Stumbled across the Luminer 2's as the primary setup in a record store and was simply blown away by their performance. Even without a Subwoofer, they delivered bass beyond their size. Amazingly good!
I bought the Lumina 2 because of this review and every words you said regarding the speaker are spot on. Vocals are smooth, seductive and 3 dimensional. There's a lot of airiness or openness to the soundstage. It is wide, deep and expansive. The bass is warm, immersive and punchy. The spike in the trebles you mentioned brings energy and liveliness to the sound without being too bright and harsh. Just enough boost to extend the highs. At first I was surprised with the trebles because my old Sonus faber Concertinos were a little mellowed in the trebles and more emphasis on the midrange. I guess this is the new sound that Sonus faber is heading with its DAD tweeters and I welcome it a lot. Thanks for your honest review. I'm looking forward for more speaker reviews from you. All the best and more power to you!
Great review. I've had mine a few months now. Hugely satisfying speakers and as you say, highly enjoyable for all music genres. Plenty of bass, without a sub for my ears and set-up. Rega Elex-r is a great amp for these. And they are gorgeous to look at.
I got these about 6 weeks ago. Incredible speakers. Beautiful articulate sound. I love them without a sub but I also bought a REL Tzero sub, hooked up at Amp level. Simply Amazing together. These sound better than the LS 50 Meta's. I tried several speakers IN my home before falling in love with the Sonus Fabers. Truman Sleeps is so good. Try Leonard Cohen Going Home and Peter Gabriel I/O Four Kinds of Horses (DARK side) thru these. FYI there are also a newer Amator version for $1499.
Nice review. I want to pair Lumina 2 with Atoll in100 signature amp. The amp is a bit forward-sounding I guess. Will it be a good match without being harsh? need your suggestion Mike.
Literally just had a pair of Lumina II’s delivered today! I’m comparing them with Buchardt S400 mkII’s (twice the price) and my existing Wharfedale 12.3 (floorstanders). Would be mean to give my initial thought straight out the box, but glad they don’t sound bright - which I was worried about. Will listen some more this evening 👍🏻
Allegedly according to some statements, the new Wharfedales Denton 85 sound brighter in contrast to the old Dentons 80. I would be interested in the comparison to the Luminas 2.
Great review! I’d like to see an enclosed vs ported speaker review and comparison. The KLH Fives seem excellent, but $2k might be a little too rich for me right now, but we’ll see.
Hi there, great video. Just want to say I can’t decide between these and the new Dali Opticon 2 mk2 book shelf speakers. I mainly do movies and I would also have to get the matching centre channel. Any suggestions.
I haven’t heard a bad review of the Lumina IIs. I’ve auditioned them with a Macintosh MC 5300 integrated amp, sound source Blue Sound Node and Qobuz and they were spectacular. I plan to purchase them and pair them with recently purchased Macintosh MC 152 amplifier and C49 preamp (but first will audition them again with comparison to FS Minima Amators and Electa Amators, just curious 😎). Thanks, good review.
Wish I could hear them. I tried the Dali Menuet SEs hoping it could be an option but while it did the audiophile thing, some instruments sounded a bit unnatural or harsh. Something in the upper mids wasn't right and it could have benefited from a bit more midbass. It did reach 60 Hz but would have been better tuned to 75 to 80Hz, IMO. It was smooth but gave up alot of texture/inner detail for that smoothness, IMO. I've been told SF can sound alot like Dali, and while I generally liked Dali, that particular speaker had some issues as stated above. It could have used a bit more sparkle in the highs as well, I know softdomes can provide that, but the small Dalis didn't have that added extention. Maybe why piano sounded more like you're in a small room near them vs the more airy sound of larger venues.
That’s the nature of having a driver that size. It’s better for near field listening. In that respect it’s closer to the Lumina I than the II. A five inch driver will give a lot better sense of scale and pairs well with a sub.
@jonathandavis9507 actually found the dali opticon 1 better to my liking. There's a point where something sounds too refined. And there is something about 5 to 5.5 inch drivers that larger drivers can miss out on at least in moderate sized rooms, in my experience. I still would like to hear the lumina II as well as ascend acoustics ex/lx models.
The Lumina II's have a bigger driver so, kind of an unfair advantage from the start. However I would choose the Lumina II's because of their amazing balance, clarity and tonality. However Aperion Audio would be a hard second.
