily, as an upgrade to the Arcam is not an option for me anytime soon? 3. Please feel free to answer any questions you think I should have asked. Like I said, I’m not an audiophile…
I thank you in advance for your posts! Hey, how about those cable threads and whatever happen to Kenjit? 😉
Doug
Showing 2 responses by hazeloop
@dbeckwith - the Sonettos just sounded flat to me with no depth. I listened to a lot of the music that I’m intimately familiar with and a ton of a-b testing and kept going back to the Focals. I even brought along a friend who had the same unsolicited opinion. I did listen to the Luminas and actually liked those better than the Sonettos. It’s weird I know and maybe there was something strange with the setup but I tried at two different dealer locations. I know you mentioned that you are rural and I’m not sure what your personal situation is, but I would strongly recommend traveling to a reputable dealer, getting a hotel for a couple of nights and doing some serious listening. How much fun would that be?!?! At the end of the day with the money you’re going to spend it would be well worth it. |