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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
grislybutter
3,120 posts
 

the Sonners look great too (never heard of them, but. Good reviews)

I am not sure the SF is the best bang for the buck 

I would stay away from the Dali, not the same quality as the rest of your list

msafrick OP
19 posts
 

It's interesting you mention the build quality of the Dali.  I'm right now contemplating ordering replacement grills for my Ikon IIs as they got damaged, and when I tried to repair, seemed a bit flimsy.  There's also a small section where the veneer seems to be not just right.

I also noticed that even the Epicon (top of the line) mas made out of MDF.  At the risk of asking an overly subjective question, is wood always better than MDF?

grislybutter
3,120 posts
 

@msafrick 

I honestly don't know if MDF is worse than wood FOR a speaker. A lot of great speakers are made with MDF, because it can be used and built in ways wood couldn't be. 

And to be fair, if you love the look of the Dali and the sound, and you compared it to other speakers, no one should steer you away from it. My opinion is based on what I read. 

grislybutter
3,120 posts
 

you seem to like Danish speakers, and I do too. I'd check out Buchardt speakers too, (I couldn't, none in my area, but decent return policy) 

rockrider
181 posts
 

MDF is typically preferred over solid wood or plywood because MDF is less prone to vibration/resonance. Inert cabinets are typically desirable. It appears that Sonus Faber uses laminated wood for their curved sides - not sure why, but the curvature should provide great stiffness, minimizing resonance. 

Let your ears be the judge!

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