I Wasn’t Ready for THIS! This Speaker Crushes- Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator is a Steal!

[@cheapaudioman]

Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator bit.ly/3HTgBRF Pioneer VSX LX305 howl.me/clB2yN9GTNC Pioneer at B/H (On Sale) bit.ly/42FeyKj check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/ Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P

[@reserva120]

I like the Change towards a more assertive tone.. Real Critic, instead of passive "spec List reader... Well done sir.

[@brendanxtrom]

The lumina 2 bookshelf was the most fun I’ve had with a speaker in a long time. Just beautiful lush sound. A little light in the bass and I ended up moving to the lintons but I constantly think about these guys.

[@RanTausi]

How they compared to the Klipsch RP 600M ?

[@psyphonyxaudio]

" Amator " ... The title spelling**

[@mchenrypeople5727]

Diamond Head cover of Am I Evil as the 2020 ReRecord is awesome. The 2014 live version not so much. Thanks!!

[@jaymind]

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

[@ckjjclan]

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.

[@phil9593]

That's a stereo system that is doing its job! Awesome.

[@minuteskill]

I do music parties with my family too and have a blast. I can say, if ya have young kiddos try setting up the visualizer in Foobar.

[@phil9593]

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.

[@Alexander-dt8sk]

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

[@minuteskill]

Hopefully ya stalled... they measure pretty terribly and lack bass.

[@Alexander-dt8sk]

@@minuteskillI don't care about the bass as I have a subwoofer.

[@SteveRig82]

Thanks! I really enjoy your show!

[@noname-uo6hp]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Well thank you very much

[@MaZEEZaM]

@@cheapaudioman Hi Randy, thank you for rekindling my interest in these speakers, I am interested in buying either these or I can afford the Sonus Faber Sonetto II, have you had the chance to try them and are they a significant improvement on the Lumina II, or very different speakers. Can the Sonetto II also be placed near a wall as I need and are they as less fussy to drive as the Lumina II?

[@billywindsock9597]

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

[@jfloop77]

Look inside, then talk about quality.

[@msagoo29]

They are horribly made, panel gaps and cheap drivers. Their latest wireless speakers Duetta are full of issues.

[@SuomiFinland78]

@@jfloop77 quality is pretty the same for the same range of bookshelf, at least these are elegant.

[@josephcangelosi4414]

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!

[@maxpower78-15]

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

[@johnsmith-i5j7i]

I'd say 6.5" standmount is about right. Smaller driver won't have dynamics.

[@d.s.6268]

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

[@craigw7471]

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

[@jimmyBside]

@craigw7471….I want the pretty red ones. 😎

[@lisar3944]

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!

[@psyphonyxaudio]

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 =)

[@psyphonyxaudio]

also .. what gimbal / device .. were you using for the tracking shots? and yes - .. Erin measured the standard version to have a peak up in the highs.. That gives them some top end air.. and it is slightly boosted ..but still sounds smooth.

[@eggmanaegman]

You are using the older version. He is reviewing the newer more premium ones ;)

[@psyphonyxaudio]

@eggmanaegman .... You dont say? Wow. If you hadn't stated the obvious... how would we ever know... Damn... thank so much, captain Obvious.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@psyphonyxaudio it’s a dji osmo pocket 3. It’s changed my life. It has no right to be as good as it is for such a little camera

[@psyphonyxaudio]

@cheapaudioman .. I hear that too. For most cases and situations its a great camera. I manahed to get a gimbal with a tracking module for 1/3 the price and use my phone still. Until I am making money from the media grind.. I couldn't justify the $1k for the pocket 3.

[@MasterMark5]

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

[@manugrandest1683]

Pas besoin de caisson de basses !

[@nippahut]

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!!!!!

[@el_projects]

A great recommendation. Ordered a pair because of this video. I had Elac UBR62 that was too bright when combined with Hegel amp that gave me listening fatigue, then I tried to fix it with EQ but the result wasn't optimal. Now I've got the Lumina II Amator I've disabled EQ and it's sounds really smooth. Thanks cheapaudioman

[@lawchoongseng789]

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

[@painter662]

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.

[@kenanderson2216]

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. 🤣

[@shipsahoy1793]

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.

