Sonus Faber Venere | Can it be UPGRADED?

[@florentcharabouska7388]

I own a pair of Venere 2.5 for 3 years now. I was happy with these speakers and will not say anything bad on Sonus Faber work. To my point of view they are a good product for the money. But I wanted to improve (I spend my time improving my system) and was looking at some other speakers. But I was not able to leave my Venere because they are so nice (+ they are quite cheap on second hand market). So I bought the kit from GR-RESEARCH. After a week-end of meticulous work I plugged the improved Venere ... First impression was a suprise on trebbles and when I sit down in my couch I thought "wow good job". So what is different ? The speakers seem to come alive after the tranformation. Lows are tighters and faster and can be deeper if your record enables it. Medium are more there, texture on voices is much better (I listened to Venere 3.0 that used to be better on this but are not better any more now). And highs really improved, much more details and clarity. Silences are deeper. Stage if larger and deeper and much more detailed. To give an image, I used to have a good stereo image on my system, Venere 2.5 are pretty good to this game (and I spent hours positionning my speakers) but I needed to focus and close my eyes to realy feel it. Now I don't need any focus to feel the image, the image comes to me. I won't make a stupid comparaison with more expensive speakers but I am used to listen to systems and I listened to many. What I can say is that some speakers that seemed to be much better and are much more expensive don't frustrate me any more. So my opinion on this transformation is that it is worth it. If you add the price of the kit to the price of the venere you have a very very good speaker for a "reasonable" price in hifi today market. And if you buy Venere on second hand market and transform it, the bang for the buck is higher (you can find Venere at 1000€ on the market). All of this seems logical to me. Venere 2.5 are entry level for Sonus Faber (some Sonus Faber fans don't like it for this "cheap" aspect) and if you look at it as a SF project manager with budget point of view, you put money in cabinet (Sonus Faber is italian and it's image is on nice cabinets), you put money on drivers (especialy woofers) and as you try to make "mass market" product you save money on crossover because nobody sees what's inside. And Sonus Faber made a good job as the sound is good with a "basic" crossover (I was very happy to spend 2.5k€ for this sound). Furthermore they need to maintain a logic in the range so use expensive crossover on higher range of speakers. That means for us (consumers) there is a high potential of improvement by changing the crossover. It sounds logical to me and in my experience it worked fine.

[@stefanrahm98]

How much does the upgrade cost and what is inside?

[@florentcharabouska7388]

@@stefanrahm98 around 600$

[@stefanrahm98]

@@florentcharabouska7388 is the crossover whole new or just parts to change?

[@florentcharabouska7388]

@@stefanrahm98 the crossover is all new. And you have to make it with components sent.

[@mustafaucar1204]

Thanks for sharing your experience. what was exactly included in the upgrade kit? I asked it to GR-Research but they did not give any detail. Can you also tell about the process? i.e. Why it took a week?

[@4arocker]

For anyone looking for the security bit to get the screws off the front panel of the Venere 2.5, Harbor Freight sells a 100-piece security bit set by Warrior for $9.99. In that kit, there is a #10 spanner bit, that fits the snake eye screws on the Venere perfectly. The kit also includes many other bits along with a #4, #6 and #8 spanner bit, but the #10 size is what's required to get into the Sonus Faber speaker. I'm not affiliated with Harbor Freight, but had this bit set in my tool box, so I did some digging and found the right piece.

[@jimbower4249]

Can't get enough of your videos. Thanks man for taking the time explaining what's obvious to you and not so to many of us.

[@brettbecker7979]

Danny does it again! Love it. The parts I got from Danny took my B&W CM5's to a whole another level (NoRez, SonicCaps, Tube Connectors, Air Core Inductors, etc.). Improvement in every department and almost like adding a zero to the end of the speaker price. I wasn't expecting anything like the difference it made.

[@kdomster9141]

B&W uses great quality drivers but usually cabinets and crossover parts are in need of upgrade. My 686s2 with just 2 parts in stock xover after replacing capacitor in the tweeter filter for true audio grade one with added bypass along with inductor replaced for foil pure copper one and direct soldering to terminal and later to tweeter and woofer with some 15.5ga cardas copper wire produced total transformation in detail , clarity, transient speed , lower noise floor, huge soundstage and better power handling almost if distortion level is lower...

[@brettbecker7979]

@@kdomster9141 Yes, my experience exactly. Danny did say something about the simple 1st order crossovers and how they can create a congested sound when playing complex passages. That is my only gripe about these speakers now. Definite congestion when busy but really a whole new animal after the upgrade.

[@kdomster9141]

@@brettbecker7979 not sure if a bypass of quality cap like Miflex 0.1uf would not clear up the midrange and tweeters busy character....these B&W tweeters are very detailed . What speaker cables to you use and do you use biwire set up? I use Cardas cables and in biwire connection what on my B&W cleared up midrange and produced better soundstage separation - maybe something worth trying in your case?

