Focal Aria 906 vs Sonus faber Sonetto I

[@enniol8043]

I used to work for Adrian when he was selling JM Labs and had some Sonus Faber as well and the JM Labs (Focal) were my go-to speaker. Recently I purchased two systems from Audio Excellence, a theatre and a two-channel, all Sonetto and McIntosh, I am very glad to hear the reviews are the way they are. They are great great speaker companies.

[@rockroll4553]

I have focal aria 906 I listen to rock blues heavy metal rock is very good for everything!!!Very nice and excellent speaker!

[@apollon755]

hi ,we have the same taste in music,can you tell me what amp you drive them ,im thinking of buy them.how loud are they go if set my amp to "a quarter to 9 or 10" in volume ?happy listenings

[@michaelmityok1001]

Love these vids, great personalities, vast experience, wish I could afford the gear!

[@celestial_sound]

Have listened to both speakers and I own Sonetto's II. Both speakers are great, but I choose the SFs because they have better dispersion which leads to larger soundstage and better off axis listening experience. Philip was on spot with his comments on the sonetto's soundstage. I will add that the sonettos have more air in the high frequency region and crispy (spicy) cymbals greatly separated from the rest of the music. Again both speakers are great, your choice should be based on your priorities!

[@marcusaurelius2988]

Are they any bright?

[@celestial_sound]

@@marcusaurelius2988 Nope, they aren't. However, in a small room with too many reflective surfaces i would suggest not to toe in the speakers.

[@povictor]

May I ask how significantly better is the II to the I, since this comparison was based on the I.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

You might feel the SF have better off axis performance but all measurements from very reliable sources such as ASR (Klippel NFS), Stereophile (Quasi Anechoic) and Soundstage Network (Anechoic Chamber) show the exact opposite. The Arias hold 60 degrees up till 11.5khz, the SF is nowhere near.

[@CohibaJoe]

System One using Focal Aria 936 on PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP. System Two using Focal Aria 926 on Marantz 7T/Parasound Halo A21+. The Focal and Tube gear works fantastic.

[@DougMen1]

This is a great commentary. I'm a rocker and I like speakers that bring the performer into my room, so I guess that's why I love Focal speakers. But, my favorite of all time is still the La Scala, if you have a room big enough for them. The 906 is my more realistic bucket list speaker. I just wish that they didn't cost twice as much here in North America compared to in Europe. B&W and Monitor Audio do that too, but Elac and KEF don't. If they sold for what they go for in Europe here, Focals would be much much more popular here, IMO

[@riccitone]

This is very helpful...only that wondering if the Sonettos are engaging "enough" so that (over time) one wouldn't necessarily want for a sound presentation similar to the focal 906. I personally would lean toward a speaker that plays very well across many genres. But I don't want it to put me to sleep!

[@kurtsnyder1164]

I would love to see u guys do a tour of your store!

[@PBlaik]

Me too!

[@brandonburr4900]

I always wondered what happened to jmlabs. Didnt know they were purchased by focal. Way back in the mid early 90s my local dealer (that don't exist anymore) carried jmlab. They had them in the big 2 channel room connected to some ridiculously expensive Tara labs decade speakers cables at the time. I can't remember the model name of the jmlabs. I'm pretty sure they were still new. They were out of my budget being still new to this hobby. Thanks for the comparison !

[@danielhenderson8316]

They weren't purchased, they just changed names. Jacques Mahul just combined the speaker company and the machining company into one.

[@dimitrislogarnes6908]

Where is J ? You guys are a good team. I like listening all opinions. I got focals 906 and 936 and they took more than a hundred hours of braking in. The sound became more relaxed and deep. They dont need exotic cables IMO. Thnx and keep it up.

[@mesonto]

So true.

[@dajikbatarang1]

He left the store

[@dimitrislogarnes6908]

@@dajikbatarang1 that's ok. I can live with that. Keep it up you guys.

[@MK-rn2hm]

You guys are a class act. Can you include sound demos as well?

