Sonus Faber Nove II or III

Primetime74, I had a very similar situation when I bought my Nova III’s. The dealer only had the V’s on display and to be honest, I was already reaching beyond what I had budgeted. I was pretty certain that the II’s would probably leave me wondering what I was missing. I knew the V’s were well beyond financial limits so I bought the III’s and have no thoughts of, if only. These deliver all the bass and clarity throughout the spectrum of sound that I can expect. In fact I really think the V’s would have been over bearing in my room. Depending on your finances, amplification etc, I would recommend the III’s and give them time to break in. Also these speakers are designed to use on either left or right, as the rear vents can effect the interaction with the room. Wait till they are fully broke in (about 300 hrs) before you try moving them. 
 

good luck and let me know what you decide 

Theo

The III is the sweet spot. 

@theo I wonder if the III's would over power my current living situation.  However,  I don't want the regret of wanting more bass down the road.  That said,  for my taste,  the Sonetto V has more than enough bass. If the Nova can match it I'm happy. The Nova V is a beast but out of my price range.  This hobby!!!

@james633 no doubt the sweetspot of the line.  Same w the V. Although the V is only a grand more than the III and 2K under the VIII.

Be aware that Sonus Faber is doing a revision on the Sonetto line and there aren't any more available. So, be cautious about the trade-in value being offered. You might do better selling on your own; assuming you kept the original boxes and packing materials. 

Nova V is $18k MSRP FR is 32Hz- 35K Hz

Nova III is $15k MSRP is the same. Both are 90db Sure, you're getting 1 addt'l driver on the V 

I have found with SF the higher up the hierarchy the greater the depth and fullness of the sound and the lower the volume required to be satisfying. I would say the speakers you contemplate would be a very significant upgrade and would make you very happy. The Nova III are stunning performers.

I owned Olympica 3 for many years and have auditioned the Nova 3 repeatedly. These would take you out of the speaker market for a very very long time. If you get hit with upgrade -itis, you would be able to upgrade your components additional gains for a long time.

@stanleylocke the dealer is offering w nearly year old Sonetto's the Nova II for $7,700 and III for $11,200. Unfortunately,  I don't have the boxes so shipping wouldn't be easy to sell for max profit unless locally. I wish Sonus Faber had a trade up program like Moon  Full price within the first year and 75% in the second year. 

@ghdprentice I know w three III I wouldn't have any questions left like w the II. I feel for my space the II may be the better fit because they won't breathe much.  That said,  the III will have everything I'll ever want down the road. 

Primetime74, I guess that’s your call on the 2 or 3 but I think the old “better to have it and not need, than need it and not have it” but it usually comes down to the budget which why I don’t have the 5s although I haven’t missed them.

@theo No doubt budget is a factor.   While I have the money I'm torn because I bought new speakers,  amp, streamer,  and cables last year! If business stays stable I'll likely buy one or the other.