[@kdomster9141]

.... also B&W tweeters can sound forward and aggressive with shitty caps , try using a cap on the tweeter that is known for producing warmer character with deeper soundstage to balance it out better....

[@brettbecker7979]

@@kdomster9141 Thanks for the great info... I am just using a single SonicCap on the tweeter and have no bypass cap. I forgot about using a bypass cap in a crossover. Will definitely try out the Miflex or something similar. I am just using some of Danny's hook up wire in a braid around a rope for my speaker cable and just a single set of the amazing Tube Connectors with both speakers hooked up to the single set of posts.

[@gee3883]

I love what this guy is doing, telling it how it is, and making us aware of what crap some of these companies are selling, CHEESE anyone ?.

[@TheEchelon]

Don't be so gullible dude. This guy also runs a business and wants you to buy his components. Of course he would say it's "cheese". At the end of the day it's about the sound.

[@HandbrakeBiscuit]

The method for curving the cabinet sides that Danny described is called Kerf Cutting (or Kerf Cut Bending). The 'kerf' is the slot left in a material by the blade passing through it.

[@brunorivademar5356]

I'm starting to believe loudspeaker companies deliverately make flawed designs in their lower priced ranges to justify selling more expensive stuff.

[@roberthart9886]

If you have say $5K set aside for speakers, you're not likely to audition $2500 speakers. The exception is when you realize that enclosed speakers have lots of wood, bracing, etc to work out, and that would be much better spent on drivers such as Emerald Physics Open Baffle designs

[@philipw7058]

Welcome to earth 🌍🥴

[@roberthart9886]

@@CarlVanDoren61 Ive owned 3.5Rs and from 120hz up they are very good, but by no means the most revealing. The very foundation of music comes from the bass. Maggie bass is not tuneful unless you get into the 30K+ range and even then they have plenty of challengers

[@CarlVanDoren61]

@@roberthart9886 Run a pair of Polk HTS 10" w/1.7i's. Bass Creates Ear Fatigue, thus shorten listening sessions

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

@@roberthart9886 With that logic, all the furniture you're going to place against a wall should be open back. The cost savings can go into better veneers and hardware etc. There is solving to be said for an attractive quality speaker cabinet. It's not just about the sound. Most open back speakers are plain looking at best.

[@markphilpot4981]

I’m convinced more and more that Danny is the man when it comes to fixing speaker issues. This speaker that was already pretty good, he made it sing the real song in the real way. Keep it up Danny. Press on!👍🏻

[@kcjones7634]

I truly believe that when you have to add that much of a crossover to a speaker Then those are garbage drivers. Bowers and wilkins place's less crossover because there drivers are that good.

[@markphilpot4981]

kc Jones, I believe that Danny said the drivers were not the issue. The fact is few if any speaker manufacturers use real high quality crossover components. This necessitates the need of changing these with higher grade components. It isn’t that hard to understand if you consider that most if not all are built on a price point basis. That yields less than favorable results in all cases. Even great speaker manufacturers have to yield to their own price point they themselves have set. I don’t make the rules.

[@kcjones7634]

@@markphilpot4981 I just find it soooooo hard to believe that you need that much crossing over between a good speaker and system, But then good sound is in the ear of the listener

[@markphilpot4981]

kc Jones, good sound is in each listener’s ear. You’re not being forced into accepting anything. The fact is even a great speaker can be improved. I used to service speakers myself. You are the only one who has to be happy with your gear. The others don’t matter. If you like what you have, that is what matters. Danny is offering to improve your experience. That’s all. Okay.

[@kcjones7634]

@@markphilpot4981 yes mark I fully understand , What are u using for speakers these days?

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Danny shapes sound like Michelangelo shapes marble sculpture or the painting in the Sistine chapel. Leonardo da Vinci and his drawings of futuristic inventions. We could give Danny a pair of 1970s RadioShack speakers and he’ll make them sound like Klips Cornwells. Acoustic Alchemy

[@wa2368]

He is the all American version of Andrew Jones (make something sound wonderful even at any budget, small to significant). We need more Dannys and Andrews in this otherwise theiving snake oil filled industry.

[@theklipschcave3389]

@@wa2368 I agree. More reviews but with real customers, before and after. Snake Oil? I love it. I got improvements on the sound stage with my Anticables speaker cables. Antistatic treatment on CDs works fine. Try out Auric illuminator.

[@alexandersaleh4225]

Owned the Venere 2.5 and sounded very good in stock form. Would really like to see some reviews with GR upgrades 😍

[@DandyAudiophile]

Same here. Too bad I live in Mexico.

