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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
overthemoon
402 posts
 

I've owned Sonetto Vs and I think they are excellent speakers and a great value for the money considering their sound and appearance.

Some folks propose source first when you build a system and start speaker first in upgrades.  

Good luck in your journey!

ghdprentice
6,446 posts
 

Doug. Thanks for your kind words. As you are aware I am a Sonus Faber fan for their sound characteristics. The same ones that you identified as your own. So from that perspective they are a great match sonically. Given the tier they are in, they should provide a great boost in sound quality across the board once they are broken in… at least 125 hours. Remember this if you buy them… it is so easy to get really excited and start drawing conclusions too soon. Also, I would definitely not feel bad about liking them because they look good. The nice thing about Sonus is they sound fantastic and look as good. You get much less grief from your partner as well. 
 

I am firmly in the camp of starting an upgrade cycle with speakers. Even if it is years before you can upgrade your amplification you can enjoy much better sound now, and another big jump later. 
 

The Arcam has enough power. Sonus are not power hungry, although when powered by solid state amps they can benefit from more power. I power my Amatis with 70 wpc (although it is tube) and I can turn them up far louder than I can stand without loss of dynamics. Sonus has a house sound, natural and musical… it is distinct as you pointed out. 
 

Anyway, sounds like a great choice.

 

soix
8,780 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.

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