I've been watching AE's videos for a while know and I personally know the team pretty well. Adrian's knowledge and experience is really unmatched. Lewis has all the warmth, care and honesty of Santa Clause. But Mike... Man, oh man! He is such a fantastic addition!! His choices in music have been immensely well considered and are always something new to me. I love his taste in music. Also, his background in studio work brings a very different view of things that differs from other members - and other audio channels. Keep up the great work, guys!!
After hearing your opinions on this speaker there is no way I would ever justify spending $18,000 for a speaker that can't at least get close to reproducing bass close to what we know is present in many recordings. They are absolutely beautiful in finish and design, but for me they should be part of a three way utilizing say maybe a 10 inch woofer to round out the sound.
I actually like Lewis's choice of music. I'm 56 years old and have had the pleasure of enjoying many kinds of music over my lifetime. Growing up as a kid, my mother introduced me to Tom Jones. Her parents (my grandparents) introduced me to Englebert Humperdink. Both are great artists and are a regular part of my playlist.
It’s good to see others get the intangible emotional factors that tug at the heartstrings like some SF products. Especially the eerily good and accurate mid range and voice, in particular the observation of the difficulty of getting piano right. As a 56 y/o who has heard most of the “best” SF still seems to “get it”. I agree, on the short list of heirloom forever speakers for hard my earned money.
Very nice review guys/ excellent!!!!! Fortunately for me (72 years old), I'm assuming my hearing is not as it once was, that combined with my small acoustically challenged living room/ placement of equipment, these wonderful speakers would not be experienced/ appreciated as they should/ could.
Shirley Bassey is a very good artist, and if you like the Afro Rock kind of music, try Osibisa. It's an old band from Ghana Africa, and it's my favorite band. Thanks for the video..👍👍
Thanks for this very honest review. However, with a CDN$26K (US$19K) price tag, one might be well advised to explore alternatives that can produce better lower range and still provide "butter-sounding" midrange and high ends. Ideally, one would not have to buy multiple sets of speakers to play everything from soft classical or small jazz ensemble to rock concerts. How would they compare to the Wilson's Tunetots ?
I am old enough to remember when Shirley Bassey sang Goldfinger in 1964 for the James Bond movie of the same name. It was one of my favorite songs back then (good instrumentals also).
Well, anything over $10,000 becomes luxury. Beautiful finishes, great sound, which fits beautiful house or space. It’s more of luxury features that are included in prices. Not just the sound. Not sure why people cannot accept other people’s affordability based on their income level and necessity.
The choice of the Kef or any other would be true only if your primary music choices are as well reproduced. If most of your listening choices are small ensembles, acoustic music etc, the Guarneri would absolutely be my choice
@@adrianlow2114 I listen almost exclusively to the kind of music you describe, but for $19K USD I would still go for a 3-way speaker system. A single mid-bass driver cannot accurately play bass cello and saxophone notes at the same exact instant in time without excessive distortion in my experience. A 2-way speaker may be a good choice if funds are limited, but when spending $19K one can’t say funds are limited.
The Bose speaker experience gave you the first taste of advertisement driven audio reviews. This has never left us up until today, e.g. with B&W speakers. Money still buys favorable reviews.
For $19K USD (pair) either the speakers should be a 3-way model (which will have good bass) or the customer should be willing to spend an extra $2.5K more for a decent sub-woofer. Mike is absolutely correct in his comments. Actually, since dealer cost of a $19K speaker in the US is about $11,400, the retailer should throw in a $2.5K subwoofer for the $19K price.
Very different speakers intended for different applications. I should have prefaced the review with the origins of the Guarneri; they were designed for the then new Museo del Violino, created to house and celebrate the greatest string instruments and makers that Italy produced. The Guarneri in my opinion is almost unequaled in this application. It was never intended to be a full range speaker, to reproduce all sorts of music at all levels. The Sabrina is capable of amazing sound with much better range and volume, but for mostly strings, light vocals, chamber music etc, the Guarneri is simply superb
THe BOSE used 901 used 9 CTS ceiling speakers. Then, he had an equalizer to give the bass. And you needed a huge amp like a PHASE LINEAR 700 for that reason..