@@audioarkitekts Thanks Mike, good to know. The Aperions are way too small and lacks bass due to small interior volume and the tiny 4.5 inch driver (I have a pair so I know).
Sonus Faber Lumina II and Focal Aria 906 was on my shortlist, I chose Focal, because of their tonality but the Lumina's was second best under 1200 euros. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to compare them with Elac or Polk audio Reserve. I heard that in US Focal's is much more expensive than here in Europe, where RRP of both is almost the same, I paid 750 euros for Focal with the original Aria S 900 stands directly from France brand new, where Focal is often on sale, for almost half the price, while Sonus Faber discounts are rare and one or two hundred euros off at best. I highly recommend trying the Focal Aria, they are amazing. it's a shame because of the price policy in US, that's probably why they are so popular in Europe and not so much in the US. In terms of build quality and aesthetics I don't think there is huge difference, both have a very elegant design just in a different way (France vs Italy) and both are front ported which is a huge plus for me. I've also noticed a lot of people who have tried other Focal speakers in the past don't even want to give Aria's a chance because they have a perception that all Focal speakers have harsh high frequencies. In fact, the Aria has a different, much more refined sound profile, the highs are informative and very pleasant, but not harsh, and this is due to the Beryllium tweeter. Edit: Oh, almost forgot, Focal sensitivity are 89.5dB and Minimum impedance: 4.6 Ohms, so it's easier to drive, it's a nice bonus :)
The Arias' tweeter is not beryllium, it's the same AlMg tweeter which uses Poron to soften the highs. I have the 807W and quite like the added energy of that tweeter as well as the W driver which I still regard as better than flax...but flax is cheaper to make into woofers. What were the differences between the Aria and Lumina in your opinion?
@@nc3419 Yes, my bad, it's not Beryllium. I'm not very good at describing sound, but I'll try. I'd say Aria's has a bit more forward vocals and mids overall, but still maintains a nice balance. Before I bought Aria's, I listened through Focal Listen headphones, which I liked the most up to 300 euros, so my perception of the sound may be somewhat formed towards Focal's sound signature and a little biased. I can't say that Lumina's mid frequencies sound hollowed, but it expressed in different way. I highly recommend watching the Alpha audio sound test Focal vs Sonus Faber vs Elac, they found that Lumina's can be tricky with amp pairings, I listen both Focal and Lumina via Cambridge Audio EVO 150, this could affect the overall impression, it's perfect match for Focal, not sure for Lumina's. Focal it's pretty easy with pairing, they just need a clean power and a bit on warmer side of neutral amp, plus I will recommend having a decent amount of power headroom (160w per channel and higher) for better control, Taken together, both sound very good, it's just a matter of taste, personally I wouldn't buy without listening both, they're different.
@@nealcaffrey1251 So far, nothing under two grand beats the 807w. If I could find something close at 13 inches tall or less, I'd buy it. Plays well with both my keces e40 and Hegel h160.
Lumina V or Sonetto V I'm going to end up purchasing, hopefully by the years end. I just find them too gorgeous not to have a pair in my "collection", lol. I've had demos with the Sonetto and Olympica Nova, but the Lumina line wasn't available at the time.
How do you think they would compare to the B&W 707 S2s paired with a McIntosh MHA 150 amp (50 watts)? I am struggling between the two. The B&Ws appear to sound more detailed but at the expense of being musical. I tried the Lumina 1s and the upper end (treble seemed muted)? Hoping the Lumina 2’s may be a better match?
Are they a good fit for a Leak 130 ? I like Jazz woodwind and IDM. I have now the Comete Ez. Will i be better with Denton 85th or keep the triangle ? Yes i have a Sub. I find my Triangle to be too much " In your face " would like a little bit smoother then that.
hello mike,am considering the LUMINA II and the shape 65.the focals with the deals i have will be about 200.00 more per pair.leaning towards the focals for more bass.will it matter as i have a thx certified 10 inch highly rated sub.YOUR THOUGHTS?
The Sonus Faber's will dance circles around the Focal's. Focal has a cold sound to it that is a much acquired taste. I would go with the Sonus Faber's.
I believe you have the martin logan 15i. How do they compare in bass, mids, highs,stage depth and instrument separation? Also accuracy of tone on human voices and piano? Thanks.
