Thank you for clearing up that these speakers do near field very good as I am planning on using them for my PC. Many other reviewers fail to do near field tests on bookshelf speakers in general as this is quite an oversight. I always give speakers more power than they need so I don't need to worry about under powering. I will be using a Rotel RB-1582 power amp on the Lumina II and matching to an old Rel Q200 & Rel T2.
NIce review. I will look forward to the Lumina 2 review next. I just auditioned the 3's at a stereo shop but did not compare them to the smaller brothers. The Lumina 3's seemed real transparent with open top end and good imaging. Might bring a set home to try soon.
Your review brings to me a question I struggle with: why do so many audiophiles dislike tone controls. I have a pair of speakers with ribbon tweeters and turning the treble control back to 11:30 is enough to tone down the high end enough to smooth out the high end to my liking. I do not feel that I lose any sound information when doing so vs. bypassing the tone controls. My $.02.
There are audiophiles out there like us, we do exist, we do not try to impress ourselves and others by claiming the purity of the signal is only a direct one-way copper wire, long live the tone controls !
I leave my amp on direct mostly, but there was one speaker pair that worked perfectly with a reduction on the treble control. Otherwise I use the DSP on my computer. But that's mostly for bass resonance in the room
I like how Sonus Faber adds the caveat to the watt rating of the speakers ("undistorted signal). Kef should add the same to their LS50s and rate them at the 4ohms which they are. If an amp starts to struggle, the signal will get distorted.
Hi Jay, you are differently improving the quality of your videos, staging of your equipment and room decorations. I can tell you have passion about this speaker, please keep it up. You are improving all the time. Cheers
Good review and I am very interested in your assessment of the Lumina I vs the Lumina II. I owned ProAc Response I’s in the past because they were tighter and punchier than the revered Response II’s with almost identical timbral balance. They thew a phenomenal image. In RUclips sound clips the Lumina I has a beautiful midrange that may surpass the earlier ProAc’s in expressiveness. I have been very pleased with the SolidSteel stands as well.
Glad to see someone talking about Sonus Faber. About 4-5 years ago I had a chance to audition the Venere 1, 2, and was very pleased, but with stands they were beyond my budget. If you remember them, how do they compare to Lumina (and Sonnetto)?
They're quite good for certain genres and they do play lower than you'd expect, but you'll still need a subwoofer for their smallest speaker in particular. I really liked their sound when they were on a HiFi Rose RS201E.
I still have some Sonus Faber Concerto's from 1997 that I still use to this day and they are some of the best sounding speakers (for their price) in my opinion. I'm glad that you admitted that the "leather" is not real. Even the "leather" on the Concerto's from 24 years ago, is not real leather. I wished they would use real leather or just wood all around. They are basically wrapped in "Naugahyde", although, they did do a good job with the fake stuff.
Surprisingly, they look just like the day they did when I bought them. There is not one bit of evidence of breakdown or disintegration of the naughyde on them. I might add as well that the stuff doesn’t look fake or cheap. They did a good job with it. At least Sonus Faber used good quality materials. Still for the price that they cost, especially in 1997, they should have used REAL leather. If you have your eyes on a pair of these speakers and are able to get them, you won’t be unhappy! Cheers
I totally agree! The Lumina I we got sound so fine, so delicate! I have a concern though; our tweeter's arrow point isn't making contact with the dome apex. Is it worth sending them back to be fixed, or do you think the difference is minimal? It would actually be awesome to hear the difference with and without the "DAD" tweeters! I haven't found any such information online yet.
I just listened to them against the Wilson Audia Sabrina X's. They sounded absolutely fantastic!! Super crisp and clean. For my taste I'd have to add a sub, but that's my taste.
yea jay i had they totem model 1 for many years early 90s with a ny audio lab moscode maxi 300 hybrid tube amp and a conrad johnson pv5 pre amp and a vpi mark 3 turntable good old days man , retired audio salesman myself from years ago!
If I consider the Klipsch RP-8000F to be slightly fatiguing to my ears in the upper mids, will the Lumina 1 be the same or less/more fatiguing. Should I upgrade with the Lumina 1 if non-fatiguing and if I have a good sub already?
