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From Sonus Faber Extrema to...

Hello Everybody, I'm a prowd owner of a nice pair of Sonus Faber Extrema speakers, see pic downstairs.

They sound lovely paired with my Conrad Johnson MV125 or with the couple of Accuphase P360 amps I own, bridged to monos (actually I think the CJ is a far better match).

Anyway, I was trying to figure out if an upgrade, speaker wise, is feasible or otherwise it could easily transform to one of my biggest regrets having to part with these lovely speakers.

Do you think that a much modern speaker (but still used), considering a budget of what I could get from the Extrema + 1 or 2 grand could represent a solid upgrade? I was considering some Avalons (not really modern actually) like the Opus or Eidolons, Some Wilsons (Sabrinas/Sophias) or B&Ws like the recent 803 D3.

Any advice in general, but in particular from anyone that used to own (or still owns) the Extremas would be very very appreciated.

Thank you!

robertofabbri
mdiaz
62 posts
 

I owned a pair of Extremas a while back and made the mistake of selling them. Really think hard about getting rid of the, They are spectacular speakers!

markmendenhall
223 posts
 

as much as I’ve read about the Extremas, if it were me, I’d be hard pressed to sell them

having owned Olympica III’s, and based on reviews and comments re: the Extremas, it sounds like a couple of sonic characteristics are part of the SF house sound:  1) big, wide, deep holographic soundstaging which provides an immersive listening experience, 2) a natural, relaxed (for lack of a better word), engaging sound quality that includes detail, image specificity, instrument and vocal spotlighting, yet doesn’t wear one out at higher volumes  -  they are forgiving speakers that have a knack for making most anything sound good

the craftsmanship, materials, and architecture of SF speakers is unmatched IMHO; I am of the opinion that most speakers are just not very attractive, period: robots, stands, huge draperies, metal boxes, obnoxious horns, exposed drivers, multiple drivers, alien looking things, etc., but….SF speakers?  I can look at them all day long

jaym759
45 posts
 

I am wondering why Vandersteen models are not being recommended?

grislybutter
2,988 posts
 

I am very surprised nobody mentioned Revival 

mjs
17 posts
 

I run Electa Amators with Red Stadium subwoofers powered by BAT VK 60 mono blocks. Surprised you can run the Extremas with a modestly powered tube amp. I sometimes think of moving to larger speakers without a subwoofer and simplifying my amplificationsystem but have so far balked at the costs of such an upgrade. Besides as I get older I am not sure I would appreciate anything more than improvements in the low to middle range and I love the tweeters on the Amators. 

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