[@Luke-qs2cg]

The bottom woofer basically does nothing in his updated crossover, and it's turned into what is, essentially, a 2 way. Get the 1.5 instead. You will get better results with less parts

[@stephenyoud6125]

see the comments fron Venere owner Florent Charabouska in the comments here. He did the upgrade and was astounded

[@parapobabam]

I love it! my favorite brand! I have the Sonetto 1 bookshelf, its their next step up from these and are made entirely in Italy (the ones you have are made in china), the new cone material is a cellulose pulp and their tweeter is a damped apex silk dome (all of the drivers are now built by SF in house). I really love the sound of these, I wonder if their crossover got any better though. Another Awesome video!

[@lotus72e]

I have been designing and building speakers since 1994. I really enjoy watching your videos. I am not a noob, but I enjoy the way you explain the caractheristics of the speakers and how your changes dramatically changes this. Seeing your measurements makes me realize I have a very well sounding system in my livingroom. And yes, I made them myself👌😉

[@johnakers326]

I could listen to these videos for hours. The amount of knowledge your laying out in these is well received. Thank you 🙏

[@conchobar]

Kerf bending is a simple way to bend wood. Much cheaper than bending layers of laminate. Typically the kerfs (slots) are filled with adhesive or foam. Once filled a kerfed and rounded cabinet is superior to a standard mdf rectangular box. The non-parallel walls reduce internal standing waves.

[@scottmackey4182]

Totally agree with the principle you reference. This kerfing did result in some cabinet rumble though. I used poly resin and fiberglass mat to fill the kerf gaps and bond the segments together. Worked like a charm and still maintains the curved effect you referenced. The added NoRes also helped to deaden the cabinet.

[@Dreez76]

Stay healthy and safe Danny & everyone at GR-Research.

[@hoth2112]

Another great video, Danny! Excited for my X-LS kit coming tomorrow! Excited for the next one!

[@kartickgrover]

Danny, you are so cool man!! You’re honest and so secure about your brand and knowledge. Brilliant to see savants like you helping us audiophiles out there. I so wish I was in the USA and get to meet you!! Keep up the great work!!

[@robh9079]

I would imagine epoxy glassing the slit mdf internally would radically stiffen it - epoxy soaking into the cracks and bonding the strips together, glass cloth bringing together the integrity of the inner surface (which you could then treat with no-res). This would result in two materials bonded in a sort of continuous dovetail - possibly a structural journey from zero to hero.

[@scottmackey4182]

This is exactly the process I used in treating the inside of my Venere 2.5’s. Worked like a charm and easy to do. Strong as hell now, no reverb (with NoRes) and solid sounding.

[@robh9079]

@@scottmackey4182 cool!

[@iggypopisgod9]

no real need: the decay reading was clean as a whiste

[@markverheijden3016]

Wow, nice to see that speakers can be made better. Honest talk about a expensive speaker that, with the upgrade performs very well. Carry on Danny.

[@Renrondog]

Love the concise way you present information without being condescending. It's really a shame that such a well respected manufacturer would release a speaker with sub-standard XO parts and design while charging a premium. They obviously cared enough to use quality drivers (that don't ring) . Excellent video. Thank you!

[@stevewilliams8193]

Keep in mind, Iron/Steel is not the only metal that attracts magnets, Cobalt and Nickel will as well. Nickel is often used for corrosion resistance and for improved aesthetics. So the reason why your magnet sticks to the binding posts is probably due to the nickel content and not iron content.

[@pentagate1]

This is validating why I haven't bought any sound system for the last 20 years. It all sounds underwhelming and now I know why. Making plans to start though. My confidence is increasing with each video Danny makes. Should make a video on the source to complete the system.

[@sc0or]

When a tweeter range is extended with a crossover we have to take into a consideration exponential curve of a sound energy comes into a tweeter. And this must match tweeter's max output power. If 12dB cut off happens at 6kHz, only 4% of power goes to a tweeter. But if it's about 3kHz, this is 11% now! It must be triple times more powerful in this case. PS The FR results of the upgrade are outstanding. Well done!

[@marcdrouillard4055]

Great job on this upgrade!! It was surprising to see somewhat ferro-magnetic binding posts and no surprise on the mounting nuts/washers on the back of the binding posts. I believe there is a tangible benefit to completely removing all ferro-magnetic hardware anywhere near the signal path to the drivers even if there are some unused binding posts left over in the crossover after the upgrade...

[@DJWerkz]

Those fixing screws are very common in Europe on electronic products, we call them security screws but as you said, the security bits are readily available. There are various different types too. I always felt that Sonus Faber can be exquisite to look at but one trick ponies,...they can sound great with acoustic and chamber music but thin and strangled with anything more dynamic.