I just AB elac 2.0 vs lumina 2. Lumina have way beter vocal but the elac have beter soundstage, imaging separation. And lumina is more fatiguing than elac. But i think i will choose lumina bcuz i really2 love the vocal body and tone
Hello. I will invest in a new hifi system mostly for music streaming (rock, electronic, classic) and to connect my TV as well (but good stereo is good for me). I want something discrete and elegant. And, of course, good sound! I am considering a Bluesound Powernode combined with Sonus Faber speakers. My room is relatively small. Would you recommend the Lumina 1 with a sub-woofer or rather Lumina 2 ? Thanks!
I will attempt a reply for you, yes the Sonus Faber are a fantastic match for a smaller room, I use a walnut set paired with a Pro Ject DS3 amp and a Tivoli CD player, it’s great micro system with crazy great sound. I would definitely start by just getting the speakers and try them before you get a Sub, as bass on the Lumina 1 is SURPRISINGLY punchy and strong, irrespective of paper measurements! Hope this helps and All the best!
Jay, with the right amplifier, would you consider the Luminas to be non-fatiguing relative to other speakers in their price range, such as the KEF LS50s or R3s? Of the two, any difference between the Lumina 1 and Lumina 2 in this regard?
Hi Jay loving your video reviews ,i currently have Lumina 2's ,thinking of upgrading to Cremona amator m ,having listened to sonus faber alot would you recommend this as an upgrade ? thanks
You should review speaker from the German company "Nubert". Although I do not know if you could buy them without problems. Because the manufacturer Nubert only sell them directly on their online website and not via sellers.
hey jay im out of the highend game now but watching your show i might buy lumina 1 or 2 but im only gonna put these on my desk in my bedroom with a nad 368 or something , would the lumina 1 be enough with no sub?
The best small speakers I've heard (not just for short term) that dont have major flaws and sound correct IMO are the KEF LS50 - and possibly the newer version that I have not heard. Looking at some Sonus Faber response curves from different lineup, I see they like to put in a bump around 100Hz and 10Khz - boom and sizzle. I'm willing to bet these have some of the same behavior put into them.
I'm considering the Lumina V's to replace my Tekton Lore's in my medium sized room (driven by Hegel h190 with Ifi Zen Stream). I would love to hear a review and any feedback from anyone who has heard both speakers. Thank you.
Can they play brass instruments if they don't have brass in them? What about electronic music, do they have any natural silicon? If I record something with extra 5dB of sound from a resonance from a wooden instrument at 150hz, I should play it back on something that has ZERO additional resonance at that and all other frequencies.
You are not in a studio. Many audiophiles choose to be their own artist and master of their systems that THEY enjoy. If you like a reference sound, then thats also an option. But remember, you will never know what it actually sounded like unless you were there during the recording. Also, did you know most of your music is not monitored through a flat speaker but what the engineer is used to or find it pleasing and accurate to them? Think about it. Why have so many studio reference monitors when engineers can just use a simple speaker that has the most neutral property? Cuz we are creatures with unique individual preferences The re is no wrong here. There is no “have to” or “must” Measurement extremists in this hobby thinks that its everything and that they are being extremely scientific. But thats already failed science ! You are measuring gear with gear which is already flawed when the end result is not the gear but the listener’s (YOUR) enjoyment and preferences. YOU are the subject of this experiment and only thing that can measure it is your experience to find your own preferences. It is more about complex neurology than simple measurement of the noise floor or frequency response of a gear. To that point; many enjoy recordings from their childhood or music they have emotional ties to even tho some are poorly recorded. It is NOT about measurement of gear. The subject is NOT gear, it is YOU; the listener
@@Jayiyagi I'm pointing out that the logic is bad concerning the need to use natural materials and wood because instruments are often made of wood. I'm also pointing out that I don't think it serves users to add coloration because it's like adding tint to a TV or seasonings to every food. Genre specific speakers, or colored speakers are not worth it for people who could get a good pair that plays across genres. There arent many people who choose to re-color grade their own TV, or tint the picture. Sound is similar but many aren't aware of it as they just see a bunch of subjective reviews and eternally upgrade or ask things like if a speaker can play a certain genre, not knowing that good, majority preferred speakers that play across genres without issues are available. Studios have speakers that lean neutral, yes, sometimes a few, and also sometimes colored speakers. If they are familiar with how a speaker translates they can make a single speaker pair work. Even better, they can actually have one accurate pair and it will sound as good as it can across all colored speakers because the music won't have a peak or other frequency response issue that lines up with a notable peak on a set of colored speakers.
