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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

+1 @elangley01 Salk has a number of different bookshelf-size offerings that would fit your "sound plus appearance" criteria.

The Fynes in Walnut are stunning. I have the 502SPs and the 500SP uses similar drivers.

 

If you can stretch your budget a bit, $3,500, the Audiovector R1 signature is a great looking and sounding speaker. And you can upgrade it to the higher versions of the R1 series.


Individual upgrade concept A technology which gives you the option to upgrade your speakers whenever you want. You can upgrade to a higher level or if your loudspeakers are replaced with a new improved model. This means that all Audiovector speakers are future proof.

Look at Salk. You can call him and have the cab it custom made to almost any wood and finish you like. Send him a pic of the room and if you like he can make them disappear.