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Decisions, decisions, decisions

I initially had a short list of potential speaker upgrades for my 2-channel set-up and I find myself in a bit of a quandry. I've narrowed the list down to 2 speakers and neither are remotely like one another. I currently have some mid-level Polks and they're "ok" in that they get the job done for low-level listening enjoyment but I really want to step it up a bit. I can justify $4K for my budge which puts me in a bit of a sweet spot for my preference for stand-mount speakers vs floor-stand speakers. However, my short list consists of either the new Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 stand-mount or the Vandersteen 2ce Signature III. Because the SF Sonnetto II G2s are brand new, a used option is out of the question. The Vandy 2ce III's come up used occasionally but where I live, previewing either one is not a viable option because there aren't any nearby dealers. That being said, I can get both of these from Audio Advice. If I went with SF Sonnetto, I would probably supplement those with a subwoofer down the road after sometime. At that point, I'm nearing the price range of the Vandersteen's. The question I have for the forum is does anyone have experience with the SF Sonnetto II pre-G2 and what are your thoughts about them?

I have a Marantz integrated at 50W and my only concern w/ the Vandersteen's is not having enough power to get great sound out of them without adding an amp (while I have a vintage Adcom GFA-2 at 100W/ch) that I could use, I"m not against getting an amp for either the SF's or the Vandy's.

I listen to a wide array of music genres but lean towards rock, jazz, electronic/industrial, dub, funk, and classical with some pop and old-school country thrown in on occasion. 

I've the impression that those with the Vandersteen 2ce's are very pleased with the SQ. But does anyone have experience with both speakers? 

 

 

 

bipod72
saboros
24 posts
 

I presume you’re talking about the Nelson Pass designed Adcom 545 II.

It’s funny- I recently got the Magnepan LRS+ for a bedroom 2,1 system and assumed I’d have to get a new amp.

Much to my surprise, my old Adcom 545II drives the Maggies so well I don’t know what more I could want.

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
570 posts
 

I have seen Vandy 3 and 4 used and priced in your budget.  However, a more efficient speaker allows you to keep your amp.amp

 

 

 

 

leaves 

dayglow
1,912 posts
 

Consider the Sonus Faber Sonetto G2 3. At $4500 you avoid the cost of a quality stand and even a subwoofer might not be needed. As for electronics a used Norma IPA-140B will give you liquidity/low noise floor and great vocal reproduction. The only caveat is you need a high quality source and cables.

oldaudiophile
315 posts
 

bipod72, you are getting lots of good advice & guidance here, so far.  Generally speaking, your Marantz 50 watter is a fine amp but really doesn't have the juice (i.e.  current) to make anything other than moderately priced 8 Ohm nominal load speakers sing.  As such, if you're dead set on keeping that amp in this game, the Vandersteen would be a better match, comparatively speaking.  However, at 86 dB, 1 meter with 2.83 volts input and 7 Ohms nominal impedance, your Marantz is still not a great match for them, either.  You'd be better off, fidelity-wise, with the Monitor Audio Silver that panzwagn is suggesting and better off, still, bypassing your Marantz with that Adcom, providing the Adcom is still in good shape.

I've never done any serious seat-time with a Marantz 50 watter but have done so with the Adcom, many years ago.  Much more recently (i.e. about 3 years ago), I did a considerable amount of serious seat-time with the previous version of the MA Silver 300 and the Vandersteen 2 when I was in the hunt for a speaker upgrade for my two-channel system.  My ears liked both the MA and the Vandersteen.  However, this involved using at least twice the juice of your Marantz.  I didn't end up buying either one, but my ears definitely preferred the MA, comparatively.  Those are simply amazing, at their price point and beyond!  I haven't heard their newer upgraded version, but all the reviews I've read agree they are a tad better than their predecessors.

Good Luck!   

 

  

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,123 posts
 

OP get the speakers you prefer.Do it on your own choosing. You can’t go wrong with Vandy and SF. Keep us update to see which speaker you choose.Dont disappear like others.

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