[@dufonrafal]

They’re how much in Canada?!? OMG 😱 In France: Sonetto 1 = 1500€ (2300 CAD) Aria 906 = 500€ (770 CAD) And yes, that’s with taxes and for a pair :) At this price I will choose the Focal, but even at the same price, the Focal are actually the more truthful I believe. SF has a more relaxed presentation, but that make them more of a background music speaker. Not really what I will be looking for. Also the tweeters, I love them on the Focal. But I understand why someone will prefer a more relaxed and/or warmer sound. Taste I guess…

[@tomastomasek1401]

Exactly!😲 Aria 906 is very good 500€ speaker. For 2000€? No, for 2000€ you can have much better speaker.

[@dufonrafal]

@@tomastomasek1401 In Europe yes, you can have a better one (not necessarily much, but better). But then in Canada, apparently not. Well, I guess living in western Europe is not always that expensive :D

[@cristi724]

Where did you find them at 500 euro for the pair? Everywhere I look, 500 is for one speaker. Seriously, I am looking to get them. Name the store.

[@dufonrafal]

@@cristi724 you have to wait for the right opportunity.

[@wadimek116]

@@dufonrafal Then you can buy sonus for half price to

[@stephencosta6814]

👍👍💪💪👋👋😍💕❤️Adrian you hit the nail on the head because you can judge your clients playlist and decide which speaker is his or hers and recommend the hotel if their music is more upbeat and Lively go for the focal if the Music is More subdued in quiet go to Sonos

[@heeermiii]

great video. hope to see a video comparison for the aria 926

[@mesonto]

I found this video spot on. But I would take it further. I find the Sonus Faber line so laid back I am bored, wouldn't want them, any of them. (Mind you I think they are fine speakers) However the Focals just get better as you go up in the line. I also find them one of the only speaker brands that I have heard that bring out the details (beryllium tweeter) in the music. Musicality to me means that I get to hear all the music, not that I'm falling asleep in the middle of a concert hall. It is engaging and exciting even if it is laid back... I absolutely love the Focal brand for this.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Might wanna try B&W tweeters then. I think they bring out more detail and with better air around them...though the mids are better on the Focal.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@SpaghettiKillah B&Ws are boosted to death in the treble, Focals are not. Bright does not equate to detail.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

@@AbsoluteFidelity I'm very sensible to boosted treble. In fact I don't buy speakers that have boosted treble. NONE of the B&W speakers i've ever heard had this issue, and *NONE* of the reviews and measurements that go along suggest it. Maybe you can provide a link of a video or a review with measurements? The bump in hi-freq should be easily measured no? Maybe the latest line? I haven't heard the new ones but everything from Nautilus and up I did. All very controlled in the treble. The only brand that CONSISTENTLY literally SCRATCHED my ears with harsh treble was Tannoy, admittedly the low and mid level models in tower and bookshelf configuration. Their classic, big box/expensive models have a lovely tweeter!

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@SpaghettiKillah all their latest lineup, from the 606s to the 800s D3 D4 etc... Stereophile, ASR, Erin, Soundstage Network, these are all the reliable places for accurate spins. It is no secret that B&W have crazy boosted treble now, the flat measuring B&Ws are LONG GONE.

[@keeferdog5617]