@@stevenswall I used to work in studios and my background is in neurosciences, heading many research teams regarding human hearing. I can tell you with confidence that your hearing does not work like your vision and how you see color in many aspects. I can also tell you with confidence that Measurement of "gear' is not absolute. Don't get me wrong... it still matters but it is faulty and nothing close to scientific. Start measuring how the human brain reacts to certain stimuli is the only science that matters when it relates to stimuli.
@@Jayiyagi Sounds like we're talking past each other. Of course hearing and vision work differently. That was not the point. I don't think studying the brain as it's stimulated is the only way to develop the art of things relating to sight and sound, or other sensory experiences. Most people can understand and accept color accuracy, yet many seem to shroud the science of sound in mystecism and subjectivity. The latter can be useful in a review, but it's all too common for reviewers not to force themselves to rank things, or to insist that every speaker has a place.
@@stevenswall I guess if people are reviewing speakers by personal preferences, then they really shouldn't be saying things like "it has better bass" or "it's more detailed". Because does it really, or is that just that person's perception?
I own the ma252 and really like it. Power wise it has good control. I would think it would do the job. I have not heard the klh 5 but I own the vintage model 6. IMO the 6 is a good match,it'll need a good sub. I'm a big speaker guy but if I had to scale down I could easily live with the 6. It sounds bigger than it is and images better than my double impacts.
@@donnystrife1908 model 5 is 90db so you would think 100w would be more than enough, especially since I don’t like listening at real loud volumes and my room isn’t too large
Hey Jay, nice review! How would this pair with the McIntosh MXA70 (which you sold me). How would they compare the the matching McIntosh MXA 70 speakers? Also have the Naim Uniti Atom? Currently running Martin Logan Vista with the Naim and looking at the Sonetto 1or the Lumina 1 or 2. Your thoughts?
The lumina 1 bass rolls off quite early and they have a slightly raised treble for a bit more life in the sound even so they are a warmer sounding speaker for sure.
Hey Jay, I just bought the "you" edition of the Burson Funk (the Funk Max Current). Do you think that would have enough power for the Lumina 1 in a nearfield desktop setup? I'm also sort of wondering if that amp pairing makes sense considering your version of the Funk is optimized for the LS50 Metas.
Hi Jay - I am thinking of using these on my desk , I have a NAIM UNITI 2 which can drive them ?? are these a good option I dont want anything much bigger than these on my desk space
Are you going to review the T7X in single and dual configs? I saw your sub matchup video and have been waiting for your thoughts on the Tx series since! love the vids!
Is there a difference between speakers when playing at low volume? That is how I normally need to listen, so that is more important to me than high volume.
@@tcc5750 thank you for the heads up TC but the warmth I'm looking for needs to be coming from the bookshelf speakers, I'm not looking for any extra bass probably because I have stereo Rels!
@@Totalplonker I had some Whatmoughs that were very warm. Unlikely you'll find some unless you're in Australia. But you can always disconnect the tweeter to get ultra warmth ;-)
i have Naim Atom. The first set was with Lumina I (there was no Lumina II at the time) as the room is 25 sqm. Amazing result. With the advent of the Lumina II, I purchased it and the result wasn’t worth the extra cost. Lumina I manages perfectly even in a larger room. The new owner of Lumina I listens to them in the 33 km.m room and is very satisfied. This would suggest buyers consider the size of the room before deciding which model to buy. Sure, it won’t get any worse if you have a Lumina II, but you really don’t have to overpay.
