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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

dbeckwith

Showing 5 responses by soix

soix
8,809 posts
 

I definitely do not consider myself an audiophile

Yeah you are, or you wouldn’t be here asking the good questions you ask. Thanks for the nice words BTW. I’ve already put some thought into this but could use a little more info — what’s your budget and are you looking new or used, and can you be any more specific about what improvements/sound characteristics you’re looking for other than just some more warmth? Just wanna make worthwhile/appropriate recommendations. Thanks for any further info.  I’m just gonna let the kenjit comment pass BTW.

soix
8,809 posts
 

I'm not really looking for other options in my 4 to 5k max budget, so much as I was looking for info regarding if the Sonettos in particular, which I seemed to be fixated on, is a real step up in SQ vs. My current Q750s.

Well, I may just disappoint you here.  I had a not great experience with SF’s earlier entry-level Venere 2.5s so maybe I’m a little jaded and no doubt the Sonettos are a significant improvement, but 3-way speakers that weigh only 50 lbs. sends red flags my way that echo issues I had with the Venere speakers.  Despite the lute shape those cabinets resonated and were uncontrollable with their upper bass resonance in my room, and I’d be concerned about similar cabinet issues with the similarly lightweight Sonettos.

So, what would I recommend?  Hands down and given what you’re looking for I’d go with these Usher Dancer Mini Two speakers for several reasons.  

- For about the same price you’re getting custom drivers manufactured by Usher that include the same diamond tweeter as in their $40k flagship speakers — what???

- They go down to 28Hz vs  38Hz for the Sonettos

- They weigh a substantial 92 lbs. versus the Sonetto’s 50 lbs. indicating a much more substantial and inert cabinet

- They have gorgeous cabinetry that’s at least on par with the Sonettos

- Usher speakers fly way under the radar and are in my top 5 of best speakers I’ve heard, and they offer value that’s off the charts for the quality you get relative to most others — read the reviews.

- This seller offers a 30-day return period if I’m wrong

https://soundapproach.com/usher-dancer-mini-two-tower-speaker-pair.html

Sorry to go off the reservation here but couldn’t help it cause given what you’re looking for this is what I’d do so had no choice.  Best of luck in whatever you choose.

soix
8,809 posts
 

I didn’t mention it in my prior post, but as @jbuhl found with the Sonettos I found the build quality of the Veneres to also be cheap and subpar.  Sounds like that’s still an issue.

soix
8,809 posts
 

You are not a true audiophile unless you are unhappy with your system or lets say, not entirely happy.

@mijostyn Ha!!! Well said and funny because it’s got a lotta truth to it.  God help us.  

soix
8,809 posts
 

My understanding is that the Venere’s were SF’s misstep into manufacturing their entry level speakers in China. I don’t know, but price point and the China issue may have had something to do with your poor experience. I believe they have taken everything back in house in Italy after that manufacturing experiment produced less than desirable results etc.

I wouldn’t say my experience with the Venere 2.5s was poor, it’s just that they were compromised in build quality and cabinet resonances.  While build quality may have improved, I’m still very skeptical that the Sonetto’s cabinets don’t resonate and affect the sound as they’re of a similar size/weight to the 2.5s I had in my system.  Back then the contention was that the unique lute shape counteracted the lack of inert mass.  Well, not in my experience and I’d bet it’s still an issue with the Sonettos because physics is physics.  SF makes some of the best speakers on the market, but they’ve clearly struggled trying to build good “entry-level” speakers and I personally wouldn’t gamble that they’ve fully figured it out this time either.  To me, the Usher Mini Twos I mentioned earlier are more established, are built much better, offer a tweeter the Sonettos can’t touch and can actually produce bass while looking beautiful doing it at about the same price.  No brainer to me, but if you’re smitten with the Sonettos then go for it.

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