Just bought the Lumina II speakers coming from the ML 15i. When the Luminas arrive I’ll post back here and let you know my thoughts on comparison between the two
I now have and am using the Triangle Plaisir Zetas (like the Color series), the Dali Opticon 1 and the Martin Logan 15i. Each sounds different and what I noticed is the Triangle has space between instruments and provides texture as you would hear in horns, string instruments, piano etc. and for a budget speaker sounds great with music but a little less impactful with movies. The Dali Opticon 1 has a bit smaller stage (smaller driver too) but adds weight to notes giving up a bit of texture and details but is more resolving. Also tried the Menuet SE which was even a bit more resolving and had a bit more midrange body but was over refined and that detail was either so soft or missing. Like the Opticons for what they do but really only nearfield. Opticon series might be similar to the Lumina? The ML 15i I have found is also very resolving and adds alot of punch when watching movies which is alot of fun, but something about them which doesn't separate the instruments in a way the other two do. So, while exciting and articulate with voices, they do get a bit (as one reviewer put it) confused sounding which affect music and hearing that texture as well as separation. Each has its differences but the FMT/AMT tweeter is a neat sound. Actually, each of the others have their strengths and weaknesses as any speaker I have found. I am interested in how SF Lumina expresses itself. So in comparing, try it with both music and movies. Paying attention to the separation, depth of stage and textures/micro details as some call it and the tonality. I would expect it to have a bit of a warmer sound with body perhaps like the Dali with a bit more extended highs but not sounding sibilant. I really like all three speakers but may sell the ML 15i and get something else in a small package. Perhaps the Lumina, or something with a paper cone type/wood pulp woofer. I can't say that all Aluminum woofers sound the same but I noticed similarities with other manufacturers that when the sound is punchy, it can mask the textures as well as sounding a bit jumbled in the upper mids thru highs. The Monitor Audio Silver 100s was like that and I liked the 15i becasue it was more of a toned down Silver 100. The Silver 50 were more relaxed in that regard but very resolving but can't remember how they did with texture. I know they didn't move me, were a bit analytical sounding and chirped when there was sibilance...like a bird. There are other speakers I looked at such as Elac UB5, the Revel M105, among others at various price points but if they use Aluminum drivers, I feel it would be just more of the same. Excitement over subtlety. Hope that adds some views on comparing the two. ML15i is a great speaker that does well for alot of people but each has its qualities. Thanks in advance, I'm sure others would benefit from the comparison as well. @@JonMoralesLA
@@nc3419 I did get a chance to trial the new Martin Logan XTB100 bookshelf speakers at home. They really sounded great compared to the 15i speakers. They had more bass but not thumpy. The soundstage was improved and it was as if a sheen was removed from the 15i speakers. I could hear subtle details I wasn’t getting. But a huge problem is I found I was having ear fatigue. I could not push them very loud as my ears couldn’t handle it. My 15i pair beg to be pushed to really shine as did the XTB100s but I was having pain in my ears and had to dial it back. That is a line I can’t cross when it comes to ear fatigue. ELAC speakers do the same to me. Maybe I could have adjusted tone control to dial it back but I didn’t try it. A shame as I really do think those XTB100s are amazing speakers. They also were too tall for my wife approved placement in living room. I have 13.5” of height max I can fit on shelf. So I researched other smaller speakers and somehow landed upon the Lumina II. Looking forward to receiving them Wed. First time I’ve paid for quality speakers new. I usually find great used deals. I figured I’m spending this much it’s too much to risk on a potentially flawed used speaker. So I went new.
This is so amusing that people love these speakers because i just listened to Danny and he said these needed a $359 upgrade kit..realizing he is making so much money telling people they need this for there speakers..kind of sad really
Who is Danny and why is he trying to “upgrade” something that is already designed well? Be weary of people trying to sell something you don’t need or want. 359 sounds like a quick cash grab for some crossover parts ;)
The upgrade is only if you want want a flat response. I bought these because of bump on the top end. I have a very warm amp and it likes a speaker that is a little brighter. Trust your ears not the measurements.
Anyone hear about the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator speakers? A higher quality look, improved crossover and said to have improved SQ in the highs...300 euros more though.
