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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
waytoomuchstuff's avatar
waytoomuchstuff
1,209 posts
 

@bipod72

Your choice of possible speakers is right on. Other options listed here are great as well.

I approach audio from a "bang for the buck" perspective as well as "risk factor(s)." It appears that the "little" Marantz is going to be part of your life for a while longer. The amp would definitely benefit from power delivery upgrades, starting at the wall socket and working its way to the power cord on the amp. You don’t need to go crazy with this. Things in the "$100 range" can make a notable improvement. When added together can result in (very) significant sonic improvements. Along this line, I would take a good look at your power conditioner/surge protector. A good test is to plug the components directly into the wall. If they sound better, then I’d be looking for something different in power distribution. I’m expecting some push back from those who are not fans of the items mentioned here. This is where the "low risk" element comes into play. If you can borrow these items for home audition (not so easy on wall outlet) you can listen at your leisure and make informed decisions. If they don’t put a smile on your face, then you can return them. (There may be more music in the Marantz than you realize?)

There’s more good news here. These items mentioned are "transportable." When you get your "forever amplifier" they will help the sonics of the newer/better amp as well.

Good luck.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,609 posts
 

Both very good. Apples/oranges. You get to choose.

A beefier good quality amp can always only help. 

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,802 posts
 

When I was shopping amps for my speakers I really didn't start to hear a difference until I stepped up to a Krell KAV 300il. I already had a B&K 4420 and multiple 150 wpc amps from virtually every 'mid level'  Acurus, Sunfire, Nak, Nad, the list goes on and tbh I think the only time I heard a difference was when musical peaks drove the amps to clipping.

I never 'got' the Vandy sound, but always see their room packed at Axpona and appreciate they're doing something very right to have built such a large, loyal fan base. If I have the choice I'll always buy used and less than 10 years old speakers b4 paying anywhere close to retail. I'd likely wait until a pair of SF came up used.

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