@@vidaswidas How far can you sit away from them before the sound loses body, SQ, etc? Some small speakers are better nearfield, some further away; it's rare to have a speaker do well in both nearfield and say 2-2.5 meters away, or a bit more. My room is about 288 sq ft or 26.8 sqm.
I thought you loved the Totem metal speakers but maybe they are a higher price point, you said other speakers sounded like they were broken compared to the Totems.
Thanks for the clarity on the leather. I have updated my review in my comments section and put a link to your review. I hope you get some traffic from my subscribers to your channel. We are all in this hobby together! 👌🎼✨
The Lumina I and II are very coloured, lack detail in the midrange, bass is soft and not well defined, highs are smooth and lack Air and sparkle. I wonder at which point they produce a decent speaker, is the Sonetto I any good?
I don't like the sonus faber sound, are any of them decent? Sounds like what you are asking Fortunately for you, I've heard (verify!) that more recent models are less warm, so perhaps you might like them. OTOH sounds like you should pick a brand who's sound is more to your liking. No shortage of what I'd consider bright/detailed brands which I'd guess would be more to your liking.
@@Jayiyagi Audiotioned them and they came across this way... dull and boring. As you say they look nice, thats where the budget went presumably... thanks for the recommendations BTW, I really must check out Magico 😀
Great to see a Sonus Faber review. Since Dynaudio went down the Private Equity sh*t hole, Sonus Faber can steal all that market share since they product similar sound to Dynaudio’s older models. And Sonus Faber continues to deliver quality and value at a realistic price point. Too many high-end brands try to become the Rolex of loudspeakers and eventually disappear.
As a long time tape person, could I suggest getting rid of the scotch tape from your reel to reel and try and source say, BASF, or Ampex…scotch sheds oxide like nothing on earth.
@@StewartMarkley Maxwell is another 3M brand, isn’t it or is my memory failing me? I just had another look, maybe it’s only the take up reel, but it does say Scotch.
www.sonusfaber.com/en/product...
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Hey mate, are those tripod stands SolidSteel? They look sick!
@@trun1979 yep ! they are in the descriptions for you to check out
@Jay, what happened to your Hegel ?
Lumina 1s or your Tektons?
I have the Lumina III and they are fantastic. I have paired them with affordable Marantz PM6007 and CD6007. The sound is incredible.
What happened to the Lumina 2 review?
Just love the speaker stands.
Waiting for the 2 and 5 ... Nice to see this review. I had planned a massive system with these.. so im grateful you've done this review.
How did it go with Lumina 2? Would be interesting to hear your opinion at that 👍
I also bought the Lumina II’s! Can’t believe the purity of these speakers! Incredible!
Thank you for clearing up that these speakers do near field very good as I am planning on using them for my PC. Many other reviewers fail to do near field tests on bookshelf speakers in general as this is quite an oversight.
I always give speakers more power than they need so I don't need to worry about under powering. I will be using a Rotel RB-1582 power amp on the Lumina II and matching to an old Rel Q200 & Rel T2.
NIce review. I will look forward to the Lumina 2 review next. I just auditioned the 3's at a stereo shop but did not compare them to the smaller brothers. The Lumina 3's seemed real transparent with open top end and good imaging. Might bring a set home to try soon.
Love your reviews brother!
Your review brings to me a question I struggle with: why do so many audiophiles dislike tone controls. I have a pair of speakers with ribbon tweeters and turning the treble control back to 11:30 is enough to tone down the high end enough to smooth out the high end to my liking. I do not feel that I lose any sound information when doing so vs. bypassing the tone controls. My $.02.
There are audiophiles out there like us, we do exist, we do not try to impress ourselves and others by claiming the purity of the signal is only a direct one-way copper wire, long live the tone controls !
I leave my amp on direct mostly, but there was one speaker pair that worked perfectly with a reduction on the treble control.
Otherwise I use the DSP on my computer. But that's mostly for bass resonance in the room
Such a lovely speaker, I have these, sound quality to die for!
I like how Sonus Faber adds the caveat to the watt rating of the speakers ("undistorted signal). Kef should add the same to their LS50s and rate them at the 4ohms which they are. If an amp starts to struggle, the signal will get distorted.