I own both speakers but in different versions. You guys “hit the nail on the head”. To elaborate on the tweeters, the biggest difference between the two is the obvious “extended” (metal tweet Al/Mag) of the Focals vs the more “natural” sounding, sweet n smooth “SILK DOME” tweet of the SF. I ran the Focals with high end tube electronics that definitely helped mellow-out the Focals. Good synergy. My Sonus Faber Sonetto lll’s love the PrimaLuna (KT 150’s) tube amp, the incredibly neutral Audio Hungary (you need to investigate this line, Adrian) APR 204 tube preamp. I have a Cary Audio DAC with a tube analog output stage. GREAT synergy. I ended up selling the Focal bookshelves and bought the compact floor standing Sonetto lll’s. For those that wonder bookshelf vs small floor stands, I’m definitely in the floor standing speakers camp! No if’s, ands or buts about it. One thing the bookshelf beats the floor standers is with the “center image”. It is stronger, a lil more focused with the Focal bookshelves vs the SF floors. Not to say, SF struggles, they don’t, just more prevalent with the bookshelves. These lil lll’s are “sweethearts”. One thing I’ve found, there’s a definite “sweet spot” where they need/want to be played to keep em composed and happy. A pair of Rel T9l’s subs are next but they have plenty of punchy, tight low end when setup properly in my small to medium sized dedicated listening room. Just want a lil more “fullness” with the Rel’s. To sum it up, one could say that the Focals might serve a “younger” listener favoring rock, pop, edm etc. and the SF might be enjoyed for an “older listener” favoring classical, jazz, blues etc. We all like to “rock” as Adrian stated in the vid, but I feel the SF is a more “composed, finesse” type of speaker vs the speed and “forwardness” of the Focals. I highly recommend the Sonetto’s for folks in the Sonus Faber entry-level price range! Adrian, would it be possible to do a comparison vid of the Sonetto lll vs V vs Vlll? That would make for great content. Keep up the great work, guys!!!

[@matthewy100]

Thanks so very much for the wonderful comparative analysis of these two speakers. I’m currently contemplating purchasing a Hegel H95 Integrated Amp. And pairing it with the Focal Aria 906’s. I listen to a wide array of music, but want my system to best best voiced for jazz. To that end, I’m concerned that the Arias might be quite fatiguing. Could you please comment on the matter of listening fatigue as it pertains to the H95 and Aria 906 combination? Thanks in advance.

[@leonsam12]

Did you pair the 906s to the Hegel? How did it work out?

[@wim1983]

Sonus Faber Sonetto I has excellent craftsmanship, but the treble I feel a bit forward and unforgiving, you might need to spend a lot more on other gears like DAC/amp to produce more balanced sound.

[@freekwo7772]

Like Steve G recently said - people need at least two pair of speakers or two systems if you have wide taste for music. This discussion proves that Steve is right. But it is hard to accommodate that...

[@johnchan7544]

Would love for you to do a comparison of the Kanta 2 with the Wilson Audio Sabrina X, using the Mcintosh MA 352 and MA 8900??

[@nisselind9838]

Looking forward to you guys checking out the 948, i have them so could you run them with some macintosh so we know what you think about that match. Thanks from sweden!

[@terrym540]

A fascinating discussion. Would a different solid state amplifier curb some of the forward nature of the Focal?

[@marcbegine]

When do you review the Focal Aria 948?

[@scrambaba]

Focal Aria 936 - beautiful.

[@davidnguyen5028]

Please do a review of the Focal Aria 936.

[@andrewherman107]

Fascinating review. Just watched another KZbin review of the Sonetto II (NEMO Propaganda) where he compared the Sonetto II to the Aria 906 and basically said the 906 was a "better sounding" speaker - had a much better tweeter and better bass. No not apples to apples (Sonetto I vs II) but interesting nonetheless. He then compared the Sonetto II to the Buchardt S400 MK II (I've read many positive reviews on the S400's) and essentially made a statement that you'd be a fool to buy the Sonetto II over the Buchardt because the S400 is SO much better - and cheaper, his words not mine. I've never heard any of these speakers (unfortunately I live in a very rural area and my primary speakers are B&W DM 14's, which are approaching 50 years old now - and still sound great to me) but it's interesting to hear the diametrically opposing viewpoints (I've been considering the SF speakers, which is why I've been searching out the reviews).

[@bahadiratay1694]

Being bright speaker should not be described as a problem, it is choice. If i wanna use a tube amp my first choice can be Focal since don't miss details...

[@steveee2511]

Hope you Review the new Sonette g2 coming out soon

[@gustavoferreyro6151]

Hey guys, do you think a Naim Uniti Atom will be able to drive de Sonettto I?