I don’t find the room too big. I for one absolutely love the sound that the Guarneri produces and while I agree the bass could be lower, the magic of the rest is incredible. Depending on what you primarily listen to music wise, they are either a terrible option or the best thing you could buy
Exactly what I am thinking. It's hard to come to a qualified review unless you give it something to be measured against. Almost all reviewers test with at least 2 different amps or preamps.
I have owned for a period a previous version of the Guarneri, the Evolution, which had a larger midwoofer, and I liked them very much. I did not understand the decision from Sonus Faber to return to a smaller size in the following versions. Of course you cannot expect from a relatively small stand mount speaker the same bass as a floorstander, but while the Evolution can still be considered a complete speaker, although a bit lacking in the lower octave and overall "slam", to me these speakers with 15cm mid-woofers are just too limited... unless of course you pair them with subwoofers (which many owners do).
Do the entry-level Sonus Faber (specifically the Lumina series) have at least some of the magic you describe with the Guarneri, but that you say the Martin Logan FT100/200 lack (I believe you described it as you fell in love with the Guarneri, but as good as the Martin Logans are, you didn't fall in love with them). If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one of either the Sonus Faber Lumina V or the Martin Logan FT, which would you choose (I realize that might be more than you want to tackle in the comments section of the video, but thought I would give it a shot)? 🙂Thanks for another informative, interesting, and fun video!
A thought, how much of what is being said is about the speaker exclusively, and how much has to do with the amp as well? Because this is not your usual amp you use for reviews, right? Maybe this is adressed, only a few minutes in to the review... Either way, I'm glad to see another video from you guys is up! Going to accompany my breakfast and coffee here. Perfect! Many thanks.
There’s always a possibility that another amp may lead Mike to enjoy the Guarneri more, but since his main complaint was not having enough deep bass, I doubt it since the D’Agostino has amazing bass
@@adrianlow2114 Thanx for getting back to me! Good answer. I have another question, I love the cello and the violin. What speaker brand would you say is best at reproducing their organic magic?
@@filipviljamaasvensson ironically, I believe SF will indeed do that very well. The reason the Guarneri was made was because the Museo del Violini wanted speakers that would reproduce the beauty of Italy’s finest string instruments. And SF made the Guarneri for that reason
@@adrianlow2114 What a fantastic background story! I had a hunch about the name Guarneri not being a coincidence :) I also see there is an ever higher tier model called the Stradivari. I'm intrigued, SF is now on my audition list for my next speaker, whenever it will be.
I still own the Spica TC50s- they have the X factor that Adrian mentioned. I’m currently using the Magnepans 1.7i and the LRS+ (in my bedroom/tv system with a sub) as for me they have the X factor as well.
"When you want more bass, you miss it; when you have it, it disturbs you." -Franco Serblin
❤
I've been watching AE's videos for a while know and I personally know the team pretty well. Adrian's knowledge and experience is really unmatched. Lewis has all the warmth, care and honesty of Santa Clause. But Mike... Man, oh man! He is such a fantastic addition!! His choices in music have been immensely well considered and are always something new to me. I love his taste in music. Also, his background in studio work brings a very different view of things that differs from other members - and other audio channels. Keep up the great work, guys!!
Thanks Paul!
Nice review. The Guarneris are special. If you want more bass, use with a pair of subs. The midrange and treble are what these speakers are all about.
After hearing your opinions on this speaker there is no way I would ever justify spending $18,000 for a speaker that can't at least get close to reproducing bass close to what we know is present in many recordings. They are absolutely beautiful in finish and design, but for me they should be part of a three way utilizing say maybe a 10 inch woofer to round out the sound.
I heard them with a pair of Rel's subs and it was perfect, bass and everything! 👍🫡
Incredible looking loudspeakers. Appreciated the efforts of you all.
Thanks
I actually like Lewis's choice of music. I'm 56 years old and have had the pleasure of enjoying many kinds of music over my lifetime. Growing up as a kid, my mother introduced me to Tom Jones. Her parents (my grandparents) introduced me to Englebert Humperdink. Both are great artists and are a regular part of my playlist.
