Sonus Faber Sonetto V’s Thoughts Requested

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.

@soix - Thanks for your additional comments. I have zero doubt that they have great merit. I did look at your suggested Ushers and they do make good looking cabinets and I would think if they pass your muster, they would be a good choice.

My one audio buddy, who is a Revel fan and runs his stuff on Jeff Rowland power, thinks I should look at the F208s. They are on sale right now at 3850 a pair and their cabinets are attractive as well. Great, now even more to consider.

There's probably an engineering reason, but I don't understand why there aren't more options where the venere goes all the way across the front like the Sonettos or the F208s. The vast majority have the black fronts of different material, which I find less attractive, not that anybody asked. Thanks again.

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. 

@kingbr - Would you be so kind as to elaborate a little to let us know how you compare your Revels to the Sonettos, since you like them both. Dont be afraid to dumb it down for me. Do you expect the Vs, once you get them, to come closer to the Revels in SQ. Perhaps they are too different to compare, IDK. Thx in advance.

@hazeloop Thank you for sharing your experience and comparison. I mentioned a bit further up, that I've not had the chance to listen to anything Focal, but I understand that those who like them really like them. Was there anything in particular between the 2 that made you go in the direction of France instead of Italy? I've read somewhere that Focals tend to be a bit on the bright side in general as opposed to what most consider a warmer SF sound. Did you find that to be the case and was that the reason for your decision?