Sibling Rivalry: Sonus faber Sonetto VIII vs Olympica Nova 1

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I have watched this video a number of times. This is probably the best discussion of speaker selection on KZbin.

[@seedood]

Great video. Looking forward to the video comparing the two high end Sonus Faber bookshelf speakers.

[@venosepticgaming3864]

just did buy my first set of speakers and I went with the sonetto III and just LOVE THEM!

[@HKHifi]

Fantastic video. Looking forward on discussion on bookshelf speakers + a pair of subwoofers vs floor standing speakers.

[@desmond5593]

Great discussion guys. Personally, I would go for the Olympica for the same money.

[@pswitzeny]

Great video. I would love to see a video talking more about what Jay was talking about: bookshelves versus floor standing speakers. He talks a bit about "what bookshelves can do that floor standing speakers can't". Certainly big speakers go deeper and the other advantages of the design has been talk talked about but it would be interesting to have a discussion about the flip side and the inherent advantages of a smaller speaker. I don't see that often addressed. It would interesting to contrast, for example, a $5000 book shelf with a $2000 sub versus a $7000 floor standing speaker. Keep up the good work guys!

[@erics.4113]

I mostly own bookies but have a few pair of towers too. The difference in presentation is almost universal across the board from the limited pairs I've owned and lived with. Keep in mind I also listen somewhat near-field. Like 6-7ft away. The floorstanders do give the impression of a larger presence in their sound, as you would probably expect from their size. The bookshelves, especially at near-field distances, almost always seem to create a more concise and intimate soundstage that you can really immerse into. It's almost like you're aware of the floorstanders creating this large presence, while the bookshelves are creating an illusion, however at close distances the illusion of the bookshelves is often more cohesive, addictive, and precise. I feel more like I'm diving into the music as opposed to it being thrown my way with my towers. I'm relatively new and inexperienced but have about 9 pairs of speakers here of various form factors and this seems to be consistent observation.

[@conduit242]

The science backs this up too. Bookshelves have by virtue of their size: - less baffle diffraction - less lobing - smaller vertical convergence triangle (the distance required to sound like one driver) There have been a few ultra deep bookshelves that keep the benefits of the small front baffle while providing the cabinet volume for bass, but they are rare. Now, DSPs and per-driver amplification can dramatically close this gap further. One extreme example of the benefits are the Genelec “The Ones”. The 8361s are absolute monsters and even the smallest 8331 has shocking performance, not just for its size, for any size.

[@erics.4113]

@@conduit242 do you own any genelac? If I were to buy any pro monitors, those are the ones I would look at.

[@rickcarlson5916]

Great discussion gentleman, thank you.

[@robvandendolder3157]

Well done guys. I’ve been checking out various reviews on Sonus Faber bookshelf speakers. This was an interesting comparison which I enjoyed. I would like to hear the comparison between the Elector Amator 3 and the nova 1 or even The Guarneri.

[@davidbaxter6843]

Great job guys. When I started this hi-fi journey, I never thought a bookshelf could compete with floor stander.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I once heard those Olympics 1 and they really are fantastic; just very expensive.

[@laurencerothman931]

Thanks, great discussion!

[@pennfootball71]

This is a great video. Much respect for comparing these! I would love to also compare the Olympica Nova III compared to a B&W 803 D3, Focal Sopra 2 and Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 ii, KEF Reference 3, Dynaudio Contour 60 and Magico A3...!!! I think this would be EPIC!!! Madness and mayhem Power them all with a Naim Uniti Nova and a Hagel H590, Parasound JC5 and thise large tube/solidstate bi wiring GOD monoblocks from Mcintosh. Use a Mytek Brooklytn Dac+ and a Chord Dave and Lampizator Pacific. This will be the greatest thing mankind has done since the Manhatten project.

[@MrProfessionalk]

Love to see a comparison between Olympica Nova III to B&W floor/bookshelves.