Hi Jay, you are differently improving the quality of your videos, staging of your equipment and room decorations. I can tell you have passion about this speaker, please keep it up. You are improving all the time. Cheers
Good review and I am very interested in your assessment of the Lumina I vs the Lumina II. I owned ProAc Response I’s in the past because they were tighter and punchier than the revered Response II’s with almost identical timbral balance. They thew a phenomenal image. In RUclips sound clips the Lumina I has a beautiful midrange that may surpass the earlier ProAc’s in expressiveness. I have been very pleased with the SolidSteel stands as well.
Just ordered my self a pair. Found a new set for 700 can't wait to listen to them and have them set up. These are beautiful.
Glad to see someone talking about Sonus Faber. About 4-5 years ago I had a chance to audition the Venere 1, 2, and was very pleased, but with stands they were beyond my budget. If you remember them, how do they compare to Lumina (and Sonnetto)?
They're quite good for certain genres and they do play lower than you'd expect, but you'll still need a subwoofer for their smallest speaker in particular. I really liked their sound when they were on a HiFi Rose RS201E.
I have vintage Concertino’s in piano black and absolutely love them.
Thanks, Jay. I'll think more about trying the SF speakers in the future.
Hello
Lumina 1.
Or Dynaudio Emit 10 ?
To pair with amplifier Sonoro Maestro in class D
I still have some Sonus Faber Concerto's from 1997 that I still use to this day and they are some of the best sounding speakers (for their price) in my opinion.
I'm glad that you admitted that the "leather" is not real. Even the "leather" on the Concerto's from 24 years ago, is not real leather. I wished they would use real leather or just wood all around. They are basically wrapped in "Naugahyde", although, they did do a good job with the fake stuff.
The Sonetto has real leather but it’s also around $2k. There is no way you are getting leather on $900 speakers.
@@jdavis234
My Concertos were 2k 25 years ago and they still used “Naugahyde”.
Does the fake leather on their speakes last or it tends to disintegrate with age?
Surprisingly, they look just like the day they did when I bought them. There is not one bit of evidence of breakdown or disintegration of the naughyde on them.
I might add as well that the stuff doesn’t look fake or cheap. They did a good job with it.
At least Sonus Faber used good quality materials. Still for the price that they cost, especially in 1997, they should have used REAL leather.
If you have your eyes on a pair of these speakers and are able to get them, you won’t be unhappy!
Cheers
How it compares to Dali Menuet?
Menuet is a bit more expensive. My guess is that Menuet is better then lumina 1 at some aspects..?
Would love to see side by side comparison of sonus faber lumina 2 vs quad s2. Both 1200usd pair.
I remember the maxell ad in a magazine in 1990. Now you have the poster. I had a Farrah Fawcett poster.
Nice review Jay!! If you could review the Lumina V that would be awesome.
I am so ready to pull the trigger on a pair of Lumina ll, hopefully you will air the review before I do.
I totally agree! The Lumina I we got sound so fine, so delicate! I have a concern though; our tweeter's arrow point isn't making contact with the dome apex. Is it worth sending them back to be fixed, or do you think the difference is minimal? It would actually be awesome to hear the difference with and without the "DAD" tweeters! I haven't found any such information online yet.
You should also review their new Maxima Amator 2-way floorstanders. They look just gorgeous
I just listened to them against the Wilson Audia Sabrina X's. They sounded absolutely fantastic!! Super crisp and clean. For my taste I'd have to add a sub, but that's my taste.
Would be interested in comparison to the Elac unfi reference
yea jay i had they totem model 1 for many years early 90s with a ny audio lab moscode maxi 300 hybrid tube amp and a conrad johnson pv5 pre amp and a vpi mark 3 turntable good old days man , retired audio salesman myself from years ago!
If I consider the Klipsch RP-8000F to be slightly fatiguing to my ears in the upper mids, will the Lumina 1 be the same or less/more fatiguing. Should I upgrade with the Lumina 1 if non-fatiguing and if I have a good sub already?