@@audioarkitekts Would you say it is warm like Dynaudio Emit 10, where I feel they rolled off to much detail or warm with detail? I have found speakers can go either way. I would like less glare/sibilance but not at the expense of transparency of a recording. I have Focal 807Ws, Triangle Zetas, Dali Oberon 1s, each different but do well in balancing tone and transparency while having some space giving some depth to the stage. None of these are so refined that they hold back but enough so the upper mids don't become overbearing. I have found so called refined speakers somewhat too refined in the upper mids/highs and lose much of the material in the recording. The frequency curve as well as other reviewers seem to indicate the Lumina series give good detail and top end aire which I would prefer. The Zetas, while a budget speaker having less density and resolution still do alot of things well in imaging and giving some space between instruments without sounding stretched out too much (like a distorted piano) and I much prefer them to Borea. It seems perhaps, the Lumina might just fit the bill as an end game speaker. Looking for a sufficiently wide and deep stage with natural tone/timbre. I can also give up some of the dynamics and resolution if detail isn't too obscured. I think I need to find a place to hear these. I'm in downsizing mode, amps, dacs, speakers. The Zetas are surprisingly good, play well with class D, AB, cheap, better gear, etc. I will keep these until I find a replacement, and the Luminas are high on the list given the size and likely SQ. I will plan to sell the 807Ws not becasue their deficient but I want smaller but still capable. Budget audiophile from here on in as I listen at lower levels anyhow. I find, alot can be achieved with careful planning/matching equipment but it takes time. I've heard the Oberon 1s and while I can't say they would represent the Oberon 3, I think I want to go into something with a softer/warmer presentation but still having good transparency . Thanks. I have both Zetas and Opticon 1 being driven by a D70s dac and a Keces E40 with very good results, not quite as good as my hegel, but very good. The equipment even drives the Focals very well. The tiny integrated amp does great on the 807Ws as well as most any other speaker I have tried. It gets pretty hot with harder to drive speakers which fall under 4 ohms so the Luminas min impedance would hopefully be near or above 4 ohms over most of its range and don't deviate much from their rated sensitivity . I think alot of us who have gone the route of more expensive, larger gear are considering lighter options as we get older and downsize. It;s nice to see some good options in smaller equipment.
@@nc3419 thank you for sharing that I have a better idea now of what you are working with and what your overall goals are. I believe they do a 30 day money back gurantee over at Audio Advice, I have the link in the description. Give them a try in your environment. I never reccomend listening to speakers outside of the room you are going to be using. Aside from just getting an idea of what they'll sound like. I think with how you are downsizing these could be your forever speakers.
I've read they were easy to drive in spite of being 4 ohms. A decent 4 ohm capable amp should do fine if not overly warm unless someone wants that sound.
Everyone seems to love their sound. As for their looks, too much bling for me. I prefer simple elegance, not gold + silver + wood + leather + plastic... yuck
Stumbled across the Luminer 2's as the primary setup in a record store and was simply blown away by their performance. Even without a Subwoofer, they delivered bass beyond their size. Amazingly good!
They are a true marvel
*Lumina
I bought the Lumina 2 because of this review and every words you said regarding the speaker are spot on. Vocals are smooth, seductive and 3 dimensional. There's a lot of airiness or openness to the soundstage. It is wide, deep and expansive. The bass is warm, immersive and punchy. The spike in the trebles you mentioned brings energy and liveliness to the sound without being too bright and harsh. Just enough boost to extend the highs. At first I was surprised with the trebles because my old Sonus faber Concertinos were a little mellowed in the trebles and more emphasis on the midrange. I guess this is the new sound that Sonus faber is heading with its DAD tweeters and I welcome it a lot. Thanks for your honest review. I'm looking forward for more speaker reviews from you. All the best and more power to you!
Great review. I've had mine a few months now. Hugely satisfying speakers and as you say, highly enjoyable for all music genres. Plenty of bass, without a sub for my ears and set-up. Rega Elex-r is a great amp for these. And they are gorgeous to look at.
Man Mike that is one beautiful speaker! Nice price tag also. Great work on the video man!
I just ordered these, get em in a few days. Excited to demo them
I got these about 6 weeks ago. Incredible speakers. Beautiful articulate sound. I love them without a sub but I also bought a REL Tzero sub, hooked up at Amp level. Simply Amazing together. These sound better than the LS 50 Meta's. I tried several speakers IN my home before falling in love with the Sonus Fabers.