[@drewrobertson6286]

Maybe even better than sliced bread

[@tms372]

I've owned Amati Anniversarios for about ten years, love them. Looking for a stand mounted pair of S.F.'s for the second system. Wouldn't consider any other brand.

[@gtrlover3983]

So good to hear getting my Sonetto system next month!

[@mmdusa]

Another great talk gentlemen. Please keep them coming.

[@abghg66777]

I agree. At the same price you better get 2 way shelf speakers then floor speakers . To that you add subwoofer if you need base.❤

[@JAZZCLASSIQUE]

THen, it's not the same price, and the comparison is not fair !

[@scottscottsdale7868]

That was a really good discussion. Thank you.

[@enniol8043]

I was mentioned in the video, I have a McIntosh Sonetto home theatre, the 8s, the Centre 2 and 4 walls (I have 4 Def Audio Ceiling) and it is spectacular. I have McIntosh integrated as well as a Naim NDX and a McIntosh Mt2 with Sonetto 5s in my living room (as music should be more democratic) and it is very detailed, images very well and has great bass response. I agree with everything they say and will be moving up in future.

[@jearley22]

I would really like to hear a discussion of the Nova 1 vs the Electa Amator III, as you mention here.

[@loicayotte7250]

Love hearing each’s perspective. Its not easy to properly convey our sonic impressions in words on the spot. The comparison between quantity and quality was right on. Being able to go down to 30hz and being able to shine at 30hz are not the same. Imo I think some speakers hurt their sonic quality when trying to go too low but not being able to do it as good as the upper frequencies which end up sounding muffled a bit relatively speaking. And the bloom or muffled bass it creates can take away or distract from what it actually does properly. (Unless your a bass head I guess)

[@miquifaye]

Great discussion. however i'd go with a good floor stander and no sub over a bookshelf everytime.There's always something lacking with the bookshelf sound . No matter how great it sounds and images it leaves me with an impression that doesn't sound full.

anthony nicholson agree. Bookshelves lack grunt and oomph.

[@paulb.3227]

@ Maybe, but not all of them. I own a pair of SF Cremona Auditor's with a REL Strata III for extra bass. Somehow the sub improves the soundquality of the SF's. The total sound is rich and full. Oh, and my speakers are NOT bookshelves; they need their perfect stands. So does the Olympica Nova 1 !

[@parapobabam]

@ my observation is that you trade transparency and imaging for bass pressure. This is why I'd rather have a completely separate enclosure for bass every time. The analogy is some dude in a car with a loud subwoofer that rattles his license plate and the body of the vehicle ... Sure it's loud and may even sound pretty good inside the car but you gotta crank up your music to drown out your rattling license plate and vehicle body (and to compensate for your hearing loss. Lol) Vs a guy in a pair of headphones. Sure his body isn't being vibrated by massive amounts of bass but he can pick out every note and isolate it in space. Where loud sound pressure would simply drown out all the fine detail in the midrange. Is it more satisfying? Well..that depends on what satisfying means to you.

[@marcusaurelius2988]

@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt you will lack soundstage every time without fail with bookshelves.

[@klewja]

Great video. I was in a similar situation. I was looking at the magico A3 vs the magico S1MKII. I chose the S1MKII granted they are not in the same price range but it is a 3 way A3 vs 2 way S1MKII comparison. The S1MKII just did everything better imaging, speed, soundstage and tonality. The only problem is that they now leave me wanting to but a pair of magico m2.

[@vladimirdorta6692]

In this case one should also think about future upgrades, a typical situation. The Sonetto VIII cannot be improved much; on the other hand, the Nova I can always be greatly improved with a REL subwoofer and later a second one, you then have a high-quality full-range system. While what genkifd says may be true of some subwoofers, RELs aren't difficult to integrate and any good dealer can do it for you. Of course the problem of room size will always be there.

[@ryanclements6031]

What would sound better nova I with Rel sub or nova II? In a medium to large room. Jay said that good bookshelfs always beat floor standards for imaging.