I have the Lumina 1, and 3 , love them! But thing is all Sonus Fabers are great.
Speakers stands from the "Description" ... black and heavy iron ones, do not correspodent with the white ones, below the "luminas"
they do. there are two stands I linked. look more carefully
@@Jayiyagi Thank Yo ... I have discovered tham in the next row
I just AB elac 2.0 vs lumina 2.
Lumina have way beter vocal but the elac have beter soundstage, imaging separation. And lumina is more fatiguing than elac. But i think i will choose lumina bcuz i really2 love the vocal body and tone
Which speaker is more forgiving for poor recordings - Lumina I or Dali menuet?
Hello. I will invest in a new hifi system mostly for music streaming (rock, electronic, classic) and to connect my TV as well (but good stereo is good for me). I want something discrete and elegant. And, of course, good sound! I am considering a Bluesound Powernode combined with Sonus Faber speakers. My room is relatively small. Would you recommend the Lumina 1 with a sub-woofer or rather Lumina 2 ? Thanks!
I will attempt a reply for you, yes the Sonus Faber are a fantastic match for a smaller room, I use a walnut set paired with a Pro Ject DS3 amp and a Tivoli CD player, it’s great micro system with crazy great sound. I would definitely start by just getting the speakers and try them before you get a Sub, as bass on the Lumina 1 is SURPRISINGLY punchy and strong, irrespective of paper measurements! Hope this helps and All the best!
Please review the Dynaudio Heritage special. I’m quite surprised you haven’t yet.
How are these speakers for nearfield listening?
Jump to 16:15
Jay, with the right amplifier, would you consider the Luminas to be non-fatiguing relative to other speakers in their price range, such as the KEF LS50s or R3s? Of the two, any difference between the Lumina 1 and Lumina 2 in this regard?
Tubes.
Hey Jay, do you have a few words on how the Lumina 1 or 2 sound with your hegel h120?
Thanks!
so.... does it means that Lumina2 is better Sonetto 2 ?
Hi Jay loving your video reviews ,i currently have Lumina 2's ,thinking of upgrading to Cremona amator m ,having listened to sonus faber alot would you recommend this as an upgrade ? thanks
You should review speaker from the German company "Nubert". Although I do not know if you could buy them without problems. Because the manufacturer Nubert only sell them directly on their online website and not via sellers.
wait wait wait. Are these not MDF cabinets? (Seriously considering the Lumina Center Channel)
How do they sound compared to the Kef LS50 Meta?
funny how you get more views than "that high end store you used to work at". Keep at it. I have subscribed/liked/commented.
I was waiting for lumina v review though! ✌️
How does the electa Amator III compare to the Olympica Nova I?
Jay nice review, could you make a review of your desk top equipment. Im upgrading my desk top system and would love to see your setup. Thank you sir
hey jay im out of the highend game now but watching your show i might buy lumina 1 or 2 but im only gonna put these on my desk in my bedroom with a nad 368 or something , would the lumina 1 be enough with no sub?
Can I ask if Marantz Model 40n integrated amp will have sufficient power to drive Sounus Faber Lumina II? Thanks.
The best small speakers I've heard (not just for short term) that dont have major flaws and sound correct IMO are the KEF LS50 - and possibly the newer version that I have not heard. Looking at some Sonus Faber response curves from different lineup, I see they like to put in a bump around 100Hz and 10Khz - boom and sizzle. I'm willing to bet these have some of the same behavior put into them.
hi, can you review the Solidsteel stands? and show us how they look with the LS50 Meta please.
Great review. Can I ask what the desktop stands you briefly showed were ?
I'm considering the Lumina V's to replace my Tekton Lore's in my medium sized room (driven by Hegel h190 with Ifi Zen Stream). I would love to hear a review and any feedback from anyone who has heard both speakers. Thank you.
Hi Gary. Did you buy the V towers. How are they? Would love to see reviews
How do they compare to Dynaudio Evoke 20s?
Can they play brass instruments if they don't have brass in them?
What about electronic music, do they have any natural silicon?
If I record something with extra 5dB of sound from a resonance from a wooden instrument at 150hz, I should play it back on something that has ZERO additional resonance at that and all other frequencies.
