I hate to pivot the thread like this but I think it will get you where you really want to land. When making a move to upgrade, make a significant move up, not just an incremental one. The incremental moves often lead to disappointment. I would continue to save and then go to the second hand market hunting for SF Olympica Novas. They have a very similar sound to the Amati's that you like but are much less expensive and are usually available used. I'm just not sure that the Sonetta's will get you where you want to be. Good luck and cheers.
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
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I saw no reason to add anything since I had zero at home experience with expensive speakers. However, I had the Lumina for a weekend and it was not good. This is a very educational thread about Sonus Faber. When I built my list I found that SF is good value and not overpriced as I previously thought |
I've been very pleased with my Sonetto V's (piano black) for over 2 years and drive them with a 70wpc integrated tube amp. I listen to a variety of music via streaming and on vinyl and I find they are a great match with tubes. I feel at times that the mids could use a little improvement, but at this price point they are solid. You'll have to decide for yourself depending on your room and overall setup, but adding a good quality sub has been beneficial to me. I now have the itch to move up to SF line to possibly the Olympia Nova V, but I plan to keep the Sonetto's in another system. |
I have no experience with the SF Sonettos, but I did purchase a pre-owned pair of SF Olympica IIIs about three years ago, and my spouse and I are very pleased with these speakers. About 20% of our listening is hard rock/classic rock similar to the OP's taste, and the SF's take a bit of the edge off bad or mediocre rock recordings (as compared to, say, Focals or Wilsons), making longer listening sessions a pleasure. One suggestion for the OP to consider: Look for a pre-owned pair of the Olympica III or Olympica II (not the newer Nova versions). I listened to both the Olympicas and the Olympica Novas before purchasing, and did not feel that the Novas were more than marginally superior to their predecessors. On the used market, you may be able to find a pair of the Olympicas in fine condition for not much more than a new pair of Sonetto Vs. |
The thing about the Sonus is that most people have an opinion of how they are so sweet sounding. They make everything sound good. BUT once you find a preamp and amp that match them, then they become another level of sound reproduction. My partner has gone through so many amps and preamps to find what really brings out the magic in them. Enjoy them, they are special. |
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