[@thesean68]

I bought the Sonus Faber Sonetto V as they paired beautifully with Naim products, for the quality of sound. I hadn’t really even considered the Nova 1, but now I need to get a demo. 😀👍🏼

[@nevencovic2804]

How are you happy with sonetto V ? I had monitor audio rx6 and now im switchin to new speaker and sonetto looks good af

[@johnvalatos4073]

Great comparison. Definitely going to demo the Sonetto range. It’s difficult to add a sub when your amp won’t allow it so prefer a speaker that goes down to the 30Hz range. Once you have that low down bass filling a room it is hard to give it up, it always sounds like something is missing.

[@xcvbxcvb2179]

Rel subs works with every amp.

[@HSVGEEK]

​@@xcvbxcvb2179well pointed out. Added one to my bookshelves and it transformed the system dramatically. Adding a second takes it even further.

[@lfazio9690]

It’s always nice to get insight on hi-end gear, especially when the discussion either involves equipment you have no experience with or equipment you may be targeting to purchase. While I can appreciate the premise of this comparison, as unique as it might be within a specific manufactures range, IMO, it offers little insight to an already highly subjective topic, by comparing a bookshelf to a floor-stander; each have different applications as I know you’re aware. So while I like the premise of the comparison, I believe it would have been much more meaningful, valid, and effective to have compared speakers of the same type. Again, not trying to be too critical because I do enjoy the teams insight, but felt compelled to comment on this one because for me, just doesn’t make a lot of sense.

[@CanadianPonchman]

I respectfully disagree. This may work for you but there quite a few people including myself that are on the fence especially in apartment between floor standers and bookshelves (Especially if same price). For me quality of sound was more important and this allowed me to decide to go for Olympica Nova. I do understand where you are coming from though. Just a different point of view

[@Penner-x6l]

Another Awesome video! I think another thing that didn't get mentioned is the electronics paired to both in the test and how that factors into the equation. The Nova 1's are no slouches when it comes to power handling, and I believe these could fill a big room paired with something like Mc separates and a nice sub. Where they would struggle in this scenario is paired with something like an 80W Anthem receiver. I auditioned the Sonetto 5's last night, and they were eh, meh - paired Mc separates. I then put the Nova 3's vs. Sonneto 5's and there was unsurprisingly no comparison. What was really really surprising was the difference between the Nova 5's and 3's - bigger difference than the 3's and the Sonetto 5's. I think there are better similarly priced speakers in the Sonetto segment - B&W 7 series comes to mind.

[@mp34054]

Great reviews guys, keep it up. Could you do a video discussing interconnects/speaker cables? What should someone consider?

[@Turtleback8024]

I think it comes down to preference. I like floor standers more. It doesn’t matter how good a bookshelf can sound, if there’s an equally impressive floor stander, that’s what I’m gonna go with.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@theoracleprodigy]

The quality of those components and the simplicity is what makes a bookshelf better sounding. If you have a floor standing speaker that's the same cost the quality has to go down per component.

[@ViktorVonGhoulie]

excellent video thank you so much for the help

[@bernarddussault2365]

Me I have sonetto II for my small livig room :) ..and it's so good !!!!

[@karenstepanov1703]

Bernard! I share Your optimism and also want to purchase the soneto II. What is the size of Your room and what do You combine it with (amp/source)?

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I guess I listened to this. Idea 1 year ago. Ha ha. I still like this one.

[@marcus1970]

Sometimes it's not so much a matter of what a loudspeaker (or even entire system) CAN'T do..... But how will it presents what it CAN do..... for me that's what leads to long term enjoyability and musical engagement.

[@manardh7387]

Sounds like for classical music the pick should be Nova. Really, at times I think the two way speakers were designed small and require stands so that one can lift (like a face lift) the speaker up above the height of the foot of the bed. They are good bedroom speakers.

