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How timely! I’ve been debating spenders the money for these gorgeous, highly praised speakers. You’ve given me the nudge I needed.

Sonus Faber are well made quality speakers. Always sound good. You don’t need huge speakers, you need good speakers.

Glad you've added some jazz to the listening observations - the thump of a stand-up bass is one of my favorite differentiators between speakers.

You are impossible not to love Randy! Thank you for your time! Great review!

Quick thank you for your channel. Just got a wimp amp and a pair of on sale Elac bookshelf speakers and Qobuz and I am SOOOOOO happy… actually spent 3 nights just listening to music with the family - no one on their screens, no TV, NOTHING! It was so much fun…. Really appreciate your suggestions and content.

Happy you finally got these on the channel ... I've been touting the Lumina 2 model for years. I had mine up until very recently. Glad you've come to these =)

I love towers. But im not in the camp that says they are absolutely needed. Nice looking speakers… Cheers and happy Sundays!!

it's funny that you are mentioning "how loud is x db?" as today, just for kicks, I whipped out my phone and loaded a db meter. I'm usually about 3 meters from my speakers, and I set things to what I consider normal/"moderate" volume. Turns out my status quo is only about 55 db. I already knew that common performance tests at 85 db probably didn't apply to my life at all, but I had no idea my listening habits were so "quiet" nice review Randy - thank you!

Randy, You are simply the very best speaker reviewer on Youtibe! Your real world honest comparisons truly help people decide according to their own sonic tastes. I have already purchased 2 different pairs of bookshelf speakers based on your reviews and I thoroughly enjoy them. I heard the Sonus Farber at a local store a couple of years ago, and I too was very impressed. They sounded as good as they looked. Keep up the great work!

These speakers are absolutely fantastic for their size and price, pair them with a good subwoofer and a good amp and you are in for a treat

Damn it Randy. I watch this channel to avoid buying speakers like Sous Farber. I already know I want them.

Thanks for saying this, most people think bigger is better. Not in the case of audio. So many factors come into play and size isn't really in the list.

I prefer standmounts. My cats like floorstanders because they can sharpen their claws on them, and maybe even challenge themselves with vertical climbing- type A personalities. Loudness or a full presentation aren't exclusive to floorstanders though. I do think there is- in my perception, a sort of ease floorstanders offer that stand mounts struggle to achieve.

Another useful review. Sonus Faber is an aspirational speaker and nice to know they have one that's reasonably priced.

Hi Randy, I loved the Proac D2. Expensive but beautiful mid range with good weight and detail in the base😀

Just testing a new set of speakers out for range… hadn’t even thought about it before… but I think I found the perfect song to test speakers range out with, low base to hi tweet😊 JS Bach Tocatta Fugue in D Minor. The bookshelves did a nice job of it.

Maybe when you get a full size floor stander you don't need to buy the subwoofer to fill in the bottom its all choices and they are usually easier to place than some subwoofer in the middle of the room but some bookshelfs with a well matched sub may sing better for you.

Dude, I used to have a giant dual 15" concert speaker cab with 2 Infinity bookshelf speakers. And a cheap Sony 5.1 AVR receiver. Loud AF. My neighbors still remember it. 🤣

To get the ideal placement you need stands for your monitor speakers. It means they need the same amount of space as tower speakers. So you can better buy tower speakers.

100% correct randy im buying mine in about 8 days got to travel 120 miles to pick them up a dream speaker for and im glad that you are reviewing them cause they are the truth!!!!!

These are the speakers i've been waiting for. Finally something to upgrade from the elac unfi reference. Hopefully this fall these babys will be mine 😊

I got these too …..they are incredible and look the same!!!!! Very very happu

Got them in my bedroom paired with a Naïm Unity Atom with a pair of REL t/zero’s. Simply awesome!! A bit overkill but 🤷‍♂️☺️🎶

Great review especially with the comparison with other similarly priced speakers. 👍

Thanks! These are going on my short list for a small 2 channel setup.