[@catherinecostello9027]

💯 %

[@tausha46]

GREAT REVIEW THANKS

[@darrylfleet3773]

Amazing Topic My Brother's 👍 Love To See You Guy's Talk About The New Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Headphones Ok 👌 Love ❤ To Hear Your Feed Back Ok 👌 Thank You Darryl from Baltimore Md

[@gw61]

Sonus Faber sonetto 2 or Cremona Auditor? And why?

[@philo.7303]

Hey y'all, from the US so wouldn't be able to make it. Can you do tours of the listening rooms with music playing. Really interested in seeing the store space. Love the commentary.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

I think Focal, Sonus Faber, B&W, KEF are all great brands. Can't really go wrong with any of them...it just depends on taste but mostly *THE SYSTEM*

[@tonymelito7392]

Hey guys just wondering whatever happened to the video comparing the Goldenear BRX with the other Speakers in this video?

[@igorfridrich1070]

Italy of course...❤

[@sanglee7877]

The aria906 is always compared to double the price of a speaker Still not losing Best cost-effective speakers

[@ImBillionaire]

Focal Aria is amazing for Jazz. Vocals not so much. I own Aria 906, what would be the upgrade from it to achieve more body with better mid-range - Sonetto II? or would it be too laid back?

[@dufonrafal]

I actually think that the Aria are extremely good for Vocals. I’m at my parents house (lockdown), they have the 906 I will give them a good listening tomorrow I guess since I have nothing else to do. Some of the things I read don’t match my previous experience with them…

[@capwkidd]

May I suggest setting cameras to manual exposure? Having the exposure ramp up and down the brightness is very distracting, at least to me it is... makes the white background pulse...

[@PetreRodan]

can you please enable the search functionality on your 'videos' page?

[@t.j.bennett6454]

I havent heard the aria but since you like laid back im very interested in hearing what you think about the chora vs the sonetto. I think the chora is an absolutely FANTASTIC speaker. Amazing imaging, texture and details. Definitely seemed to suit the "audiophile " music genre because its more laid back yet has air. The tweeter and bass were limited however but knowing how well the whole speaker is, I can't help but think they purposely did that so they weren't too good for the money

[@dufonrafal]

They were going for something a bit more mainstream I think. I actually prefer the older Chorus 700 series because of this. The tweeters are the same as the Aria, well, each speaker has a version specifically tuned for it of course.

[@LSDaigle]

Thanks for the comparison. From your descriptions it seems that I would shrink away from the Aria's after a couple of hours as I tend to associate forwardness with fatiguing. Based upon what you both described I would probably opt for the SF's. On another note, have you considered looking into the Canton line? I own a pair of the Reference 1's and can't say enough positive things about them. They don't have a big following in North America which is a shame, but they are built entirely in house in Germany. The engineering and voicing is superb. Thanks again for this vlog. Very interesting observations.

[@dmgmail7021]

I own the Focals 906. I have matched them with many amps both separates and integrated, used digital and analog sources. I have NEVER found them fatiguing in 99% of music played. That 1% I leave the exception is when music is horribly mastered, and I mean the type of horrible that will sound bad on any system or speakers. Also I will add the Focals play very friendly with lots of various amps which I find not the case with every speaker which is nice if you ever change a component but want to keep your Focals. Even tho now I have my end game dream system going to tower speakers I will never part with those Focals and have moved them into my room. Hope that helps anyone considering.

[@zimand3]

I could choose between Aria 906 (black highgloss) and Sonus Faber Lumina II at almost the same price 1000 Euros per pair. I listen to Aria and like it very much but never listen to Sonus Faber Lumina II. Which to choose? I like all kind of music from rock, alternative, classic and rap music.

[@paulmurphy2532]

Hi thanks for a very insightful informative video again. I am at present using a Unison Unico amp a Hegel hd10 dac Bluesound 2i and Dali Zensor 3 speakers and am thinking about a speaker upgrade and nearly bought the Focal aria 906 I also enjoy a sound that's engaging but also laid back and warm . I think a speaker that is full on would get fatiguing after a while . So the songs is now a contender . I listen to a lot of jazz and music that would be typical of say BBC6 ETC . Any thoughts please

[@michelrichert9052]

3080 $ for a pair of Focal 906 ?!?!!!! What the hell !! In France, they cost 550€ a pair !!! (Without stands) .. If you convert that to Canadian Dollars, they cost 860 $ !! So 3080 $, that's crazy !!