Agree
Finally a new AE CAN video! And you guys finally got some new lighting!!
It’s good to see others get the intangible emotional factors that tug at the heartstrings like some SF products. Especially the eerily good and accurate mid range and voice, in particular the observation of the difficulty of getting piano right. As a 56 y/o who has heard most of the “best” SF still seems to “get it”. I agree, on the short list of heirloom forever speakers for hard my earned money.
Great video guys! How would you compare them to the Electa Amator 111?
All your comments make me to lovingly remember the original Sonus Faber Extremas. I wonder if they could replicate them?
Very nice review guys/ excellent!!!!! Fortunately for me (72 years old), I'm assuming my hearing is not as it once was, that combined with my small acoustically challenged living room/ placement of equipment, these wonderful speakers would not be experienced/ appreciated as they should/ could.
Adrian and Lewis were strongly influenced by Cecil. They added vocabulary to express their emotions. I like it!
Shirley Bassey is a very good artist, and if you like the Afro Rock kind of music, try Osibisa. It's an old band from Ghana Africa, and it's my favorite band. Thanks for the video..👍👍
Thanks for this very honest review. However, with a CDN$26K (US$19K) price tag, one might be well advised to explore alternatives that can produce better lower range and still provide "butter-sounding" midrange and high ends. Ideally, one would not have to buy multiple sets of speakers to play everything from soft classical or small jazz ensemble to rock concerts. How would they compare to the Wilson's Tunetots ?
I am old enough to remember when Shirley Bassey sang Goldfinger in 1964 for the James Bond movie of the same name. It was one of my favorite songs back then (good instrumentals also).
Well, anything over $10,000 becomes luxury. Beautiful finishes, great sound, which fits beautiful house or space.
It’s more of luxury features that are included in prices. Not just the sound.
Not sure why people cannot accept other people’s affordability based on their income level and necessity.
If you really want wife acceptance factor, buy her a $12K diamond necklace, and then buy a $7K full range 3-way speaker like the KEF R11 Meta.
The choice of the Kef or any other would be true only if your primary music choices are as well reproduced. If most of your listening choices are small ensembles, acoustic music etc, the Guarneri would absolutely be my choice
@@adrianlow2114 I listen almost exclusively to the kind of music you describe, but for $19K USD I would still go for a 3-way speaker system. A single mid-bass driver cannot accurately play bass cello and saxophone notes at the same exact instant in time without excessive distortion in my experience. A 2-way speaker may be a good choice if funds are limited, but when spending $19K one can’t say funds are limited.
Two questions, what is the size of your room and what size room would be optimum? Thanks.
The Bose speaker experience gave you the first taste of advertisement driven audio reviews. This has never left us up until today, e.g. with B&W speakers. Money still buys favorable reviews.
By the way, the Audrey Hepburn analogy is spot on! Well done👌👊
@@nirodha35thanks !
For $19K USD (pair) either the speakers should be a 3-way model (which will have good bass) or the customer should be willing to spend an extra $2.5K more for a decent sub-woofer. Mike is absolutely correct in his comments. Actually, since dealer cost of a $19K speaker in the US is about $11,400, the retailer should throw in a $2.5K subwoofer for the $19K price.
How do they compare to the Wilson Audio Sabrina X? Or to stay in the theme of the video, which customer is the Sabrina for.
Very different speakers intended for different applications. I should have prefaced the review with the origins of the Guarneri; they were designed for the then new Museo del Violino, created to house and celebrate the greatest string instruments and makers that Italy produced. The Guarneri in my opinion is almost unequaled in this application. It was never intended to be a full range speaker, to reproduce all sorts of music at all levels.
The Sabrina is capable of amazing sound with much better range and volume, but for mostly strings, light vocals, chamber music etc, the Guarneri is simply superb
what do you consider as a small room? (for those speakers)
Nice to see the crew !! =) Great review ! =)
Thanks
Great discussion. Great to see you again. I go back to a certain commentator who was fired ( remains unnamed).
THe BOSE used 901 used 9 CTS ceiling speakers. Then, he had an equalizer to give the bass. And you needed a huge amp like a PHASE LINEAR 700 for that reason..