Great video, really helped me. These or the Kef R3 metta ? Thank you.

Gotta say, my towers technically dont need a sub. But once i added one ive had laying around for years, im not going to back

Thanks for the video and comparisons. I’m a fan of towers. Buying bookshelves you usually need to buy a stand and the manufacturers price gouge like crazy for matching stands. Once you add it all up towers are a better deal IMO. They don’t have to be enormous. There are a lot of options if you think size matters. I thought you were talking about speakers. Get your mind out of the gutter.😂

Great upgrade speakers for someone like myself, thx for the review.

I've played around with a lot of speakers in my day, and bigger drivers in bigger boxes typically have a "bigger" sound, "in the room;" In near field listening, and in the classic direct triangle type listening, it generally goes unnoticed.

Hey Randy you are seriously talking me in these Sonus Faber lumina amator #2. I don't know if it's the same as the one I found on Crutchfield. Says SF Lumina 2 for $1299. I heard your passion when you were describing these beautiful speakers. 👍

One of the few companies that don't make any of their speakers in Asia. All Sonus Faber speakers are made in Italy, and all Focal speakers are made in France. Most other companies build their top of the line models in Europe or the US and the rest in China.

I purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Concerto about 20 years ago. I am changing out and upgrading all of my Hi-Fi gear., but I never even considered selling my speakers. For most Jazz and classical , that is all you need. Add a good sub and you have all the basis covered.

Went through alot of speakers over the years looking at small options. Other than looking at the over $2K, the choices more inline with budget always have issues, many of which outweigh the pros I need. I can give some things up but there are things I listen for and I have 1 budget option that works really well and its issues can be overlooked for what it does really well. I need to hear what I call texture/details in instruments and voices, not just the main sound. What I mean is, when a piano key is struck, there is the attack, the body and the overtones of the strike with texture within the sound itself. Same with string instruments, drums, the human voice, etc., with a lot of speakers regardless of being warm, neutral or cooler sounding, speakers can round or mask these sounds. Some may call these artifacts or distortion, but their not, although some distortion, resonances can be lived and which there are in a cheaper cabinet. I'f I get this texture, good tonality, instrument separation and stage depth...and be able to convey this at low to moderate SPLs, I can give up a bit of resolution, absolute transparency (though texture falls in this), stage height and width (which isn't always more is better) among a few other things. A speaker should first be excellent with music but also give good result with movies and soundtrack speech. Too laid back doesn't work nor too forward either. One speaker which keeps beating out speakers for me, at alot higher prices is a budget one Triangle made, the Plaisir Zeta also with the upgraded painted version the Color series. It isn't perfect but really pleasant to listen to in a way that makes it musical from small ensembles, large orchestrations, blues, jazz and classical. Probably Rock as well but that's my car music. There are speakers with more weight/body to their frequencies, more resolution, more refined etc., but other speakers can sound lifeless, unbalanced, too restrained, among other issues. If I could, I would want more body and attack without losing the airiness it has, less sibilance /glare at certain frequencies but without sounding lifeless or having other artifacts (one speaker brand chirped at sibilant passages). I can live with these issues as its such a great performer. Next to something like the MA Silver 100 or a Bucchardt, you can tell the difference in body/weight/solidy of image but it doesn't get tiring or overbearing either in my use. I have Focals which improve on nearly every aspect but selling as its large and I want to stay within about a foot tall with 5-6 inch drivers in which a smaller speakers with closer drivers can add to depth. Tried ML 15i, fantastic for movies but not for the music I listen to. Rock perhaps but complicated music, no, though the AMT tweeter is nice. I have Dali Opticon 1s, there's alot to like but I prefer alot of music on the Zetas though the Dali would be considered better in resolution, body, and is more neutral and am sure alot of people would prefer. It isn't lifeless per se, just rounded and I seem to like some edginess, even if the FR is jagged. And that smaller woofer is probably a bit more sluggish with more complicated music where alot of things are playing, strings are a little less lively for me. Speakers with a flat response, at least those I tried don't do it. (erin would not approve), so even reviews and/or measurements are difficult to assess. Anyone else have these experiences in their journey? Where less expensive speakers (w/ or w/o a sub) outperform in overall enjoyment over more expensive, refined, speakers?