Truman Sleeps is so good. Try Leonard Cohen Going Home and Peter Gabriel I/O Four Kinds of Horses (DARK side) thru these.
FYI there are also a newer Amator version for $1499.
C
Great Speakers and fantastic review
Thank you my friend
Always enjoy your reviews !
Thank you Ray! 😊
Nice review. I want to pair Lumina 2 with Atoll in100 signature amp. The amp is a bit forward-sounding I guess. Will it be a good match without being harsh? need your suggestion Mike.
Literally just had a pair of Lumina II’s delivered today! I’m comparing them with Buchardt S400 mkII’s (twice the price) and my existing Wharfedale 12.3 (floorstanders).
Would be mean to give my initial thought straight out the box, but glad they don’t sound bright - which I was worried about. Will listen some more this evening 👍🏻
Let us know you thoughts on mids, lows, highs, separation, transparency and how well the do with genres, voices and piano, etc.
Yes please let us know which speaker you prefer.
How do they compare with wharfdales?
Allegedly according to some statements, the new Wharfedales Denton 85 sound brighter in contrast to the old Dentons 80. I would be interested in the comparison to the Luminas 2.
Great review! I’d like to see an enclosed vs ported speaker review and comparison. The KLH Fives seem excellent, but $2k might be a little too rich for me right now, but we’ll see.
Love the video Mike. I wonder how the Lumina II compares to the Sonetto II. Having doubts wich one to choose. Anyone have some thoughts? Stefan
Same question here as well. Would love to hear from Mike as well as others. TY.
Thank You.
You're welcome
Excellent video I am between these lumina and the silver 100 audio monitor, which do you think is better?
Hi there, great video. Just want to say I can’t decide between these and the new Dali Opticon 2 mk2 book shelf speakers. I mainly do movies and I would also have to get the matching centre channel. Any suggestions.
I personally would go Sonus Faber and that's saying alot since I really do like Dali as well. I just love the Sonus Faber sound a bit more
I haven’t heard a bad review of the Lumina IIs. I’ve auditioned them with a Macintosh MC 5300 integrated amp, sound source Blue Sound Node and Qobuz and they were spectacular. I plan to purchase them and pair them with recently purchased Macintosh MC 152 amplifier and C49 preamp (but first will audition them again with comparison to FS Minima Amators and Electa Amators, just curious 😎). Thanks, good review.
That's awesome I bet they sound incredible with the MC 5300!
Yes, they do and I believe will be even better with the MC152 and C49. I’ll let you know.
Wish I could hear them. I tried the Dali Menuet SEs hoping it could be an option but while it did the audiophile thing, some instruments sounded a bit unnatural or harsh. Something in the upper mids wasn't right and it could have benefited from a bit more midbass. It did reach 60 Hz but would have been better tuned to 75 to 80Hz, IMO. It was smooth but gave up alot of texture/inner detail for that smoothness, IMO.
I've been told SF can sound alot like Dali, and while I generally liked Dali, that particular speaker had some issues as stated above. It could have used a bit more sparkle in the highs as well, I know softdomes can provide that, but the small Dalis didn't have that added extention. Maybe why piano sounded more like you're in a small room near them vs the more airy sound of larger venues.
That’s the nature of having a driver that size. It’s better for near field listening. In that respect it’s closer to the Lumina I than the II. A five inch driver will give a lot better sense of scale and pairs well with a sub.
@jonathandavis9507 actually found the dali opticon 1 better to my liking. There's a point where something sounds too refined. And there is something about 5 to 5.5 inch drivers that larger drivers can miss out on at least in moderate sized rooms, in my experience. I still would like to hear the lumina II as well as ascend acoustics ex/lx models.
Nice review Mike. How do these compare to the Aperion V5B bookshelf speakers? Where are the differences?
The Lumina II's have a bigger driver so, kind of an unfair advantage from the start. However I would choose the Lumina II's because of their amazing balance, clarity and tonality. However Aperion Audio would be a hard second.
@@audioarkitekts Thanks Mike, good to know. The Aperions are way too small and lacks bass due to small interior volume and the tiny 4.5 inch driver (I have a pair so I know).
Great review. I have the triangle BR02’s….what do you think I’d gain by upgrading to these?