[@stephane522]

Et même 498 euros en ce moment.

[@michelrichert9052]

@@stephane522 4 fois le prix en France .. c'est un bon ratio je trouve !

[@Totalplonker]

Here in the UK £799 for the focals and £1,500 for the sonetto's

[@wadimek116]

@@stephane522 Link or it didn't happen

[@toddhupp]

the higher efficiency of focal may benefit tube systems.

[@paulgillard5094]

Which speakers would go better with the Naim Uniti Star. ?

[@taheralikhan5771]

Dear respected sir I have focal sopra n2 my questions is Which company interconnection xlr cables and speaker cables I can use for detail sound please suggest me

[@CheekyFest]

but if you take off the stands, the Focal is around £1000 and the Sonetto is around £1500

[@projack1971]

Focal 906 can be as low as $400 Sonus Faber around £1200 so can buy 3 pairs of Focals for the price of the Sonus Fabers and even at srp Focals £900 Sonus Faber £1400 so they are not in the same price bracket. Interesting video though

[@projack1971]

£400 not $400

[@t.j.bennett6454]

Ew purple flare nordost cables will color the sound so much and imo can ruin something like the aria. Id try a copper and silver to see what "flavor" works best with each speaker

[@jan-pietervanwaasbergen2441]

Thanks for your opinion about the speakers. I am moving to another home and on search for small speakers, now I have SF Principia 5 speakers, now I have a bigger listening room, my future listening room will be about 20m2. I love the sound of SF I am used to it, I am going to listen also to Focal Aria 906 soon before making my choice, my choice of music is only classical music, I am a classical music junk, from your opinion I think my choice will be SF Sonetto 1 or SF Lumina 2. What is your opinion advise? for a classical music junk as I am. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@nc3419]

I am looking at Sonetto 1 vs Lumina 2 also. Did you make your choice and can you explain the differences between the speakers? I tried Dali Menuet Se but it seemed to be missing inner detail I am used to and there was some harshness in the upper mids on both a hegel h160 and a keces e40. Midbass alsocould have been better in comparision to lower bass (it did reach to 60 Hz) plus it was also difficult to drive with impedance going under 4 ohms for more of the low to lower mid frequency curve.

[@Jazzie_Fizzle]

What do you think of the Sonetto I's paired with a Marantz PM7000N?

[@johnhovanec6240]

Carbon is a good cable,i own one.

[@MrAndrewChung]

you guys are good.

[@geraldperry7779]

Be nice do one on Warfdale 4.2 massive real veneer bookshelf,3 way AMT tweeter. For under $1500. Canadian

[@Demoaccount-i2k]

I just went for the top dog - MA100 Gold

[@toddhupp]

who wins on vocals?

[@catherinecostello9027]

That would be the Soneto

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@catherinecostello9027 since the sonetto has hot treble, the mids would sink and drown more compared to the Aria.

[@thomasvillefrancebisgaard2542]

how do they compare to dynaudio evoke 10

[@kjbiz]

I was wondering how you guys were going to go without Jay but you have gone from the three stooges to laurel and hardy. I do like listening to your knowledge

[@net_news]

Vilip is amazing, always hit the nail with his descriptions.

[@LSDaigle]

Jay hasn't missed a beat. He's posting his own vlogs on the Tube. Looking more relaxed and confident in himself as well. LOL!

[@kjbiz]

@@LSDaigle yes I am still watching him with interest as well. He has great knowledge as do the other more senior guys 😊

[@bernarddussault2365]

well , it's pretty ironic in my case loll I just recently exchange the speakers of my system : Sonetto II against ..... Chorus 726 !!!

[@fifa3]

I have the 716s, how did your 726 compare?

[@bernarddussault2365]

a bit more bottom end imaging I suppose

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

Now do a Chora vs. Lumina.