[@riccitone]

Excellent vid. Really cool upgrades in every case. Interesting how the sonus fabers could be upgraded this way! I’ve always wanted someone on your engineering level to take apart, discuss and improve on such a typically highly touted speaker as this! Btw...nice addition of the sexy new “GR Research” prologue 👌🏼🔥

[@gtric1466]

Always loved the Sonus Faber signature sound almost bought a used pair of the 2.5's a couple years ago. kicking myself for not pulling the trigger. I can only imagine how good they must sound now. you're giving me the urge to go out and find a pair. Would you describe how they sound before and after?

[@porkchopspapi5757]

I don't think he has the time for actual listening. It is odvious that he is kept very buisy & dosen't mention giving it a before & after listen.

[@scottmackey4182]

I asked Danny about this as well and he said the music clarity was significantly better than before the change in crossover components.

[@brainache555]

i wanted to see the new crossover...

[@stefanrahm98]

im also

[@annenominous7220]

The steel will not harm the sound in any way. That is a myth. The audiophile "quality" components in the cross over are also a myth, as long as the xover attenuates the signal, that is its whole job. That said, i love that you did measurements! Good job on the video.

[@3DaysTillGrace]

Are you denying that air core inductors introduce less distortion?

[@dannyrichie9743]

Actually the myth is that the parts quality won't make a difference. The reality is the differences can be quite significant.

[@kevinb3812]

I’ve heard dramatic differences between super cheap capacitors up to moderate quality capacitors on tweeter performance! It was undeniably more detailed and responsive.

[@thomshere]

You sir are a crossover Master!

[@kevinb3812]

You made that Sonus Faber as sexy internally as it is externally! Smart parts do make a difference. They get out of the way and don’t constrict the performance of the drivers.

[@tonep3168]

Great video, but it would have been good to see what work you did, and pictures/video to illustrate what you found and corrected.

[@newsboyaudio]

Sounds like you got to invest in a GOOD set of screw driver bits. I found the set that comes with the Craftsman can be rather complete, and I do have that driver bit. I recommend them to anyone who likes to fix, or work on things. They work great, and they have a bit for everything.

[@yvesboutin5604]

I watched a few of your videos and they are really instructive. Now I just realised you never change the damping material inside the speakers you upgrade. Do you think that some of them would benefit from a change of damping in regard to internal reverberation? Please send your commentaries on the subject. Thank you again for your efforts.

[@dannyrichie9743]

I don't line the speakers sent in with damping material for the customer. They get to do that themselves. And while the lining of the cabinet with No Rez makes a marked improvement in bass performance and with cleaner lower vocals, it doesn't alter what I am doing with the design.

[@exlipse123]

Excelent! Keep up the great work! I only wish we could see more vids with these kind of mods. Thank you!

[@planchernewfinish]

If someone would bring you their martin logans request close by i would gladly split the expenses with that gentleman , to know what upgrades could be done .

[@douglasacker4923]

Great review. Keep protecting consumers by exposing the truth in brand illusion

[@user-dh2te2cm2d]

i've had these in 3.0 but the soundstage was way too high, but it looks good:)

[@hifisymphony]

I just purchased the kit! Ready to upgrade my Venere 2.5!

[@jamiet4992]

Martin, how did the upgrade go? Night & day difference in terms of performance? Did you treat the cabinet as Danny suggested? Did you change out the binders with the tube connectors? Overall cost of the upgrade? I have the same set of speakers but I know they can be improved. Lastly, what electronics are you using to drive the upgraded set?

[@hifisymphony]

@@jamiet4992 I did 90% of the upgrade. Huge difference indeed. I filled the cabinet walls with that water putty thing, after it dried... I covered with vynil tiles / liquid nails. After that, covered with thin layer of foam. The sound is way better than before. I opted not to use the connector tubes since the only magnetic thing was a washer in the stock binding posts. Removed the washer and good to go. 100% worth it

[@jamiet4992]

@@hifisymphony Martin, that is great news. Did you have to build the crossover by scratch -- such as point-to-wiring or could you reuse the board? I might try the TotalFair Epoxy Fairing Compound as someone suggested to fill the gaps on the millwork. Thanks for the suggestion on the washer removal. What amplifier are you using to drive the speakers?

[@hifisymphony]

@@jamiet4992 he sends you a diagram, I did not have the experience so I had them put together by someone else.

[@czayna80]

@@hifisymphony how much did you pay for a diagram?

[@DesignVisStudios]

This is why it's very hard to not go DIY.

[@iggypopisgod9]

if u know what u are doing

[@scottcarlon6318]

The only thing holding me back is my ability to apply a quality finish.

[@DesignVisStudios]

@@scottcarlon6318 I just had a pro cab maker make mine for me and used automotive paint... ford metallic white :)

[@Koru-Health]

Good video. I know the details of your crossover designs are proprietary but it would be interesting to see the steps you take to modify them.