Absolutely everything. These will blow your mind.
@@audioarkitekts lol….work bonus comes in September!
Mike - do you prefer to Lumina IIs for the money or the KLH Model 5? Thanks.
I would go with the KLH Model 5 in that comparison.
Sonus Faber Lumina II and Focal Aria 906 was on my shortlist, I chose Focal, because of their tonality but the Lumina's was second best under 1200 euros. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to compare them with Elac or Polk audio Reserve. I heard that in US Focal's is much more expensive than here in Europe, where RRP of both is almost the same, I paid 750 euros for Focal with the original Aria S 900 stands directly from France brand new, where Focal is often on sale, for almost half the price, while Sonus Faber discounts are rare and one or two hundred euros off at best. I highly recommend trying the Focal Aria, they are amazing. it's a shame because of the price policy in US, that's probably why they are so popular in Europe and not so much in the US.
In terms of build quality and aesthetics I don't think there is huge difference, both have a very elegant design just in a different way (France vs Italy) and both are front ported which is a huge plus for me.
I've also noticed a lot of people who have tried other Focal speakers in the past don't even want to give Aria's a chance because they have a perception that all Focal speakers have harsh high frequencies. In fact, the Aria has a different, much more refined sound profile, the highs are informative and very pleasant, but not harsh, and this is due to the Beryllium tweeter.
Edit: Oh, almost forgot, Focal sensitivity are 89.5dB and Minimum impedance: 4.6 Ohms, so it's easier to drive, it's a nice bonus :)
The Arias' tweeter is not beryllium, it's the same AlMg tweeter which uses Poron to soften the highs. I have the 807W and quite like the added energy of that tweeter as well as the W driver which I still regard as better than flax...but flax is cheaper to make into woofers.
What were the differences between the Aria and Lumina in your opinion?
@@nc3419 Yes, my bad, it's not Beryllium.
I'm not very good at describing sound, but I'll try.
I'd say Aria's has a bit more forward vocals and mids overall, but still maintains a nice balance. Before I bought Aria's, I listened through Focal Listen headphones, which I liked the most up to 300 euros, so my perception of the sound may be somewhat formed towards Focal's sound signature and a little biased. I can't say that Lumina's mid frequencies sound hollowed, but it expressed in different way. I highly recommend watching the Alpha audio sound test Focal vs Sonus Faber vs Elac, they found that Lumina's can be tricky with amp pairings, I listen both Focal and Lumina via Cambridge Audio EVO 150, this could affect the overall impression, it's perfect match for Focal, not sure for Lumina's. Focal it's pretty easy with pairing, they just need a clean power and a bit on warmer side of neutral amp, plus I will recommend having a decent amount of power headroom (160w per channel and higher) for better control, Taken together, both sound very good, it's just a matter of taste, personally I wouldn't buy without listening both, they're different.
@@nealcaffrey1251 So far, nothing under two grand beats the 807w. If I could find something close at 13 inches tall or less, I'd buy it. Plays well with both my keces e40 and Hegel h160.
Considering a set of Lumina V, here!
Me too!
Considering the Lumina V Amator !
Great review, very enjoyable, maybe try lumina 3 .
Tks 👍
I'm going after the Lumina 5 😉 hopefully I can work it out
@@audioarkitekts 🤞👍
@@audioarkitekts looking forward to that!
Lumina V or Sonetto V I'm going to end up purchasing, hopefully by the years end. I just find them too gorgeous not to have a pair in my "collection", lol. I've had demos with the Sonetto and Olympica Nova, but the Lumina line wasn't available at the time.
I'm trying my best to get a pair of Lumina III or V to test. Here's hoping!
How do you think they would compare to the B&W 707 S2s paired with a McIntosh MHA 150 amp (50 watts)? I am struggling between the two. The B&Ws appear to sound more detailed but at the expense of being musical. I tried the Lumina 1s and the upper end (treble seemed muted)? Hoping the Lumina 2’s may be a better match?
Are they a good fit for a Leak 130 ? I like Jazz woodwind and IDM. I have now the Comete Ez. Will i be better with Denton 85th or keep the triangle ? Yes i have a Sub. I find my Triangle to be too much " In your face " would like a little bit smoother then that.
Considering these little speakers. Would naim uniti atom, nad m10v2 drive them?