What a hobby just as long as your ears and budget holds out. Thanks for the entertainment and great advise lol 🎉❤😂😅

Thanks for the tip on the center channel. Jamo Concert Series C9 works really nice. I had a small space, 19 1/4 inches wide. I looked at the Klipsch R-52C but went with the ascetics of the white Jamo. Still tweeking but a really nice speaker.

OMG, that TV over the fireplace is a real tragedy. My condolences brother.

Yes, us people with giant speakers are compensating for the tiny sound you get with tiny speakers. Four 15" woofers can produce far better natural, effortless, window rattling bass than two 6" woofers. Common sense. My MTM mid woofers are 6".

If speakers have separated posts do not use the jumper but use bi wire or even bi amp (also some AVR amps with multiple outputs are assignable for bi amp) for more immersive sonics with for instance the Canare with 4 wires in one 🤔

Both Danny's and Erin's measurements confirm the midrange resonance you heard. I could EQ the bright treble but the ringing just above 1 KHz kills the deal for me.

Nice review, I was looking at these speakers to replace Klipsch RP600M but ended up getting the Focal Vestia No! for about half the price plus a sub and still at less the cost. I am sorry to disappoint my paesani. I am happy with the new stuff.

Do you live in funeral home or was Lily Munster your interior decorator?

Love that your finally listening to tubes!!!

Thanks for the heads up on the Pioneer receiver 👍

You woke up my SIRI 😂 and she answered before yours did 😆

@cheapaudioman really enjoyed this review. I liked the real placement exercise, and it helps with planning of placement. Thank you.

way way way cool ..... thx a lot for this great review, and so fun to watch..... Yes those Italian speakers; less can be more 🥰😍😎

B&H is great, especially when you live in the northeast. Bought my Yamaha A-S301 on there and received in 2 days using standard (free) shipping

Every bookshelf speaker I listen to and compare to a floorstander in the same pricerange the bookshelf speaker loose. I would rather ditch the stands and use that space for more air. Speakers today have become better at creating bass and a full range using smaller space but physics can't be ignored. You need to move air. That said, I bet they sound fantastic. But they are not for me.

I'm liking them! . I like the look of the drivers, and would have high hopes at a listening audition. The price is extra high due to the high quality cabinets which is a shame when I would settle for standard quality.

Great video! Production quality is through the roof. Love the added music. I'm going to very seriously consider replacing my ELAC Carina's with these. Always wanted to try Sonus faber.

I bought some big speakers last year. And I was compensating. I was compensating for having a big room. My Emotiva T3s were delivered to my driveway on a pallet. On sale they cost just $200 more than those dolled up little Italian shoe boxes. LOL I love what you do, Randy!

Can you make a video about how to properly setup or toe in speakers for your room or a video about cheap acoustic tiles and the impact they make or if they are worth it

Great review. I've heard the Sonus Faber Concerto a few years ago at a Friend's place and was smitten by them. I've always been looking for a good deal on some but these...these heve my attention!

I had a SF surround setup years back that were walnut and leather and sounded great. Had to get rid when I moved. Sad day.

Your first lines are so true. I have Evo 4.1's that fill the room really nicely, and I don't have a particularly small room. Bookshelf speakers are not the poor cousin of tower speakers, and have not been for some time. They are a genuine force in themselves and it now is just personal preference rather than filling a room. Of course, if you have an absolutely huge room, those bookshelf speakers may look stupidly small in the room, but it doesn't mean they can't fill it with sound.

I think that's the best review from you, an honest upfront evaluation, I'm wondering how they fare with d class also, only one d class amp now so a/b mostly . I agree with trading some LF for that midrange . Nice one ..