[@jfbaquero]

Sir, I give you my respect. Greatings from Colombia.

[@jt1stcav]

Danny, you have piqued my curiosity with the upgrades you've done on a customer's Venere towers. I own the small stand-mount Venere 1.5 which I truly enjoy. But now I'm curious just how much of an improvement your newly designed crossover would be...I guess I'll be shooting an email your way very soon!

[@stephenscharf6293]

Great video! Danny takes a speaker with a lot of design potential and gets the most out of it. Just goes to show what replacing poor parts with quality parts can do.

[@cartofgiant]

Dan love your honesty,,can always trust you

[@ratsrex]

I hav Venere 2.0. Terminals looks really fancy , similar to WBT but only looks like ;(. BTW. interesting simple test with this magnet. I love the moment when you say ..."oh, man ..." . Its like essence of some Hi-Fi and Hi-End products

[@JuSTSound4]

Great results on this one Danny, would be interesting to see the new XO and what components were used at the end. Also just wondering if there is any possibility to see the harmonic distortion levels in the measurement sections? I understand the waterfall shows most of this information but would be interesting to compare these to manufacturer specifications. I'm seeing more and more brands specifying these, I know KEF for one give 2nd/3rd harmonic distortion figures on most of their products nowadays.

[@dannyrichie9743]

Distortion measurements won't tell you anything about how a speaker sounds. Those are marketing catch phrases. Watch this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4S6o4duhtBqeMU

[@waynefjeld452]

i had a chance to buy these speakers around the 2500$ mark i chose to even go up a little more 4300$ for a different set of speakers that sounded a lot better i probably wont have to ever buy another speaker again i had my rounds of cheap speakers and that is exactly what they were cheap in total i'm around 30000$ in stereo equipment smooth clean sound never get tired of that happy listening people what ever you listen to :)

[@dannyrichie9743]

Unfortunately a lot of these companies give you the same level of quality as you move up in their product line to higher priced models.

[@ozpanther1]

Hi there, that was very interesting how you made that speaker much better. Do you build speakers as well?

[@herjantow.l.6063]

Real good job! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@joeygsaudiochannel3972]

Danny Ritchie The Audiophile Mythbuster ! Another great Video as always.

[@BrianNavalinsky]

Total Boat Epoxy Fairing compound to fill those relief cuts in the cabinet. Strong and relatively dead for resonance. B&W laminates 1/4" MDF, I assumed everyone did. That took balls to take on Sonus Faber. Great job!

[@dannyrichie9743]

Good idea on the filler material.

[@BrianNavalinsky]

@@dannyrichie9743 I owned a boatyard for ten years and have been a lifelong sailor. Now I design and build speakers as a goof. You have no idea how applicable marine construction is to speaker fabrication.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Always enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@mozeskriebel7170]

An almost ruler flat responce is very nice, but what about the sound? I never hear you talk about that, only about measurements.

[@rothgartheviking858]

Danny can you please provide a sound demo of the x statiks

[@sveneisenhauer1]

Thanks for the video! This is a speaker I cosidered buying myself, but couldn‘t find a pair anymore (discontinued). Danny, it would be really nice if you also posted BEFORE & AFTER sound samples. I know I know.... it won‘t sound completely accurate via KZbin, but it‘ll still give you an idea about the performance improvement, especially if listening on good headphones.

[@jeffsloane8628]

Danny is so good. Wonder what the guys in Canada selling these are going to think about this video and the amount of improvement made by upgrading and reengineering the components in the signal path between the post and drivers?

[@vicg5323]

Can you do a sound demo please? a before and after. I would be interested in this upgrade. I live in europe and can get this speaker locally. Thanks.

[@hugobloemers4425]

With what are you going to listen to that?

[@spinvalve]

@@hugobloemers4425 his ears 🤣

[@thereefaholic]

That is from their entry level “made in China” assembled in Italy line. At that price point you get som (some ) of the esthetic aspects of the higher lines and some of the tech, but budget components. Your paying for the name as well. Where are speakers like Polk, Klipsh, and other Best Buy lines, you get just the cheapest of everything not just the stuff you don’t see.

[@FlintingSun]

Thanks for another amazing video!

[@theklipschcave3389]

Interesting video. Like that you move on to something else than Klipsch. When you did The Forte3's some time ago you were listening to ACDC and lot more. Real loud. I do like my Fortes and should have upgraded them but when you are moving onto Venere you are talking classic music mostly. I would never consider them for mye blues music. It would be great to get a "classic guy" down to listen to them before and after. That would be a very interesting listening test. My Fortes sound ok with classical music, but I am sure I will get more out this music with a full upgrade. It's about all the fine nuances. And that's why we need a customer that know his stuff. You don't need an upgrade for listening to my Fortes with Keb Mo, or.. what do you think Danny?