They would drive them easily. They are phenomenal speakers!
Great video man!
Thank you Joseph!
Excellent
Ordered
Nice!!
hello mike,am considering the LUMINA II and the
shape 65.the focals with the deals i have will be about 200.00 more per pair.leaning towards the focals for more bass.will it matter as i have a thx certified 10 inch highly rated sub.YOUR THOUGHTS?
The Sonus Faber's will dance circles around the Focal's. Focal has a cold sound to it that is a much acquired taste. I would go with the Sonus Faber's.
THANKS MIKE,ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS.
@@timothycooley2455 Thanks so much. I love my audience and I enjoy making these videos!!!
I believe you have the martin logan 15i. How do they compare in bass, mids, highs,stage depth and instrument separation? Also accuracy of tone on human voices and piano? Thanks.
Just bought the Lumina II speakers coming from the ML 15i. When the Luminas arrive I’ll post back here and let you know my thoughts on comparison between the two
I now have and am using the Triangle Plaisir Zetas (like the Color series), the Dali Opticon 1 and the Martin Logan 15i. Each sounds different and what I noticed is the Triangle has space between instruments and provides texture as you would hear in horns, string instruments, piano etc. and for a budget speaker sounds great with music but a little less impactful with movies.
The Dali Opticon 1 has a bit smaller stage (smaller driver too) but adds weight to notes giving up a bit of texture and details but is more resolving. Also tried the Menuet SE which was even a bit more resolving and had a bit more midrange body but was over refined and that detail was either so soft or missing. Like the Opticons for what they do but really only nearfield. Opticon series might be similar to the Lumina?
The ML 15i I have found is also very resolving and adds alot of punch when watching movies which is alot of fun, but something about them which doesn't separate the instruments in a way the other two do. So, while exciting and articulate with voices, they do get a bit (as one reviewer put it) confused sounding which affect music and hearing that texture as well as separation.
Each has its differences but the FMT/AMT tweeter is a neat sound. Actually, each of the others have their strengths and weaknesses as any speaker I have found.
I am interested in how SF Lumina expresses itself. So in comparing, try it with both music and movies. Paying attention to the separation, depth of stage and textures/micro details as some call it and the tonality. I would expect it to have a bit of a warmer sound with body perhaps like the Dali with a bit more extended highs but not sounding sibilant.
I really like all three speakers but may sell the ML 15i and get something else in a small package. Perhaps the Lumina, or something with a paper cone type/wood pulp woofer.
I can't say that all Aluminum woofers sound the same but I noticed similarities with other manufacturers that when the sound is punchy, it can mask the textures as well as sounding a bit jumbled in the upper mids thru highs. The Monitor Audio Silver 100s was like that and I liked the 15i becasue it was more of a toned down Silver 100. The Silver 50 were more relaxed in that regard but very resolving but can't remember how they did with texture. I know they didn't move me, were a bit analytical sounding and chirped when there was sibilance...like a bird.
There are other speakers I looked at such as Elac UB5, the Revel M105, among others at various price points but if they use Aluminum drivers, I feel it would be just more of the same. Excitement over subtlety.
Hope that adds some views on comparing the two. ML15i is a great speaker that does well for alot of people but each has its qualities. Thanks in advance, I'm sure others would benefit from the comparison as well. @@JonMoralesLA
@@nc3419 I did get a chance to trial the new Martin Logan XTB100 bookshelf speakers at home. They really sounded great compared to the 15i speakers. They had more bass but not thumpy. The soundstage was improved and it was as if a sheen was removed from the 15i speakers. I could hear subtle details I wasn’t getting. But a huge problem is I found I was having ear fatigue. I could not push them very loud as my ears couldn’t handle it. My 15i pair beg to be pushed to really shine as did the XTB100s but I was having pain in my ears and had to dial it back. That is a line I can’t cross when it comes to ear fatigue. ELAC speakers do the same to me. Maybe I could have adjusted tone control to dial it back but I didn’t try it. A shame as I really do think those XTB100s are amazing speakers.
They also were too tall for my wife approved placement in living room. I have 13.5” of height max I can fit on shelf. So I researched other smaller speakers and somehow landed upon the Lumina II. Looking forward to receiving them Wed. First time I’ve paid for quality speakers new. I usually find great used deals. I figured I’m spending this much it’s too much to risk on a potentially flawed used speaker. So I went new.
