Speakers sonically similar to Sonus Faber?

so, has anyone heard odyssey kismet or lorelei, and also heard SF speakers (preferrably venere, liuto, or any grand piano model) and could compare them?

i have never listened to an odyssey speaker but between the looks and the reviews, i was always interested. many years ago, i had an opportunity to buy loreleis from a fellow agoner for 1400 shipped. i jumped on that but, supposedly, as the seller was packing them, he dropped and damaged them. i was really bummed out. i have a feeling that if i had actually received the speakers, i wouldn't be looking for new ones at this time

anyways, i'm pretty set on SF at this point but just wondering if anyone that has heard both brand could compare the two

oh and if anyone in the DC area has loreleis or kismet speakers i'd love to hear them!

I've heard the Venere 2.5 and 3.0 in one system, and the Liuto in another, compared against VA Beethoven Baby Grand.

The Veneres struck me as engineered for the mass market: impressive and ear-catching over the first 15 seconds of listening, but not for the long haul (too "Technicolor" a sound, the same way color and saturation is adjusted to the max for display in shops). The Liuto is in a different league, far superior. If you're considering the Liuto don't give the Veneres a second thought.

I listened to them carefully against the VA Baby Grands. The Liutos go deeper, but ultimately I preferred the treble presentation and overall integration of the Baby Grands. But it was a fairly close-run thing.

Gifted Listener has a pair of demo Liutos at a decent price. They also come up here used at very attractive prices (there was a set in Midlothian not so long ago). At Gifted (Centreville) you can audition them against the VA, some Thiels, Linn, etc., but start with the VAs.

Twoleftears, couldn't agree more on the Veneres, a dismal speaker.

Look for a pair of the 3.0 used - love mine. Ive owned a decent amount of speakers and although the fabers lack a wee bit of bass it makes up for it in non-fatigueing sound and warm detailed demeanor. On the flip side I also own a pair of the Venere S (the flagship venere) and to be honest, it pains me to say this (especially my wallet), but the 3.0's sound so much better. The Venere S remind me of Klipsh with a very harsh forward front end. Don't bother shopping around - get what you want, your ears arent lying to you - the venere sound wonderful. 

Though they might be a bit too transparent, clear and detailed for your preference, the WaveTouch Audio Grand Tetons are about "as good as it gets" at any price / style of speaker.

Many are selling their high priced / high-end, brand named speakers for the Grand Tetons - because of there superlative sound, expecially for their paltry price.  

While I've got several superb speakers, which would dazzle anyone - the Grand Tetons rival / exceed them all.  

If you don't mind their "look" - you will be amazed at their incredible sound - which I find better than the Harbeths (any size) or the LS50's.  Of course, you could always have them refinished to your taste.