[@harrydavidson5548]

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

[@howieisbored]

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

[@geo.037]

Not if you don't use the fireplace

[@jemsmay2167]

Full agreement, nothing says “someone who doesn’t watch tv much makes all the decisions” more than a tv over the fireplace. The worst on multiple levels….

[@ricksmith7659]

​@@geo.037that's not the issue. Being so high is the problem

[@ricksmith7659]

There are a few adjustable TV mount options made for a fireplaces that will lower the TV below the mantel. Why anyone wouldn't use one of these mounts is beyond my comprehension

[@geo.037]

@@ricksmith7659 ah,... yes. And there is only 1 reason. And my point wasn't a criticism. It looks fine where it is. I'm sure lots of people put it there and have no issues with it. I wouldn't. It isn't a right or wrong issue. Thanks for correcting me.

[@onechain13]

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.

[@markceci9896]

If the max listening is at 80 dB, lots of speakers can sound good.

[@supergrissi]

There is no replacement for displacement!

[@paulgyro]

Can you share a bit more what you mean by this?

[@jefffoster3557]

Indeed....these may be nice if all you listen to is jazz and classical. But you'll never really hear or feel any other genres.@@supergrissi

[@Harald-MacGerhard]

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

[@jimbrunsman1011]

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

[@MrMikeycinema]

Hey! I bought one pair of these and switched them over for the elac's unify f5 floorstanders. And i must say that these sonos fabers surprised me in a good way. Mutch better midrange, more controlled high and bass. I have also an klipsch surround setup and the sonos fabers blend beautifully in. I never thought that a bookshelf can overbeat a floorstander(sorry Andrew J.) Grts from a audio enthousiast Mike R

[@tomreidy1237]

Thanks for the heads up on the Pioneer receiver 👍

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

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.

[@BRUCEBLOHOWIAK]

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

[@TR2GTO]

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.

[@jordancentola6701]

Love that your finally listening to tubes!!!

[@martinmiller7623]

Hold my wallet😂

[@maxpower78-15]

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

[@krownedklown420klik9]

❤, I running accusound sa1200f floor standing speakers. Added the sw1200w sub(from the same HT system). And an Aaron sub 60 MK2 I got for 10$ at the opp shop. Really fills the sound out. Also have the accusound sa1200s surround speaker on a seperate amp with a 250watt Panasonic passive sub, which I can move around. Room maxes out at about 90db. It's plenty loud enough 3m away. Doesn't need more than 80db to fill the room.🤷🔊🔊 Found input quality and speaker position makes a bigger difference than everything. Lot of wooden furniture in theri😂. I'm never taking the subs away from the floor standers 😂. However I am new to this. Looking at a Kenwood ka56 stereo amplifier, if the price is 👍👍

[@allisonsh0re]

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!

[@Leo-yn5fx]

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 😊

[@YannickRobitaille-t9u]

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 🤷‍♂️☺️🎶

[@richardbilow3289]

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.

[@davidpartlow6188]

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

[@DougMen1]

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.

[@lawyerzzzz]

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

[@peterkemper6999]

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.

[@quma001]

That's true, the used area on the floor might be the same, but bookshelves on stands still look much less obtrusive.

[@tedkay5272]

There's more to it then that

[@tedschnur5861]

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.

[@bengleason508]

Thank you Randy!

[@robertoakes666]

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.

[@martinmiller7623]

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

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

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.😂

[@HamSolo2024]

So if let's say a friend allow you to take a pair home between Polk audio R700 and this Amator, which one would you pick?

[@jyharris]

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.

[@cheapaudioman]

lol. You’re too kind, my friend.

[@seano218]

I came from lumina lls and went with the Carinas due to them being more friendly with all the genres I listen to and a better treble response with the ribbons as well as better bass and midrange richness. The Lumina lls I had were better for jazz, vocals, stringed instruments and Horns, outside of those genres, not that impressive as the Carinas. If you want a blend of both, try Kef or step up past the Sonus Faber Sonettos. Also, maybe try a different speaker placement as well. Pulling them out about 20" from wall to back really opened up their soundstage for me and gave me better seperation. Bass tightened up too.

[@jyharris]

@@seano218 Thanks. I can't get too crazy though. These are all covert purchases. 😂.

[@donjaun540]

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. 👍

[@BRUCEBLOHOWIAK]

They are not the same… crutchfield Just got them in…I was on wait list for them. These are even better than the Lumina 2s for a little more money

[@dennis3779]

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 🤔

[@Evolved_ue7]

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 ..