This is so amusing that people love these speakers because i just listened to Danny and he said these needed a $359 upgrade kit..realizing he is making so much money telling people they need this for there speakers..kind of sad really
Who is Danny and why is he trying to “upgrade” something that is already designed well? Be weary of people trying to sell something you don’t need or want. 359 sounds like a quick cash grab for some crossover parts ;)
@@audioarkitekts he is from GR research...look him up
The upgrade is only if you want want a flat response. I bought these because of bump on the top end. I have a very warm amp and it likes a speaker that is a little brighter. Trust your ears not the measurements.
I do not see speaker yet what Danny saying they are good enough, doesn't need any upgrqde at all
Anyone hear about the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator speakers? A higher quality look, improved crossover and said to have improved SQ in the highs...300 euros more though.
Any comments on how the Dali Oberon 3 and Lumina II would compare or differ?
The Oberon 3 are more open and dynamic, however the sound from the Lumina II is just incredible. Well balanced, warm, and very close to perfection.
@@audioarkitekts Would you say it is warm like Dynaudio Emit 10, where I feel they rolled off to much detail or warm with detail? I have found speakers can go either way. I would like less glare/sibilance but not at the expense of transparency of a recording.
I have Focal 807Ws, Triangle Zetas, Dali Oberon 1s, each different but do well in balancing tone and transparency while having some space giving some depth to the stage. None of these are so refined that they hold back but enough so the upper mids don't become overbearing. I have found so called refined speakers somewhat too refined in the upper mids/highs and lose much of the material in the recording.
The frequency curve as well as other reviewers seem to indicate the Lumina series give good detail and top end aire which I would prefer. The Zetas, while a budget speaker having less density and resolution still do alot of things well in imaging and giving some space between instruments without sounding stretched out too much (like a distorted piano) and I much prefer them to Borea. It seems perhaps, the Lumina might just fit the bill as an end game speaker.
Looking for a sufficiently wide and deep stage with natural tone/timbre. I can also give up some of the dynamics and resolution if detail isn't too obscured.
I think I need to find a place to hear these. I'm in downsizing mode, amps, dacs, speakers. The Zetas are surprisingly good, play well with class D, AB, cheap, better gear, etc. I will keep these until I find a replacement, and the Luminas are high on the list given the size and likely SQ. I will plan to sell the 807Ws not becasue their deficient but I want smaller but still capable.
Budget audiophile from here on in as I listen at lower levels anyhow. I find, alot can be achieved with careful planning/matching equipment but it takes time.
I've heard the Oberon 1s and while I can't say they would represent the Oberon 3, I think I want to go into something with a softer/warmer presentation but still having good transparency . Thanks.
I have both Zetas and Opticon 1 being driven by a D70s dac and a Keces E40 with very good results, not quite as good as my hegel, but very good. The equipment even drives the Focals very well. The tiny integrated amp does great on the 807Ws as well as most any other speaker I have tried. It gets pretty hot with harder to drive speakers which fall under 4 ohms so the Luminas min impedance would hopefully be near or above 4 ohms over most of its range and don't deviate much from their rated sensitivity .
I think alot of us who have gone the route of more expensive, larger gear are considering lighter options as we get older and downsize. It;s nice to see some good options in smaller equipment.
@@nc3419 thank you for sharing that I have a better idea now of what you are working with and what your overall goals are. I believe they do a 30 day money back gurantee over at Audio Advice, I have the link in the description. Give them a try in your environment. I never reccomend listening to speakers outside of the room you are going to be using. Aside from just getting an idea of what they'll sound like. I think with how you are downsizing these could be your forever speakers.
@@audioarkitekts Thanks.
sweet
100%
Thanks for watching and showing your support!
What would be a good integrated amplifier to match the lumina 2 ?
I've read they were easy to drive in spite of being 4 ohms. A decent 4 ohm capable amp should do fine if not overly warm unless someone wants that sound.
Everyone seems to love their sound. As for their looks, too much bling for me. I prefer simple elegance, not gold + silver + wood + leather + plastic... yuck
Too much bling? This speaker has the most minimalistic design and looks from Sonus faber. Definitely no gold and silver.😅😂
@@pinkypoohable take a closer look
@@williamdirks5805 Clean your specs