[@vascojardim6703]

This review summarizes the flaws of high end reviewing: it is totally subjective and reviewers cannot escape the price bias. Had they known that the Focal is actually one third of the price of the Sonus Faber they would not even had pitched them against each other, and if they did, they would say that the SF would be leaps and bounds ahead. So, taxes, import duties and distributor margins aside, (any of which has zero influence on sound quality), either the Focal’s are the best value ever in loudspeakers or the SFs are an awful speaker for the money…

[@cristi724]

One third of the price? Are you sure you didn't look at the price for one focal speaker? Focal does also sell them like that.

[@vascojardim6703]

@@cristi724 in Europe, where both speakers are made, the focals are about 500€

[@cristi724]

@@vascojardim6703 yeah, they're not. Not for a pair. I'm looking to buy them and the 500 euro price is for a single speaker. Would appreciate a name for a store that actually sells a pair for 500.

[@cristi724]

@@vascojardim6703 I think Corona prices have messed these up, seeing forum posts myself of people paying 400-500 for the pair. they no longer cost that :(

[@vascojardim6703]

@@cristi724 you are right. I am now seeing them for about 1.000€ with the top finish.

[@mikebracco890]

I went Focal 906 < Sonetto II ( a big jump from the 1, imo) I eventually went to Wilson Audio Sasha 2 when I moved to a bigger room. Focal was soft and lazy, imo.

[@nc3419]

What specifically makes the sonetto II over the I a big jump up other than perhaps more bass extension?

[@0bzen22]

Aria 906 is 3000 CAD? WTF???

[@rustamshakirov1697]

I took sonetto 1, paired them with Rotel A12. They really good in vocals and classic music but without subwoower they lacks in punch energy which Focal usually . Another thing that Sonetto 1 sounds bad , not lively is the quality of input is average, that's why they are bad for the home theatre and youtube, dialogues not precise and clear. I am thinking to replace them with Lumina 2 as they are more exciting and probably more universal.

[@AF-rd2vf]

Where’s the other dude?🤷🏾‍♂️

[@dajikbatarang1]

$3000 CAD for the 906 retail,?? I''m pretty sure I've seen the retail for around $2300 and thats after the recent price increase

[@chebalendra9622]

Exactly! ! Few years back even cheaper than $2300

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@chebalendra9622 i think 1700

[@reinhartfrais2434]

Hi, can I drive the Sonetto 2 with a 50w. Audio lab a6000 ? Thank you

[@celestial_sound]

It depends on how loud do you like to listen to your music. Sonetto's 2 nominal impedance is rated at 4 Ohm having decent phase angle which means they are power hungry. If you listen lets say at 70-80db at 2-3m from the speaker than you are good. But, if you like to listen above 80db you will drive your amp into clipping and will probably damage both the speakers and the amp.

[@reinhartfrais8549]

Thank you

[@bluejeanblues3789]

For me Focals are to forward, I enjoy them in home theatre though.

[@parapobabam]

This is where I can't really trust your opinion, since you are a dealer of both, of course you won't give a clear preference to any one brand.

[@khammai4194]

This is not real opinion . Let the owners speak !!!! They just like more view from KZbin and PR for sale . Don't trust them !

[@user-ys4og2vv8k]

Why is Adrian always whispering? 😷

[@paulomontero12]

You guys sound better without that j guy around, he predended to know what he was talking about.

[@dangoh2237]

I never like Focal at all since their JM lab days!

[@VinceWatches]

🇫🇷👌👍🇮🇹

[@dansaghin1]

Thanks for nothing, most people just want to know your own preferences and not get this salesmen`s bs response... we are aware both of them are great but just pick one for f sake!

[@catherinecostello9027]

I’m sorry that was no salesman‘s bullshit they told us exactly if you prefer more lively music get the focal if your music taste is more subdued or more easy listening and relaxing get the lumina very clear to understand this

[@Sloimer]

They’re giving you information so you can make your own judgment since the two speakers are very different and sound is subjective, dummy.

[@МихаилГольберг-я2ъ]

It s better for the French not do any technique, perfume and croissants are all they can.