Randy, you know how big my speakers are... and yes, you nailed it, I'm definitely compensating for sumptin'! Iggy

I am always switching between SVS Ultra bookshelf and JBL Studio 590. Both have different elements I like but the towers have some elements I like better. It is possible that you can get a better value with a somewhat less expensive tower than bookshelf speakers that are trying to compete with towers.

"maybe they 're compensation for something? " Yes, sure - they compensate for the lack of low bass :)

I just found some Yamaha NS 777 floor standing speakers for really cheap! Going to pick them up in a few hours! I'm using large mini system speakers now from a Sony DX50 mini system.

Hey Randy, I'm relatively new to the channel & enjoying your content. Great work! I was wondering if you have done any reviews of Angstrom speakers. I have a pair of Angstrom Modular Two 2-way bookshelf speakers & i think they are phenomenal. They are relatively small, deceivingly heavy, Canadian made, & absolutely deliver. Best of all, I bought mine used for $100, which is well below fair market value. A big win for my low-dollar hi-fi system.

Just got the pioneer lx505 from adorama for 650

Just auditioned these in a hi fi shop in Manchester England. Level of detail incredible as well as superb image. However where’s the base? Amp had 60 watts and used NAD streamer. They look beautiful but couldn’t live without the base.

there is an issue with rooms that many may not understand. This also creates the paradox of people with smaller rooms ending up with great sound. Lets say you room is rectangular as many living rooms are. Now depending on what is in the room and where you have chosen to put what kinda furniture, the fact is that the room has 4 walls. 2 long walls and 2 short walls. What I know is that if you put any speaker up against the long wall and have your sofa back up against the other long wall, you will get more bass. do it the oposite way you will have less. that is when one might start thinking about pulling the speakers into the room, or adding subs to get the bass where you are sitting. From my experience I have a long livingroom, and to take advantage of that space we have the tv section located on a short wall at the end of the room, and the speakers. While walking around in the room it is obvious that the bass is not in that area, but further back in the room. It would be great to see or know a littlebit more about the rooms you are getting this great sound outa of speakers please.

For me, speakers like this and most anything over $1000, would be something to buy and use with my existing small NAD amp (in my second room), and then upgrade my amp later to something like the Yamaha R-N1000. Very enticing.

I'm watching this video when the music comes on, and I'm thinking "those sound really great!" But the speakers I'm really listening to in my room are Dayton Audio bookshelf speakers with 4-1/2" woofers.

Thanks for the heads up on the live version of Am I Evil. Nice. One of my favorite tunes.

Svs ultra are my forever babies 🔥

My partner says my speaker size is just fine, and it’s not the size of the speaker, it’s how you drive it.

Love the review! Any idea where to purchase these? I can only find the original Lumina II available and not the newer lumina II Amator that you review here. I followed the affiliate link and could find info but not anyone selling them … yet? Thanks for your help and all of the great reviews!

Bro! That TV mount gave me neck pain just by looking at it. What an abomination lol 😂

Hi Randy , Great video as usual but I have a question or two that does not involve theses fantastic speakers but rather the FiiO 9 and the Topping DX9, which looks stunning.If you were to put yourself in a subscribers shoes and were toying with the idea of buying one of them based on other peoples reviews ,and possibly your experience with the companies other components ,you either have yourself or have seen or heard ,which one would you buy.Also before jumping in and shelling out £1,200 to £1,500 ,given the speed at which digital technology is advancing would it be wiser to buy something not as developed and cheaper and wait to see what the next stunning device will be or would you bite the bullet and buy one of them to enjoy it now and deal with what new developments come along later as and when they appear.

I agree that you do not need huge speakers to fill up a room. I find it hilarious that so many audiophiles go on and on about needing a subwoofer all the time. It depends on what kind of music you listen to and your room. I have listened to my system with a subwoofer and for me it is just not needed.

My bookshelves weigh 80 lbs and you are not going to be playing catch with them. They have a high quality paper kevlar woofer and there's nothing like a nice 10" woofer in a well dampened cabinet with a properly designed crossover . Even with a really fast subwoofer that can keep up which you're going to spend a lot of money for. It's still not the same tone. I have seen the inside of those Sonos Faber and I think you are paying a lot for the name.

