Attractive Bookshelf - Under $3k


I'm looking to upgrade my Dali Ikon IIs for a living room, where the aesthetics are a big part of the decision.  I'm heavily leaning towards the SF Sonetto IIs, but I've never heard them, and that is purely based on the appearance and a few reviews.  I plan to drive these with a Belles Aria integrated.  I know it's a long list, but I'm just hoping for some thoughts, or perhaps a good reason (or not) to go with the Sonettos.  While I'd love to listen to them all, It's unlikely that I'll find them on display.  I've already heard the Vandersteen CT which was when I auditioned my amp and think they're awesome.  I'm just not sure they're "pretty" enough for the room.

Thanks!

Triangle    40th Aniversary Comète
Sonus Faber    Sonetto II
Dynaudio     Special 440
Dynaudio     Evoke 20
Focal    Kanta no 1
Focal     Aria 906
Vandersteen    VLR Wood
Vandersteen    VLR CT
Dali    Rubicon 2
Harbeth    P3ESR XD
ProAc    Tablette 10
ProAc    Tablette 10 Signature
Fyne    F500 SP
 

msafrick

tin_p, unfortunately monitor audio doesn't have the Rosewood anymore because it's the Santos Rosewood is on the endangered list but African Rosewood looks very close to it, and I agree with you I have the platinum 200 Gen 2 with the Rosewood and it has 11 layers of hand polish locker absolutely gorgeous and also with that front leather baffle.

@akg_ca 

 

Those may sound glorious, but they're nowhere near $3k, or did you miss that part of the title?

 

@ skeptic66 posts

“ ….@akg_ca

Those may sound glorious, but they’re nowhere near $3k, or did you miss that part of the title? ….”

my apologies sir, no…I did not miss it, but I erroneously omitted the paragraph suggesting that he look to a pre-owned purchase with a modest stretch in budget. .

The “special” 40th Anniversary 30.2 model had the speaker upgrades from prior 30.2 and 30.1 models, that are now standard fare in the new 30.2XD models.

The 40th Anniversary models pop up regularly pre-owned

Depending on your bespoke room strengths and warts .., here is a wild card option … XAVIAN speakers. There are three ads on CANUCKAUDIOMART ( in $CAD at a 25% discount to $USD) . I’ve posted just one of the three .., check out all three ads .

"...sheer quality of pace and timing was unbelievable. It would have been from an enclosure ten times this size, but from this mini it was just sensational. The box simply oozes with musicality and overwhelms the listener with a sense of enjoyment and ‘being there’ at the recording in a way that few designs, even those costing ten-times the price, can manage with such aplomb." - Trevor Butler, The-Ear.net (Editor’s Choice awarded)

Corallo Esclusivo has received positive reviews in several journals, including hifi+ and The Ear, which gave Corallo an Editor’s Choice rating. Review link - The Ear

https://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/xavian-corallo-esclusivo-bookshelf-loudspeaker