[@peronnikbeijer213]

If you one a pair of these, you would be crazy not to upgrade them, as long as the speakers sounds as good as they measure..

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Great stuf , I enjoy it so much, will consider upgrading filter components in the keg p60 pro monitor

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Kef p60 k300

[@epi2045]

Wow I was thinking of buying that very speaker.

[@neilrobins3329]

Still do they sound so good!

[@scottmackey4182]

And pick up a couple of Danny’s kits. They will make a huge difference.

[@timbermg]

It would be interested in comparing power response of the crossover rework...seems like flatter on axis and perhaps a bit hot on the low end of the tweeter?

[@tubemenow2007]

This line is the only line that was made in China. All other Sonus fabers are made in Italy. Actually one other line was made in China but I do not know what line it was.

[@thomshere]

I can only imagine what he could do with the Italian made ones. Hopefully for what they charge they shouldn't need a lot but I would bet that Danny could make them better.

[@tubemenow2007]

@@thomshere I am sure he can make them sound different but better would be a stretch.

[@uhugvjkbkjh]

Ironically the fit and finish of the Italian made ones ain't great. Esp the molded mid covers

[@jcarlson2727]

Italian products: generally good looking but mediocre engineering and/or quality. Never buying another Italian motorcycle or car again... learned my lesson.

[@tubemenow2007]

@@jcarlson2727 Surely you jest. Italian Motorcycles and cars design and engineering are of the finest in the world.

[@scottgordon1721]

Danny thank you for your youtube show It is educational to say the least and wooo who would think paying more for a speaker is no assurance of improved box, crossover and driver quality or most importantly sound reproduction. I wonder what a Tekton speaker evaluation and upgrade would look like?

[@dannyrichie9743]

I have had some of their models in here as well.

[@tbirdsteve1]

Great video, thanks!! I know I keep wishing it , so will somebody please send Danny a Jamo Concert VII to look at?? I'm sure they have great bones and just need Danny to tweak them to magnificence.

[@Spierdalajyoutube]

I am waiting for wilson benesch speakers for test and maybe upgrade...

[@rustyshackleford6978]

Danny eats subpar designs and designers for breakfast. Solid work here!

[@ericharrelson2045]

I'm curious to know what the customer response was after listening to the upgrades?

[@markrowe8824]

I just have one question, if the customer didn't like the sound of the speaker's in the first place then why did he buy them ?

[@gregolsen4048]

Even if you listen to speakers in a showroom they sound different in your own space. Lots of us buy speakers based on the advice of you tubers because local audio shops are few and far between these days. So we buy without listening. And for used stuff online we definitely roll the dice and wait for FedEx to deliver our new sound. Best Buy selection is not good enough. No high end brands. I too like but don’t love my Sonus Fabers. EQ with Dirac or similar should flatten the response I hope. Doesn’t help the fact that they have a ‘cheesy’ x-over and binding posts with iron in them.

[@roberthart9886]

because he/she was influenced by the name, not being aware that Sonus would tarnish their reputation with a less then high quality product, although Im sure it LOOKS the part. Funny part is, Sous could have china make the upgrades Danny was talking about for not much more

[@parapobabam]

As you get higher end components and become more critical of music you start to pick out things that you simply couldn't hear before. For example, I can't hear the difference between all expensive speaker cables, it's just not that obvious to me. But I'm sure with time and with components high end enough and if I do more comparing, I will eventually learn what to listen for. It's like people who drink expensive champagne or wines. They may criticise "cheaper" wine but people who only tasted cheap wine, wouldn't be able to appreciate them until they had enough samples of different wines to appreciate the subtle differences to the point of them not being subtle anymore. Having said that. Stock Sonus Faber speakers sound VERY good. It's not just pretty furniture. People who buy these speakers are generally very critical of how their music sounds. This guy probably started paying more attention and heard things he likes in other speakers and realized that maybe Danny can do something more to better suit their evolving tastes. At these price points, it's a very good idea to spend a couple hundred bucks to custom tailor your sound instead of several grand to replace the entire speakers. Besides. If aesthetics are taken into account, very few speakers are better looking that a Sonus Faber. So even if you do find a better set of speakers, it's probably not going to look as good.

[@RedTTHayo]

@@parapobabam If you are in to glossy, look up the German brand audiophysic

[@parapobabam]

@@RedTTHayo oh wow. I do like glossy. Thanks for the heads up. Going to look into these. They look amazing.

[@NeilBlanchard]

I feel the need to play devil's advocate a bit - it looks like the claim of reducing "spurious resonances" may not have been far off? It was an impressive improvement, for sure. I am guessing the owner was very happy with the work.

