Sonus Faber Alternatives That Offer Similar Sound and Performance, your expertise needed!


First of all, let me set the stage for this discussion. I have owned a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica III's for some time now, and love the sound of these speakers. And not only the sound, but the build quality, the appearance, everything about them. I only wish they could have been available in the classic, beautiful violin red color.

I made what was perhaps a mistake, in retrospect, in recently listening to both a pair of the Amati Futuras as well as it's recent successor, the Amati Tradition. The Futura's were in the home of a new friend, the Traditions were auditioned for myself, and a friend, while I accompanied him to the local premium audio seller. As I noted before, I am extremely happy with my Olympica III's. However, upon hearing both the Futura's and Traditions, they both exhibited everything I love about my Olympica's, but just more of all of it.   And, very importantly, I heard the Futuras in a setting that virtually duplicated the size of my own room (13x15x8) , and seating position distance, so I know they would work.

Unfortunately, the Amati Futuras sold at $36k a pair, and Traditions go for $30,000 a pair, and an average of $18.5k and $17.5k used, respectively . I now really desire to move up to either the Amati Futura or Tradition, for the duration of my listening life,  and, at the same time, get that wondrous red violin finish I've always dreamed of owning. Even give how much I am a dyed in the wool Sonus Faber fan, I simply have to  realize I will not ever have the necessary funding to allow me to make an upgrade to either of these, which are the next step up in the line. The maximum  I could manage to spend, is $11k, to upgrade. I realize this would buy me an older model from Sonus Faber, but their sound characteristics are quite different from that of the newer models that began with the Olympica line, the Futura's, etc.  

The truly frustrating thing is that, with other speaker brands, you do sometimes come across a real steal which allows you to upgrade more than substantially. Recently, I found a deal for a friend who is a Von Schweikert enthusiast that allowed him to move up three models in their line, at the cost of $8000.00 for a pair of speakers that originally sold at $29,000.00. Six months ago, another friend found a deal on a pair of $30k B&W speakers for $10k. Yes, these were older speakers, but none the less brilliant performers regardless.

So now we come to the real discussion point. It's clear I cannot, and will not be able to afford what I want from Sonus Faber, what other brands, and potentially older speakers, would provide a similar sound that could likely be found on a great deal, used, in the kind of price range I can afford? Perhaps the answer is nothing, but I at least have to ask. Your opinions, expertise and thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
nightfall
nightfall, don't feel like you're all alone out there. I would greatly enjoy moving up the ladder as well. I would take a serious look at these...

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649118161-legacy_aeris_rosewood_black_pearl_3_monthe_old_mint/

I would buy these in a heartbeat if I could pull it off but alas, I am in the same boat as you for now. These are a bit out of reach for me. This is a great buy on a wonderful set of speakers. Good luck to you!

Nightfall, I understand your love and desire for upper end of the Sonus Faber. For the last 15 years I owned many SF models including Amati Anniversario, Elipsas SE Red, Guarneri Momentos and Evos. Currently own the latest Serafino Tradition model that I like a lot. May be you can swing several more grand or have something to trade so I recommend you a great dealer that can make new Serafino happen for you. And yes I have them in violin red - awesome speaker that I plan to retire with. You may find the speakers that will sound close or even some better than SF Tradition models within your price range (will not be that easy so) but I am not sure you can find anything that looks that great also. The SF did a great job with the latest Tradition series both look and sound wise.

pm me for a dealer info if you in US and make a decision to swing for a new pair.

ProAc comes to my mind. as a prior Sonus and Proac owner. possibly some of the other UK based speakers like PMC. the UK pound is quite deflated right now so easier to buy now then in the past as prices have dropped significantly as the pound dropped.
NOTHING sounds like a Sonus Faber!Your going to make the same mistake made by countless audiophiles.Your going to try speaker after speaker trying to find a sound that is only available from SF..My advice is stick with what you have and keep saving.
If that isn't doable you might try contacting Fritz speakers..He seems to have the ability to source pretty much any driver available and may be able to build your dream speaker for your budget...
nightfall
Sonus Faber Alternatives That Offer Similar Sound and Performance, your expertise needed!
We had a big all day session a pair of Quad ESL 57’s with a Decca Kelly ribbon from 13khz up.
We replaced them with a pair Sonus Faber Amati’s using the same amp and source, and I thought to myself this is like the 57’s clone. Naturally the Amati’s could go a few dB louder if needed which we didn’t need.

Cheers George