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Sonus Faber surprise

After years with my current speakers (gallo nucleus reference 3) I decided to try something different. Didn't really have a chance to audition a bunch of speakers nor the budget to go crazy. I've always thought that Sonus Faber sounded like something I would like so I found an old but maybe never used pair of Concerto homes. They came with the proper stands for these speakers. So I get them all set up and was really surprised to find they are substantially brighter and more energetic than my old gallos. They make a surprising amount of bass for there size but mids and highs are much brighter than I was expecting. They are not irritating in any way but not what I was expecting.  I'm still working on placement but I'm not sure what to think. Does this sound familiar to you other SF users? Any suggestions on something I can try?

emiliop

Showing 6 responses by emiliop

emiliop OP
43 posts
 

I am driving them with an Icon Stereo 40 MK4. Funny thing is they're already sounding better. Don't know if my ears are getting use to them or my placement is getting better but I'm getting happier with purchase. It is possible that they have never been played, they certainly look like it. 

emiliop OP
43 posts
 

Will the caps reform just from playing them?

emiliop OP
43 posts
 

I am not as knowledgeable as most of you about audio and acoustics. I honestly believe that what I was hearing was the difference between what I had become use to and a new more airy and transparent sound. These SF speakers just keep sounding better and better to me and really think I am just getting acquainted with their sound. I am so happy I picked these up now. 

emiliop OP
43 posts
 

Found out something interesting tonight. My tube integrated amp has a switch on the back. According to the manual it is a gain switch but works by varying the feedback. The high gain is high feedback, the low gain position is moderate feedback. It also has a central position that the manual says is intended for engineers but can be used to listen to music. This position is 0 feedback but strangely enough is the highest gain. I was listening to SF Concertos in high gain and triode mode. When I tried low gain the speakers suddenly sound like I expected SF to sound. In the central position sounds like I poured syrup all over my speakers. I am still experimenting with high and low to decide what works best for me. 

emiliop OP
43 posts
 

Oh I did read the manual. I had determined that high gain in triode mode sounded the best to me with my old speakers so that is we're I started with the Concertos. Actually turns out that I must have been having a mini stroke or something when heard that stuff. After more experimenting and carefully listening I still think high gain in triode mode sounds the best to me. The Concertos sound better with ever hour I listen to them. 

emiliop OP
43 posts
 

I don’t know if the speakers are breaking in or if my ears are but I enjoy the speakers more every day. Musical but lively and they go deeper than they have a right to. After buying and then selling an SVS sub (which is a long story) I just brought home a Rel Britannia b3 sub. Love it and the combo is great.

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