I have had my Sonus Faber Electa Amators since the early 90's, and have never regretted it. We bought them for the looks, but kept them for their sound. They are the only speakers we own. They are very easy to listen to in our small listening room, probably due to the Dynaudio Esotar tweeters. If I had it to do over again, I would look for a pair of Sonus Faber Extremas. But, they are like trying to find a Unicorn. Good luck!
New or legacy Sonus Faber decision help
Hi everyone, and thanks in advance for any input. I have recently been able to hear the new Sonus Faber Lumina III speakers at two different dealers. Both listening sessions I was impressed by the dynamics, soundstage, and high level of clarity without ear fatigue. The do seem to have an elevated treble, but again not necessarily detrimental or fatiguing. I have nothing to compare them to, as I have never hear any other Sonus Faber speakers. They get great reviews, but not much on comparing them to legacy models. I have recently seen some Concertino Domus, and grand piano Domus and home on the used market, and started wondering what they are like in comparison. I did hear one higher quality recording of the concertino home and it sounded very pleasing over headphones.
So, I am looking for input on the differences that Sonus Faber owners have experienced and if I should consider used over the Lumina III’s. I listen to a lot of classic rock and heavier music (Zeppelin, Beatles, Wilco, Petty, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Tool, Idles) acoustic and singer songwriter (Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, and some more modern electronic based stuff (Nils Frahm, Billie Eilish)There is jazz and hip hop in there as well, but no real classical.
I am currently running a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated, with Gold Lion KT 77 tubes, Rega Planar 3/Exact with NEO TTPSU, Bluesound Node 2i.
My room is 12x 24 and speakers are on the long wall. Used for music and HT.
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I am a Sonus faber speaker owner and I’m on my 3rd set.. I’ve heard the Lumina’s and was damn impressed on the sound for the price. Can you buy a legacy speaker near the price of the Luminas? If you can I’d at least try and audition them. Over the years sf has invested a lot in design on components and using them in the ‘entry’ level ranges… I know folks who weren’t impressed with sf 3-4 years ago that know appreciate the newer models- Olympics Nova, Sonetto and Lumina. |
I have had Grand Piano, Cremona auditor, Auditor M, Guarneri H and now Franco Serblin’s Lignea. Once I even bought their smallest,Toy speaker, just for fun, while I was waiting for some other bigger speaker. Also, on many occasions listened the others models as well. Have not heard Lumina speakers. I would always recommend slightly used, ’better’ speakers, than new ’lesser’ model.On the other hand, I believe not many SF fans buys their speakers to listen music that you listen. Its not that SF cant play rock music, but its strenght lies in reproduction of tone and finesse of unamplified music, jazz or classical. In that regard, like @ghdprentice has already wrote, my advice would be Cremona M, as it is the speaker which can ’rock’ and in the same time retains many subtle qualities of their more famous models. Here in Europe, original price of Cremona M was around 7t Eur and it can be found used between 3 or 4t Eur. It is still more expensive than new Lumina, but Imho, should be worth it...if your amp can drive them and if your room is big enough... Edit: just looked your amp and room...the 60w integrated might not be suuficent for higher volumes with Cremona M and I would not advice to put the speakers on longer wall, as you will not have enough place between you and them (you need to move them away from the wall and to leave enough space behind you) In fact,with that configuration (that amp and that position) I would look for some 2 way monitor...but that solution might not be what you want, regarding music that you listen....it would be best if you could try (any) speaker in your room prior buying.... |
@alexatpos Given your experience with legacy speakers I trust your guidance related to used versus newer 'entry level'. I prefer the Lumina III I over the Venere 3.0 I owned. However, I listen to a variety of music with a majority of it being classic rock to hard rock as well as rap, blues, jazz and wind/string arrangements. I don't understand the opinion that Sf's can't play Black's Sabbath's War Pigs, Ted Nugent's Wango Tango Aerosmith & Run DMC's Walk this Way.
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@overthemoon It certainly can 'play', but Imho, for such music ('rock' or similar) there are 'better' solutions. I believe that Franco Serblin's first intention when he started his company was making speakers that are in fact 'musical instruments' (hence the tribute in shape, form and the name of many speakers that share names with famous violin creators from the past) . His idea was that speaker must comly with 'listening psychology' which ment that ear relaxes and perceives sounds while 'resting' while reaching 'auditory balance'. So, obviously you can play what ever you want on them, but it is no surprise that many people who prefer unamplified music, classical or jazz, choose his designs as something that brings them closer to the 'real' sound of actual musical instruments. In that sense, buying SF might not be the best choice for ones who prefer different ('rock' or else) type of music. Of course, somebody might say that good speaker should play any kind of music, no matter of genre, but my humble experience tells me different. (or perhaps I have not heard really 'great' speakers yet) Also, one should be aware of differences between creations made under Franco Serblin's Sonus Faber (or his new later company 'Franco Serblin') and speakers that were made under new ownership |
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