[@zeromold]

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

[@jedknutson8373]

let's just say the place is definitely influenced by the female specimen...

[@EsotericArctos]

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.

[@supergrissi]

It only means a floorstander wil fill the room better, without actually taking more of the floor in the room!

[@Stan_the_Belgian]

@@supergrissi exactly, also to really hit 40-50 hz -3db you need the volume of a tower. Volume often gives you free output.

[@the_dude182]

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

[@Suntadyis]

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

[@francescotenti193]

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.

[@RetireWithLess]

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

[@kevinbehnke7149]

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!

[@SuomiFinland78]

Great review. Which one do you prefer between Sonus Faber Lumina II, Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 and Kef 50 sl? I listen rock, jazz and opera. Thank you!

[@chrisnovakowski9827]

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.

[@michealboudreaux]

Great video! What are you filming on?

[@jdhogg257]

Would these pair good with a Denon 900hne?

[@themarksmanABP]

So are these speakers going to outperform the q acoustics c300 as they are around the same price in the uk

[@georgebliss964]

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.

[@derrickgarcia303]

how does this speaker compare to KEF LS50 Meta?

[@MartyBird_70]

Much more clarity in high and mid, more color, more vibrations. Just did the exact comparaison today at my audio dealer. I would go for those Sonus faber 100%

[@eggmanaegman]

Thanks

[@cheapaudioman]

GD autocorrect gets me everytime

[@theoallen100]

So you mention.."those rsl" would these be an upgrade over the cg23? I own those and they sound great but I'm open to an upgrade if there is an improvement....and for the cost not sure if it is a big improvement?

[@dennis3779]

Nice but what about Triangle Titus, Audiovector, Scansonic, Quadral Chromium 35 or Buchardt 400 which I am very curious about 🤔

[@ChadBlanchard23]

Nicely done. Great review.

[@carlsitler9071]

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".

[@johnsmith-i5j7i]

Depends on room size and use. I own both types.

[@pdsdownunder3010]

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???

[@corneliousrobinson7886]

@@pdsdownunder3010 I am dealing with the same issue right now after hearing the Amator in store. What did you decide on?

[@sp4lg]

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.

[@stevied4334]

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

[@davidlynch4500]

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.

[@vrenlos]

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

[@MrRourk]

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

[@bobtowncarguy82]

Very nice looking speakers. 👌

[@craigtodd8297]

Bevelled? or Countersunk?

[@upitshak]

Hi, can you suggest a 5.1 av amp to drive them well?

[@glen7589]

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 😉

[@wheels410]

Sorry if this is a dumb question. How would these compare to Klipsch The Nines?

[@brendanhoffmann8402]

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.

[@superintertainment11]

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

[@BrettinLux]

How do these compare to the Klipsch RP-600? Is there a huge difference to justify the extra cost?

[@tyotaterry]

How would these compare to Polk Audio Reserve R200s? (you mentioned R100s)

[@harisjaved1379]

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

[@theodorezurla496]

Svs ultra are my forever babies 🔥

[@rosswellman7224]

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.

[@alex.j87]

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.

[@luke78333]

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

[@brette.5863]

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

[@puropadre]

I have a pair of SVS Prime speakers which I like, but I'm thinking of upgrading. How would you compare the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator to the SVS Prime. Thanks!

[@psychozulu]

Hi. I just found your channel and I wanted to ask what you think of using a Yamaha WXC-50 as a pre amp with a OSD XMP300? And maybe ad a second XMP 300 latter for bi-amping. I got a pair of Polk R700's for a really good deal, and I feel like I should upgrade my Sony STR DH550. Thanks for any thoughts you might share.

[@ChuckCelticCarNut]

Have you tried to get a hold of the Zu DWX ($1,400). I would like to here your opinion of those speakers, and maybe the DW6 also. Just curious.

[@dallrevenge9256]

Can someone explain the 4 connecters in back of the speakers and how to use them?

[@seano218]

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?

[@rickbrookes9491]

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

[@12_inch_spinnerz]

@4:24 just throwing money around like it's nothing 😂

[@alpaslanbek]

Wondering how it compares to Kef R3's (non meta)

[@tomeksiwiec6300]

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