Rosso Fiorentino Elba review by Zero Fidelity

marvda1
marvda1 Posts: 4,903
edited February 2020 in Speakers
New review on the Rosso Fiorentino Elba speakers $4500 by Zero Fidelity.
Just came out today and as I write my review on them lets just say we have common hearing. :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4BPHP1JwKw
Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156
Post edited by marvda1 on
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Comments

  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    Best HiFi reviewer on YouTube, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing this.
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  • indyhawg
    indyhawg Posts: 1,642
    I saw that video earlier today. That is a great review. Ever since I heard them this past November, I have been trying to figure out a way to get them into my house. LOL.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    edited February 2020
    These are also the "gen 2" models, so their performance should exceed the first gen ones you heard at Skip's.

    Edit: Skip has the gen 2 at Polkfest in November.
    Post edited by Clipdat on
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    @nooshinjohn, your endgame speakers have arrived.
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    edited February 2020
    skip had the gen II in November but the price at that time was $5000.
    I reviewed the ones with the silver leaf finish.

    also a lot of people in November thought the $5000 Elbas outperformed a certain $6000 pair of speakers.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    Oh ok, my mistake. Sorry about that.
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  • indyhawg
    indyhawg Posts: 1,642
    edited February 2020
    marvda1 wrote: »
    skip had the gen II in November but the price at that time was $5000.
    I reviewed the ones with the silver leaf finish.

    also a lot of people in November thought the $5000 Elbas outperformed a certain $6000 pair of speakers.

    The finish on that particular pair of speakers was really sweet. Count me in as one who was impressed with the Elbas both in cosmetics and sound.
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    I liked the way the silver would take on the color of its surroundings
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    edited February 2020
    They certainly weren't shy in the bass department when I heard them at Skips. Almost too much for me, but the divided room they were in wasn't terribly big either. In a bigger room it probably evens out nicely.

    I still can't believe how much I spent on these tiny Fiesole's. They are incredible little speakers, I just never thought I would go this deep.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    edited February 2020
    Nightfall wrote: »
    They certainly weren't shy in the bass department when I heard them at Skips. Almost too much for me, but the divided room they were in wasn't terribly big either. In a bigger room it probably evens out nicely.

    I still can't believe how much I spent on these tiny Fiesole's. They are incredible little speakers, I just never thought I would go this deep.

    that's where I started and ended up with volterras :D
    I think the room was only divided by a sheet.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • displayname
    displayname Posts: 1,148
    Having heard the Elbas in two different rooms at Skips, and with a few different amps, I never really felt like they needed a sub. But that doesn't mean a couple couldn't help. But at that point I'd probably be reaching higher up the line anyway.

    Really great review, especially given that Sean owns/owed the first gen Volterra as well. I liked how much he compared them to more well known and highly reviewed speakers like Focal and Harbeth.

    Excited to hear your thoughts @marvda1! Not many people get the luxury of trying two Rosso's in their own room side by side.
    Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
    Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
    MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
    Discogs
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,652
    I seriously fell in love with the Walnut finished Elbas. *swoon*
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    edited February 2020
    @nightfall, have you started a thread about your thoughts on the fiesoles ?
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,138
    Marvin, that was my favorite and most well rounded sounding speaker out of the ones I have heard from Rosso. Great sonic signature, ample "umph", accurate, pleasing, authoritative. They nailed what a bookie should be and that speaker sounded like it did not have the right to sound as great as it did. That's where I draw the line.

    I was truly looking forward to hearing more with their offerings. Especially the "Big boy's" or the floor standers, as what I put me ears on at first was eye opening.

    The rest that I have heard seem to not integrate the mid bass and bass regions so well. It may have been the gear that Skip was using after the Feisole's (not sure) but I was not that impressed with the way they integrated things. It was much like that of a Martin Logan speaker. Lot's of attributes but no "real" blend in the full spectrum of frequencies.

    I hope the Elba's corrected this issue.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,652
    Tom,

    I was never even remotely “wowed” by the first gen Elbas. They looked good but were always sort of meh.

    The second gen is a WHOLE different animal. As much as I was pining for the Siena’s, the second gen Elbas are arguably my new personal favorite from Rosso.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,138
    What will be down at LSAF this year, if any? What's the skinny?

    Do tell....

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    you need to hear the Volterra II's
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,138
    So, what you are saying is that you are bringing them to LSAF?

    Is

    that

    what

    I

    am

    hearing you say, Marvin? B)

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    I caught h3ll moving them across the room when skip brought the elbas over :'(
    which of the "big boys" did you listen to?
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,138
    The ones at LSAF over the past 2 years. Don't recall all of the models. (Sorry)

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,138
    If you bring yours, I'll bring mine! Your speakers and my Canary pre...

    Ah Chit son!

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    edited February 2020
    I've got a pair of harbeth p3esr clones you have to hear. when I got them they were $600+, now they are $900+
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfl90imKJK0
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    My tiny American brain gets confused by these nonsense Italian names. I have the Pienza's not the Fiesole's.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    Nightfall wrote: »
    My tiny American brain gets confused by these nonsense Italian names. I have the Pienza's not the Fiesole's.

    Pics?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    I'm still getting things situated at the new place but I have these from Skips house.

    8ybmgttn5qih.jpg

    glgsn6ca428w.jpg
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    What are your thoughts on the High Fi cables?


    fwiw, 30% off msrp this weekend . . . No affil

    https://www.highfidelitycables.com/
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    I couldn't tell you, that was the first and only time I've heard them. They are out of my league to personally own unless I found the bottom of their totem pole used for a very good price.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    @Nightfall - Very good looking pair of speakers you've got there!
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • displayname
    displayname Posts: 1,148
    edited February 2020
    GlennDog wrote: »
    What are your thoughts on the High Fi cables?


    fwiw, 30% off msrp this weekend . . . No affil

    https://www.highfidelitycables.com/
    They are nice. I don't have them, but I have heard them on a few occasions now in a few systems/configurations. Very balanced and loads of detail without getting too bright like some silver based cables I have heard. They are a pretty penny, so it's worth trying to get your hands on a demo if you can before diving in. If you were to go full loom even on just the base reveal line you'd be in for a notable investment.
    Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
    Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
    MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
    Discogs
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I've got a pair of harbeth p3esr clones you have to hear. when I got them they were $600+, now they are $900+
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfl90imKJK0

    Very interesting. Who makes these?
    See my profile for list of gear.
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