[@FlemmingDP]

What about a comparison between Wilson Audio Sabrina and a price wise Sonos Faber ?

[@FlemmingDP]

@@adrianlow2114 Thats awesome , Thx.

[@willmac5642]

Interesting conversation. All speakers are compromised but I reckon with the latest drivers we can get v close to ideal w a certain type of compact 3 way floorstander.

[@drichard3094]

Question for the Audio Exc guys: what would be considered small or medium room? I am wondering if I should go with the Nova1 or 2's for a room that is 13 feet wide, 22 feet long with 8 foot ceilings. Thanks for the great comparison.

[@dennislou9506]

Personaly, I think your room is medium+ and I think a bookshelf should be enough. However, a bookshelf won't reach every corner of your room.

[@victorsperber9927]

Thank you very much for this comparison. Could you please tell me what you think about the Dynaudio special forty vs Olympica Nova I ? For twice the price is the Olympica nova I better (feeling and performance) ?

[@HaraldBergTechTv]

I always search for a sub that will add and blend in with bookshelves

[@scottscottsdale7868]

It seems to me that a huge factor is that people’s life situations change over time. So it seems to me that one should purchase speakers for the long haul as well. Rooms will change. Me personally I just like big floor standards. A story. I have JBL 590s. I was in listening room at Harman store on Madison Ave. We listened to DSOM on high end Mark Levinson gear and very well reviewed Revel bookshelves costing 4x as much. I said to the manager that my JBL sounded better. He said, “well they would”.

[@findyourzero]

Just a curious question from someone whom is not well versed with speakers. Roughly, how small are the "small rooms" and how big are the "medium to large rooms"? (much appreciated if can be answered with a WxHxL dimension). Cheers!

[@gottrekk5798]

Great conversation. Bookshelves can easy sound better than floorstanders at the same price, try Focal sopra no 1.

[@Turtleback8024]

But bookshelves are never gonna go full range. I think there’s always gonna be a trade off whatever your choose.

[@gottrekk5798]

@@Turtleback8024 unless you add subwoofer or 2. More advance system but also much more versatile.

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@gottrekk5798 its all about preference, for some floorstanders are just right and for some others bookshelfs might be the better picks, i am always going to have floorstanding speakers, neither of the choises is better than the other,

[@joshgordon287]

I think there are a lot of people interested in the electa amator iii and how it compares to nova and guarneri. There are many fans of the old sf sound and the ea3s and minima amator ii could bring people back to the brand.

[@vaggelisioannidis4636]

Great video guys. Would you recommend the Sonetto VIII or the older Venere S for a 30 square meters room,for electronic (heavy bass) music & strictly vinyl reproduction? Thank you in advance, Vaggelis.

[@marct9587]

Good question, as the Venere S is starting to show up on the used market for nice prices.

[@Paranimal86]

It’s funny I don’t think this comparison would be as drastic as let’s say the Focal Utopia book shelf vs the Focal Sopras…. They use a lot of the same drivers and crossovers. I personally think for that situation the Sopras are a no brainer.

[@mfgallonjaust7171]

Medium sized room.. I want olímpica nova v over kill but what ever looks nice . What’s a great mono block amp for those speakers? Pre amp? And amp for the center Olympica nova cII . Would you pair whit a svs sub? Or a sonus Faber sub?

[@davidlambert3892]

I've heard the Sonetto VIII. I was very impressed! If only I could afford a pair of them...

[@gwapster13]

There is a floorstander that images like a bookshelf... the B&W Nautilus.... the snail shaped one.

[@johnanderson8096]

WELL DONE!!!

[@antoniorussell9893]

What about Olympica Nova 1 vs Nova II?

[@Dyejcop]

I am looking for speakers that can sound like Sonetto III but cost 20-25% less. What can you recommend? I have elac uni-Fi fs 5 - uncontrolled bass. I wanted something better and checked, for example, Buchardt s400. I thought I would add SUB and it would be ok. Unfortunately, it did not impress me. The seller recommended Sonnetto III, which charmed me, unfortunately they are too expensive.

