mmmmm My first Sonus Fabor Experience

tryrrthg

On our trip to Colorado Springs last week I got to stop in a local hi-fi shop ( www.listenup.com ). I was hoping to hear some Dynaudio Audience speakers because I've never heard them before. As I was walking around the store, I started to chat with the guy working and he told me they don't stock any dyn's because no one buys them :eek: He said about 1% of all their customers who buy speakers buy the dynaudio's. I was shocked. The store was stocked with mostly B&W, since I'm not that big of a fan, I passed over them pretty quickly...

Anyway, for the first time ever I got to hear Sonus Fabor speakers. They were the Cremona Auditor. they are stunning and sound better than they look. Even my wife loved the looks of them. The stands are pretty slick (and expensive). They were being run off Musical Fidelity's A5 integrated amp and A5 CD player (VERY nice looking and sounding gear). The Cremona's sound a lot like my Dynaudio's but they seemed a bit more detailed, that could be an electronics thing as my rig is sounding smoother than it ever has with the addition of my McCormack transport and Bel Canto DAC. The Sonus had my foot tapping instantly. The bass was solid and tight. highs were very airy and detailed. It's a very fun and enjoyable speaker to listen to (and should be for 4 grand). I wish I had more time to listen to them, but the wife was ready to go. I think if we would have stayed a little longer she wouldn't have gotten her purse stolen...

I'd love to have a listen to some more Sonus, but that's all they had. The Denver store has the big $40K Sonus Stradivari but I missed the store in Denver while I was there.

anyway, that's my story, good stuff. Have a listen to them if you get a chance.

EDIT: CRAP, I just realized I was spelling it wrong the whole thread. It's Sonus Faber

polkatese

Sonus is definitely on my list for the next round. I listened to a Dyna S3.4 and it was really good, but then I sit in front of the Cremona, well, exquisite and lush came to mind. I am waiting for the Domus to show up before any decision. Sounds like you had fun!

tryrrthg

Originally posted by polkatese
Sonus is definitely on my list for the next round. I listened to a Dyna S3.4 and it was really good, but then I sit in front of the Cremona, well, exquisite and lush came to mind. I am waiting for the Domus to show up before any decision. Sounds like you had fun!

I haven't heard the new dyn contour line so I can't compare the two. I'd love to compare my dyn's with the Sonus, but that isn't going to happen. Another Dyn speaker that you should compare to the Sonus is the Special 25, the better tweeter could give you the lush sound you're looking for.

Also, If you want exquisite and lush see if you can find a place to listen to the ProAc D25. They sound fantastic also. The bass on the ProAc's was damn impressive. And the highs were as airy as I've heard.

polkatese

Thanks for your advice. My plan is to get a floorstander, that's why I am not really considering S25. Btw, this could be an uneducated information, but the sales guy told me that S25 has been discontinued (or, that he can't seem to place an order for it in their store system - it is a three stores chain). And the search continue.....

Toxis

I've heard a couple different SF's (not sure of models) but I was very pleased with all of them. Problem is, they really only sounded good on classical/jazz IMO. When I put on anything other than that and I was not impressed. Problem is, I don't really listen to a lot of classical or jazz so they really aren't on my list of must owns... but that's me.

tryrrthg

Originally posted by polkatese
Thanks for your advice. My plan is to get a floorstander, that's why I am not really considering S25. Btw, this could be an uneducated information, but the sales guy told me that S25 has been discontinued (or, that he can't seem to place an order for it in their store system - it is a three stores chain). And the search continue.....

From Dynaudio's web site:

"The Anniversary Edition is no longer in production; however, Dynaudio is currently manufacturing the Special 25 in all standard Contour model wood veneers. This version of the Special 25 is technically identical to the previous model but does not feature the signed back plate or the exclusive twenty-five year limited warranty. It comes with Dynaudio’s limited five-year warranty."

polkatese

Originally posted by Toxis
I've heard a couple different SF's (not sure of models) but I was very pleased with all of them. Problem is, they really only sounded good on classical/jazz IMO. When I put on anything other than that and I was not impressed.

I hear you. SF sounds great with heavy horn sections, I tested out with Big Phat Band DVD-A and it was so entertaining. I can actually tell the sound difference between slide and valve trombones.

heiney9

Originally posted by Toxis
I've heard a couple different SF's (not sure of models) but I was very pleased with all of them. Problem is, they really only sounded good on classical/jazz IMO. When I put on anything other than that and I was not impressed. Problem is, I don't really listen to a lot of classical or jazz so they really aren't on my list of must owns... but that's me.

This was going to be my question. I’ve seen many reviews of these higher-end speakers here by other members. Most don’t go into detail about the kind of music they are using for demo. To me, that’s an important part of the equation. Speakers like the Sonus Faber, Dynaudio and Vienna Acoustics, Magnepan, etc…. seem to sound excellent with jazz and classical. For me I need the type of speaker that can also do rock, pop and vocal as well as jazz, blues, bluegrass and instrumental. I’m not really looking to replace speakers at this time, but I always enjoy reading reviews/impressions of speakers. In the future it would be nice if people would also include the demo material used to further understand the experience.

H9

tryrrthg

Originally posted by heiney9
This was going to be my question. I’ve seen many reviews of these higher-end speakers here by other members. Most don’t go into detail about the kind of music they are using for demo. To me, that’s an important part of the equation. Speakers like the Sonus Faber, Dynaudio and Vienna Acoustics, Magnepan, etc…. seem to sound excellent with jazz and classical. For me I need the type of speaker that can also do rock, pop and vocal as well as jazz, blues, bluegrass and instrumental. I’m not really looking to replace speakers at this time, but I always enjoy reading reviews/impressions of speakers. In the future it would be nice if people would also include the demo material used to further understand the experience.

H9

I've experienced the same thing. I think the Dynaudio's I've listened to sound great with all kinds of music. Wilson's sounded great with everything, and they should for the price tag. Thiels are so bright and revealing they would probably sound best with accoustic material. ProAc was a bit soft but still sound damn good with rock. I only had one CD for Sonus so I can't comment on how well they sound with everything. B&W's have always sounded a bit boring to me so I never spend a lot of time with them.

mantis

Getting into higher end speakers....

In my opnion they need to do everything well. I listen to alot of different kinds of music. I have spent countless hours listening and Installing high end speakers and found only one company that can do it all and thats Dynaudio.

I like Sonus, they make great speakers. I think they are better then most on the market, but I feel they lack behind what Dynaudio can do.Dynaudio is the next level of sonic perfection. Sonus is close but yet so far away.

It all comes down to personal preference and music choice.

My choice has been made

Dan

bigsexy1

Originally posted by mantis
It all comes down to personal preference and music choice.

My choice has been made

Dan

Truer words have never been spoken here.