You are not in a studio.
Many audiophiles choose to be their own artist and master of their systems that THEY enjoy.
If you like a reference sound, then thats also an option. But remember, you will never know what it actually sounded like unless you were there during the recording.
Also, did you know most of your music is not monitored through a flat speaker but what the engineer is used to or find it pleasing and accurate to them?
Think about it. Why have so many studio reference monitors when engineers can just use a simple speaker that has the most neutral property? Cuz we are creatures with unique individual preferences
The re is no wrong here. There is no “have to” or “must”
Measurement extremists in this hobby thinks that its everything and that they are being extremely scientific. But thats already failed science ! You are measuring gear with gear which is already flawed when the end result is not the gear but the listener’s (YOUR) enjoyment and preferences. YOU are the subject of this experiment and only thing that can measure it is your experience to find your own preferences.
It is more about complex neurology than simple measurement of the noise floor or frequency response of a gear.
To that point; many enjoy recordings from their childhood or music they have emotional ties to even tho some are poorly recorded. It is NOT about measurement of gear. The subject is NOT gear, it is YOU; the listener
@@Jayiyagi I'm pointing out that the logic is bad concerning the need to use natural materials and wood because instruments are often made of wood. I'm also pointing out that I don't think it serves users to add coloration because it's like adding tint to a TV or seasonings to every food. Genre specific speakers, or colored speakers are not worth it for people who could get a good pair that plays across genres.
There arent many people who choose to re-color grade their own TV, or tint the picture.
Sound is similar but many aren't aware of it as they just see a bunch of subjective reviews and eternally upgrade or ask things like if a speaker can play a certain genre, not knowing that good, majority preferred speakers that play across genres without issues are available.
Studios have speakers that lean neutral, yes, sometimes a few, and also sometimes colored speakers. If they are familiar with how a speaker translates they can make a single speaker pair work. Even better, they can actually have one accurate pair and it will sound as good as it can across all colored speakers because the music won't have a peak or other frequency response issue that lines up with a notable peak on a set of colored speakers.
@@stevenswall I used to work in studios and my background is in neurosciences, heading many research teams regarding human hearing.
I can tell you with confidence that your hearing does not work like your vision and how you see color in many aspects.
I can also tell you with confidence that
Measurement of "gear' is not absolute. Don't get me wrong... it still matters but it is faulty and nothing close to scientific. Start measuring how the human brain reacts to certain
stimuli is the only science that matters when it relates to stimuli.
@@Jayiyagi Sounds like we're talking past each other. Of course hearing and vision work differently. That was not the point.
I don't think studying the brain as it's stimulated is the only way to develop the art of things relating to sight and sound, or other sensory experiences.
Most people can understand and accept color accuracy, yet many seem to shroud the science of sound in mystecism and subjectivity.
The latter can be useful in a review, but it's all too common for reviewers not to force themselves to rank things, or to insist that every speaker has a place.
@@stevenswall I guess if people are reviewing speakers by personal preferences, then they really shouldn't be saying things like "it has better bass" or "it's more detailed".
Because does it really, or is that just that person's perception?
It’s nice to see reviews from people that have an affiliation with the products they are reviewing.
sure not bad sound and craftmentship on them for price but woud consider from sonetto line up hi end either olypica nova ,saraphino amati true hi end
I’m about to buy a McIntosh MA252 and was going to pair it with the KLH Model 5s, but now I might go with the Lumina 2,3, or 5s instead. Hmm
I own the ma252 and really like it. Power wise it has good control. I would think it would do the job. I have not heard the klh 5 but I own the vintage model 6. IMO the 6 is a good match,it'll need a good sub. I'm a big speaker guy but if I had to scale down I could easily live with the 6. It sounds bigger than it is and images better than my double impacts.
@@donnystrife1908 model 5 is 90db so you would think 100w would be more than enough, especially since I don’t like listening at real loud volumes and my room isn’t too large
@@matthewchrist9082 No problem
Sensitivity 84... OUCH!!! No thanks... My Amphion Argon 2's are 86 and my Paradigm 93F's are 94. That's a big difference too! Thanks!!!