[@Rascallucci]

I am just so surprised that none of you mentioned on the genre of music as a factor. Obviously, say if you are a rock guy, it doesn't take a genius to work out the floorstanders are probably the way to go. But, if you are like a lot of audiophiles who might have a distinct preference for vocals, then I have to say more than often standmounts will sound better. And I am not even referring to standmounts one series higher than the floorstanders, sometimes even within the same series the standmounts can sound better. But, better is a relative term because different people look for different things. In general speaks, I would say if you are after a cleaner and more transparent sound, I would go for standmounts. But, having said that, not many people only listen to one type of music, so I would say floorstanders are probably the more all-rounded choice. Or you could choose to have 2 pairs of speakers. My advice is don't be fooled by quantity over quality. As a rookie hi-fi listener once upon a time, I once auditioned a pair of Quad 11L driven by the Roksan Caspian M Series-1 integrated amp back in the day, probably early 2000's I would say, to date I still say it is one of the best speakers I've heard for vocals disregard of price range even when it wasn't expensive at all. But, you know what? I didn't end up buying it, fell for the "quantity" trap and bought a pair of Wharfeadale Diamond 8 floorstanders instead because I wanted volume and bass. My biggest rookie mistake, should have bought the Quads without a question. I remember playing some Diana Krall on it, it sounded absolutely sublime.

[@valentingonzalez4813]

A very interesting comment. I'm considering to change my Apogee Stage One with stands for the Soneto Vlll, and I'm full of doubts. Truly, the question of the genre of music is a very important factor and it's here were I'm lost, because I listen 70/30 modern/classic. The pair of Stage One with Counterpoint and krell as preamp/amp sounds really well and, as you said, voices are incredible, but maybe for Dream Theatre a little extra pressure will be welcome. Maybe...

[@b2unoo7]

Hi guys, Great vid. I have sonetto 1, any advice what could i pair it with? What would be the best amp choice for a 4x5m room in range till 2000€/$?

[@CanadianPonchman]

Hey all. I'm in the middle situation here. What is you guys take on the Olympica vs the focals Kanta of Focal Sopra. It's hard in Vancouver here because not everyone has them both. The dealer here stopped selling focals and is not selling b&w and Sonus Faber. Has anyone had experience with these and which one would you get. My sysem will be both home theatre and music listening

[@mickey1160]

Focal kanta 是很均衡且偏亮的喇叭，適合聽各式各樣的音樂，而大編制交響樂是他的強項，sonetto 人聲及小編制樂器都非常不錯～

[@jamesstruble1]

I enjoy these discussions, but they always leave me wondering what happens if you add a pair of Rel T/9i (or better) does that shift the result.

[@michal325i]

James Struble I have done that, did not work for me.. ended up with Olympica3. Now i am happy..

I have the option to buy the Sonetto V or the Sonetto Viii I can't get to listen to them first... Any help anyone? @everyone High ceiling room 24ft x 16ft room

[@tms372]

With Sonus Faber you win either way.

[@brianho6625]

It is not fair for putting 2-way speaker and 3-way speaker in comparison. It just like putting propeller engine and jet engine in comparison. Certainly, both type of speakers can sound and same as both type of engine can product thrust. However it is not appropriate for comparing their physical characteristic as the later always has physical advantages in most areas, except from unable to put on bookshelf:) I guess SF - Nova put more expensive materials inside a 2-way speaker. SF - Sonneto V put entry level materials inside a 3-way speaker. At the end, the gap get closer and able for comparison. In idea situation, it will defiance physic for saying 2-way speaker are better than 3-way speaker.

[@davidcorbett62]

I have a suggestion. How about instead of listening to people who all have different viewpoints on what they like etc you actually played the two different speakers with the same music in the same location. Then we can decide what we like or the different sound between both. Most of us live with a small to medium size rooms.