Match up so well with Crimson Amps like they were made for each other

Hey Randy! Great review. Just wondering how would these compare to the famous B1+? I bought the B1+ from watching your review.

Ever Tried the Sonus Faber Sonetto 2? have them since 2 Years and iam really happy with them

You're right you don't need big speakers my B&w 707 s2 filled my medium sized room fine

I love the dinosaurs in the background, makes me sorta sad as all my kids are grown and apparently I’m not getting any grandkids. I’ve told my wife maybe we should buy them a book 😉

I'm just at 01:00 but already +1 for the music my dude

Nice review as always but I must admit I was immediately distracted by the mighty silver curtains. Do I need this to neutralize the sound in the room? 😅

I've had bookshelf, Ive had towers. I invariably end up back with towers. It's not that small speakers cannot produce sound, or bass. It's just that you simply cannot get big scale from bookshelf speakers. The laws of physics do not allow it. One driver doing mids and bass will never sound as good as two bass drivers and a separate midrange. If I'm in the mood for Hans Zimmers Interstallar sound track, that music demands huge scale and dynamics, and bookshelf simply won't do.

Love my Lumina V's! I'll have to hunt these down and take a listen 😁

And another compensator here - i hope between my polk r700s and my red motorcycle, people won''t focus on my physical and personality shortcomings😂

Buy second-hand, you can get so much better equipment for your money, if you know what your after and end up with some amazing realistic sounding equipment.

I have the Elac Vela BS 403 and I stopped using my sub plenty of bass with these speakers but would like more of a soundstage. I tried to set them up as best I could but not much of a difference although they do sound really good.

Would you be able to grab a hold of their Gravis sub (1 or 2) that comes with the Luminas? I have the original Lumina II for almost 3 years now and absolutely love them. A small b&w ASW08 gave them a totally new dimension and depth though. The gravis was too expensive for me.

When I'm asked what makes good hifi I say the sense involvement. When I listen to good hifi. I feel involved and like I'm present at the performance. It's something I've always found with Sonus Faber, but not B&W just as an example.

Technological advancements in speaker design have been amazing for the last 10 years, but bigger will always be better. Lots of power with big fat efficient speakers will always be preferred. But we live with limitations and make do.

What exactly does this speaker crush at? Theres a resonance at 1kh and a trough through out the midrange, with it expected to only going down to 50hz in room, and theres extended highs that go +6db. I guess if you really like highs buy this speaker. I suggest anyone with this kind of money for some bookshelf speakers look elsewhere, and for starters I would suggest Ascend Acoustic Sierra 2 EX. Its no contest between these 2 unless ya like the look of the Lumina II lol.

Don't kid yourself...There is no substitute for large presentation speakers. Finesse and delicacy is the goal for bookshelves & sub's. Dynamics, impact & immersion (Feeling every note) That is what large presentation is all about. I was very fortunate to find a pair locally (200lb shipping weight) AR Classic 30's for a "Cheap Audio man" price of $600.00 come get them. 3 pair of bookshelves went up for sale within hours of my 1st demo of them. Until my Magico M-9's get delivered these will do fine and as a bonus they can burry me in one of them, easily. My manhood had nothing to do with it. I knew I had found a unicorn deal.

Will this still be great as desktop speakers? Also some amp recommendations please. Thank you!

So these appear to be great value, i had my ears :)...on a pair of KEF R3's... But would it be worth the extra costs.. these speakers with a good sub sounds like s better combo??.. any thoughts???

Thank you Randy!

Are they "crunchy" with metal (like Carcass type metal, not new metallica and overproduced Korn) like the lumina lls did? Are they also equally amazing for female vocals, stringed instruments, jazz and the sax too?

Thanks

A veritable audio nostradamus! You can hear whatever you want to.

Great video! What are you filming on?