Welcome Mike!
Mike stated the room was too large & then they both jump in to say the room was too large, too funny.
I don’t find the room too big. I for one absolutely love the sound that the Guarneri produces and while I agree the bass could be lower, the magic of the rest is incredible. Depending on what you primarily listen to music wise, they are either a terrible option or the best thing you could buy
Was the D’Agostino the right integrated for the speaker?
Exactly what I am thinking. It's hard to come to a qualified review unless you give it something to be measured against. Almost all reviewers test with at least 2 different amps or preamps.
I have owned for a period a previous version of the Guarneri, the Evolution, which had a larger midwoofer, and I liked them very much. I did not understand the decision from Sonus Faber to return to a smaller size in the following versions. Of course you cannot expect from a relatively small stand mount speaker the same bass as a floorstander, but while the Evolution can still be considered a complete speaker, although a bit lacking in the lower octave and overall "slam", to me these speakers with 15cm mid-woofers are just too limited... unless of course you pair them with subwoofers (which many owners do).
Do the entry-level Sonus Faber (specifically the Lumina series) have at least some of the magic you describe with the Guarneri, but that you say the Martin Logan FT100/200 lack (I believe you described it as you fell in love with the Guarneri, but as good as the Martin Logans are, you didn't fall in love with them). If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one of either the Sonus Faber Lumina V or the Martin Logan FT, which would you choose (I realize that might be more than you want to tackle in the comments section of the video, but thought I would give it a shot)? 🙂Thanks for another informative, interesting, and fun video!
A thought, how much of what is being said is about the speaker exclusively, and how much has to do with the amp as well? Because this is not your usual amp you use for reviews, right? Maybe this is adressed, only a few minutes in to the review... Either way, I'm glad to see another video from you guys is up! Going to accompany my breakfast and coffee here. Perfect! Many thanks.
There’s always a possibility that another amp may lead Mike to enjoy the Guarneri more, but since his main complaint was not having enough deep bass, I doubt it since the D’Agostino has amazing bass
@@adrianlow2114 Thanx for getting back to me! Good answer. I have another question, I love the cello and the violin. What speaker brand would you say is best at reproducing their organic magic?
@@filipviljamaasvensson ironically, I believe SF will indeed do that very well. The reason the Guarneri was made was because the Museo del Violini wanted speakers that would reproduce the beauty of Italy’s finest string instruments. And SF made the Guarneri for that reason
@@adrianlow2114 What a fantastic background story! I had a hunch about the name Guarneri not being a coincidence :) I also see there is an ever higher tier model called the Stradivari. I'm intrigued, SF is now on my audition list for my next speaker, whenever it will be.
I am late on this… but how 2 x REL S510 may fit with them (base on Mike review)
Agree with new guy there. I have Oly 1 standmounters ---- dual Rythmik subwoofers and a powerful amp is required. And I am in a 10X12 foot room.
And how does it sound? I want to upgrade from sonetto II to olimpica nova 1 and wonder if it worth it?
I have the ON1 with one Rel t7x and its sublime
A wonderful honest review quite refreshing these days.
Thanks!
The Guarnieri Evolution are the best monitor speakers there is. After that line, Sonus went down.
Electa Amator III does all that and more.
Not when you compare the two
Adrian is a Spica TC-50 guy? Wow!
I still own the Spica TC50s- they have the X factor that Adrian mentioned.
I’m currently using the Magnepans 1.7i and the LRS+ (in my bedroom/tv system with a sub) as for me they have the X factor as well.
No matter how good they are you can belive all the spin and hype they say The fact is the speakers are clearly not worth that much money
Too expensive for what you get
A question for Adrian: Any idea what a huckleberry friend is?
yes i think so
aww yisss
WOW. A positive review on a speaker you sell in your store. "Big surprice" 👎👎👎👎🤣🤣
8 minutes into the review, still talking about songs from yesteryear...
CECI come back 🙃🥰😍🤩💝💫
🇬🇧
J.
The meaning is he sees the home of his youth as he's facing execution and he dreams of his home before he dies