[@Sloimer]

Dude you’re listening on KZbin

[@davidcorbett62]

@@Sloimer it’s not me whose doing the revue so dosent matter where or on what I am listening

[@Sloimer]

@@davidcorbett62 well clearly it does because you literally said you want them to set it up so “we can decide which sound we like more” genius

[@davidcorbett62]

@@Sloimer Well if you can’t understand how a review is done then I cannot help you. But keep taking the medicine as it’s obviously helping

[@andreasmoller9798]

I would go for the sonetto vlll if i had the money

[@v.i.l.o.]

Nice review! Could you tell me if added subwoofer may have some (slightly negative) impact on Novas refinement, separation, imaging...? Also, curious, what kind of music you guys were listening to comparing those speakers? Thank you

[@parapobabam]

It will only improve. A properly setup sub will make your novas even more delicate and revealing because you can let it play higher frequencies without being shaken around by the bass. it makes the sound stage deeper and overall the sound is fuller. And whatever stiffness is incorporated into the body of the speaker will be even more effective, helping them disappear even more. Generally speaking, the best place in your room for bass is rarely the same place where you place your tweeter and midrange. So I always find it odd when audiophiles say that they prefer floor standing full range speakers to bookshelves for music. It just doesn't make sense according to physics. Unless you are too incompetent to setup subwoofers or your room is an anechoic chamber.

[@henni1964]

Have to agree with parapobabam. I placed my REL subs near my listening position with best results.

[@genkifd]

i would also pick the novas but it depends on your situation. Adding a subwoofer the integration may not be always good.

[@paulb.3227]

You can finetune a really good subwoofer, like a REL. I have SF Cremona Auditor and a REL Strato III: wonderful combination !

[@genkifd]

@@paulb.3227 fine tuning is great and all but DSP is better. even still them at times it seems the sub is slightly out of time / phase.

[@artysanmobile]

Don’t hate me, but I listen to these for comedic value.

[@skyengeh]

Sorry to bring money into it, but I can't get past the price of Olympica Nova 1's (in UK) $6000 for a bookshelf ? (without stands) Ok I haven't heard them , but do they really sound better than a standard "very good bookshelf" like B&W 706 ? , or Wharfedale Evo 4.2 ? both 1/4 the price or less. (both of which I have heard) Also if as you say the KEF R3's wipe the floor with them in terms of bass, are you sure everyone comparing them will say the sound of the Nova's is better ? I wouldn't even ask a HiFi store to put them in a demo room because they just don't seem like good value to me what am I paying for, the pretty box ?

[@DaveSHarris]

They are much more than a pretty box. It depends on the size of your room tho.

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

I witnessed a Focal demonstration. They were demoing the Kanta...and the Sopra no1. The Sopra sounded better.

[@yannick930]

I tried once to brace a pair of speakers with cabinet raisonance. I end up with no bass lol That's how I learned the trick some manufacturer uses.

[@ibakedit5850]

Interesting anecdote. I wonder, though, could it be that the bass was tighter?

[@bigjay1970]

Fantastic idea to compare those 2 speakers in that manner!😬😬😬😉 Do more and thank me later!😉😇🤗

[@jorgerodriguez6042]

hello audio excellence what is the point about reviewing audio equipment if you never talk about how real the musical instrument sound like don't you think that is the more important thing to talk about thank you

[@Sloimer]

No

[@blobbynobby4619]

i like my pathos amps with my sf

[@bijupoonoor3641]

I love

[@marianosartori1522]

Uhh hum huuh hum and hum I hum and hum , STOP IT !!!

[@spraguedawley]

Just bought a SF Gravis 1 and what a disappointment to see it is made in china.

[@geraldhess3244]

I can't trust your evaluation when the cast recording is so mediocre.

[@Sloimer]

So if you’re not a video and audio production expert you can’t have a viewpoint on speakers? What are ya dumb?