[@shahidyt]

I hope you get a Magnepan LRS through the door, I’d send mine, but it would be expensive shipping from the UK

[@dilbyjones]

I just finished upgrading my MMG and let me tell you it is at least a 40 to 50% Improvement

[@shahidyt]

Texan Range cool, what did you do to them?

[@porkchopspapi5757]

@@dilbyjones yes please share what you did.

[@dilbyjones]

@@shahidyt Danny at GR research sells a kit he builds specifically for the model you have. He does require that he has the speakers themselves in his lab. He needs to do the required testing there to build the crossover. Unless he already has the specific model on file.

[@dilbyjones]

It's a crossover kit that upgrades the inductors & caps.

[@vitortavares5759]

The crossover upgrade is audible? We know that measures don’t tell the all story.

[@dannyrichie9743]

The crossover upgrade is very audible.

[@scottmackey4182]

Agree! Mine made a very noticeable difference. Heard parts of music I hadn’t heard before.

[@DrBroncanuus]

i thought Sonus Faber were perfection and could not be improved

[@BrianNavalinsky]

Obviously, not so much.

[@parapobabam]

I love their speakers. I don't know what your problem is but it's not Sonus Fabers fault lol.

[@HackerMan46]

This particular series was probably the worst they made, the company produced them in China and the effects on the exterior and the sound was evident. With the next series they quickly went back to italian production and the Sonetto's are way superior compared to the Venere. That being said, Sonus Faber is an high end company that produces amazing speakers but also targets lower price ranges and to fit a product in said range they are forced to make compromises

[@parapobabam]

@@HackerMan46 other than being made in China there were good speakers. Probably not what a true Sonus Faber fan would want but they are by no means a bad speaker.

[@HackerMan46]

@@parapobabamNever said they were bad speakers, just not on the same level of the previous products from Sonus Faber. We are still talking about very nice stuff

[@anandshah71]

Excellent Video hope Danny can train and open a workshop with someone in India

[@dannyrichie9743]

Something for that market is in the works.

[@francescodelia4069]

To be honest, the spectral decay after upgrade is worse in the low frequencies and is quite the same in the mids and highs. I think comparative listening test is necessary to evalute the upgrade, especially for premium loudspeakers like Sonus Faber.

[@dannyrichie9743]

Nothing changed in the lower end. And any change (quite small) in spectral decay may be the insulation used during testing. The upgrade includes lining the cabinets with No Rez, and that will also give you a cleaner spectral decay. That was not done during the design stages of the crossover. So the spectral decay is the same. And the before and after on this upgrade was substantial. This is one of those times that I took a pretty poor performing speaker and really made a world class speaker out of it.

[@kapenakanaiaupuni5816]

After buying a speaker with your hard earned money ,nothing would piss me off more then a having to open it up and fill in the cuts with putty .for 2500 all I want to do is hook them up and listen to them

[@jfloop77]

$2500 for speakers and it still wasn't enough to avoid steel in binding post.. how much is enough to spend $1 for proper connectors?

[@jdlech]

I've heard a lot of well specced speakers sound bad. But I've never heard a poorly specced speaker sound good. So the question is - how did it sound when you were done? Did it sound as good as it looks? I wish I had your sound room and equipment.

[@stevieg2755]

Well I get my kit the xls tomorrow,and still waiting on crossover network video,actually I'm concerned I won't be able to construct it

[@tullskull]

you will. many build guides on Danny's page at Audiocircle.com

[@bc527c]

So it's like buying a sport motorcycle... works good, but to really get it you need to sort suspension, brakes, ecu, exhaust and few other bits...

[@dragankraljevski7872]

I have the Klipsch RP 600M (Mk1) with the GR upgrade and it transformed the speakers to the better by some margin. So naturally, knowing Dannys work i was interested in this upgrade as well... I own the 3.0 and I'm interested in upgrading them. I opened up one to see what's inside and found cheese parts on two x-overs. One for the woofers and one for the mid and twitter drivers. I live in europe and it is not feasible to send the speakers to Dany as well so i thought i would do just parts upgrade. Unfortunately i could not find the iron core inductors values. No markings on them at all. And i can't find anything online about the x-over design and schematics... The LF x-over has 5 large value electrolytic capacitors witch brings the parts replacement upgrade cost to around 700 euro without the inductors... I really wish Dany would get them in his hands, and maybe bring the parts list and cost down as well

[@Justwantahover]

Hi, I enjoy building speakers and experimenting with radical acoustic ideas. And its so exciting cos I don't just make boxes and crossovers and put divers in like with most speakers. And its so successful that I would never listen to normal speakers again. And cos my speakers are so different it makes all the speakers on KZbin sound amazing. See my CH for more if you are interested. I love how you are hacking the snake oil. They just put the good CAPS on their most expensive snake oil.

[@jowblow2171]

The speaker is so beautiful and would be worth the upgrade if I can find a used pair for a good price. I would also push Blue Tak in the inside cabinet gaps.

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Why blue tac?

[@nathandaniels4823]

‘Cause they don’t make red tac! 😁

[@neilrobins3329]

@@porkchopspapi5757 great sound proofing

[@porkchopspapi5757]

@@nathandaniels4823 Why not?

[@nathandaniels4823]

You’d have to ask them. Maybe they’re racist.

[@tonys9731]

Just found out that one of my midrange speaker die. This speaker less than 100 hrs. Not sure if it is speaker it self of crossover.

[@uhugvjkbkjh]

Nice job. 3 way SF stuff, mids are always crossed a bit too low imo

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

No disparaging comments about people who understand that the earth we live on is a static plane! You're letting us down Dan!

[@Grassy_Gnoll]

Flat Earthers understand two things: Jack and shit… and Jack left town.

[@daveapex493]

I thought this is a channel about speakers. Why do you feel the need to post about subject matter not mentioned by the author? Do you not have respect for Danny enough stick to the point of speakers and speaker design?

[@hugobloemers4425]

Do you recommend transformer cores for woofer inductors? (Mundorf sells them) Also, I liked the video but I would have loved to see some pictures of the inside of those speakers as well as a picture of the filter network that was used for the upgrade.

[@dannyrichie9743]

I only use air core inductors for ranges about 200Hz. Below that I like the Erse Super Q's. The upgrade parts are simply Sonicaps, Mills resistors, and Erse XQ inductors.

[@timclaflin7064]

This really opens up that the speaker companies have not learned there lesson about quality over profile

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Companies have to be competitive in a very competitive global market. Engineers salaries, employee pay, benefits & training. Advertising, parts & equipment replacement, utilities expense, vehicle fleet maintenance, etc etc.

[@nefertemra]

Porkchop's Papi I worked a few years at Apogee Acoustics in the 90s so I understand the inner working of a speaker company

[@porkchopspapi5757]

@@nefertemra Hi Nefertemra. I was speaking about business in general not just loudspeaker manufactury specifically. So many people seem to have no clue that things don't appear out of thin air.

[@timclaflin7064]

@@porkchopspapi5757 I understand but a speaker over a thousand dollars should have a better quality crossover parts for a conventional design

[@porkchopspapi5757]

@@timclaflin7064 It should? Ok but the expense of doing business won't allow for that. Now, if you want high quality in all components, you must spend way, way over a few $K. Or buy a diy kit.

[@optimusvader7823]

Hi there thank you for another great video . 🔊🔊🔊🙋🏻‍♂️🎼!

[@Irinikus]

Franco Serblin would be turning in his grave right now, as the company he started now uses MDF for it's cabinet walls instead of steam-bent Maple!!!!!!

[@annenominous7220]

these are the cheapo made in China entry level speakers, they are not Real SF speakers, they should stop making them, but.... they sound pretty good.

[@larrydunn4626]

@@annenominous7220 I don't mind that SF makes a more affordable line. I started with $800 Concertino, which was their budget speaker at that time, for a month, then sold them on in favor of $2,700 Signums. (which I bought directly from Italy when the Euro was in bad shape... for $1,800.) That was 2002.

[@elongatuspiranha]

If I'm not thrilled with a speakers sound, I would sell it and buy something else. I would rather send in a speaker that I like to start with for them to make it even better, if possible. Or maybe it's his or her room?

[@Bigirondoug]

Excellent video once again. What are your thoughts on the older Vienna Acoustics Mahler's ?

[@flashhog01]

Great video Danny! I am still amazed at what poor quality parts manufacturers put in their products and the massive benefits that can be had by upgrading them.

[@scottmackey4182]

Speaker manufacturer’s often times use cheesy parts and hide them inside because no one ever looks at them. They are about designing to a price point. If you saw how much effort went into cramming all those cheesy parts onto that tiny circuit board you might understand their motivation. The upgrade that Danny designed required 2 separate boards due to space limitations within the inside of the cabinet. Works fine with the two boards. One closest to the tweeter and the other between the woofers. Don’t be surprised where manufacturer’s cut corners. Many have been doing it for years.

[@kenielsen]

Would someone please send him a set of Venere 3.0 for upgrade?? 🙂 I'd be very interested in the measurements and a possible kit to follow 🎵👍

[@Nihil1st1347]

I got a browser warning when I tried to click Your page. The vpn is still seeking.

[@ibakedit5850]

Hi Danny, I have a pair of these speakers. Do you recall if the enclosures had any sound absorption/stuffing material or were they totally empty? And thanks for the informative videos.

[@j-rod6420]

Audiophile speakers are not studio monitors.