Yes. One should be alarmed by that 84db when matching with an amp.
They will eat your amp unless you’re tossing in gain.
Can you review dynaudio speakers? Want to know your thoughts on them
Would Hegel H120 be good fit for these?
yes !
@@Jayiyagi What about H95, can it drive them well?
@@razkaku7851 Totally
@@paulgolub6823 I currently pairing it with my Evoke 10 and feel it lack of power to control the bass 🥲
Hey Jay, nice review! How would this pair with the McIntosh MXA70 (which you sold me). How would they compare the the matching McIntosh MXA 70 speakers? Also have the Naim Uniti Atom? Currently running Martin Logan Vista with the Naim and looking at the Sonetto 1or the Lumina 1 or 2. Your thoughts?
Belles Aria should be a fine match for the Lumina I and II.
Are current sonus fabers different than they used to be i.e. less warm (perhaps more "neutral"). Thanks for the videos.
Yes
@@Jayiyagi thanks
The lumina 1 bass rolls off quite early and they have a slightly raised treble for a bit more life in the sound even so they are a warmer sounding speaker for sure.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem a bit more life? So everything has to bright in 2021?
Hey Jay, I just bought the "you" edition of the Burson Funk (the Funk Max Current). Do you think that would have enough power for the Lumina 1 in a nearfield desktop setup? I'm also sort of wondering if that amp pairing makes sense considering your version of the Funk is optimized for the LS50 Metas.
It’s rated for 4ohm speakers and lumina needs 30watts minimum so yes.
Hi Jay - I am thinking of using these on my desk , I have a NAIM UNITI 2 which can drive them ?? are these a good option I dont want anything much bigger than these on my desk space
QUESTION J: my head end are a Tube pre-amp Freya plus a Marantz 2285 (85w) vintage as main amp. Will this be a good team for this speaker?
Jay would you get these or the lumina 2 or r200?
Are you going to review the T7X in single and dual configs? I saw your sub matchup video and have been waiting for your thoughts on the Tx series since! love the vids!
Is there a difference between speakers when playing at low volume? That is how I normally need to listen, so that is more important to me than high volume.
Of course there is, but it would be less obvious as everything requires more sensitive listening and quiet environments :)
It would be interesting to know details about the speaker stands that you are using.
In the description!
Solid Steel is the manufacturer .... made in Italy.
Expensive things but they are supposed to be good I guess
between the lumina and the sonetto which one is closer to the olympica sound signature wise?
Actually the lumina in my opinon
Fair comment Mr. Iyagi.
How does the Sonus Faber sound compare to the Dynaudio sound?
Always when i compare them, Dynaudio is sounding like a good machine, Sonus Faber like a good Instrument. Its up to you, i prefere the Instrument
I would love to know what are the warmest sounding bookshelf speakers you have ever listened to
Elac, Wharfedale and Tekton have a lot of bass in their bookshelf speakers.
@@tcc5750 thank you for the heads up TC but the warmth I'm looking for needs to be coming from the bookshelf speakers, I'm not looking for any extra bass probably because I have stereo Rels!
@@Totalplonker I had some Whatmoughs that were very warm. Unlikely you'll find some unless you're in Australia.
But you can always disconnect the tweeter to get ultra warmth ;-)
When are you going to review the Klipschorn AK6?
Are you familiar with Sonus Faber toy bookshelf? How they comapre ti them?
I have owned the SF toy in the past 10 years ago! Super excellent speaker, comparable to the Lumina Ones. If you own a pair do not let them go!
These or Gershman studio?
I have the Lumina 1 too. They are fabolous. Change or not them with the ls3/5a? This Is the question!
Hi Antonino, I am searching a good amp to associate with my Lumina 1. Do you have any suggestion?
@@acarrado atoll 👍
@@antoninoruggeri4312 Thank you. In80 is powerful enough ?
@@acarrado yes I think it is enough 😉
The million dollar question ,lumina 1 or 2, someone compared Them, thanks in advance 💯
i have Naim Atom. The first set was with Lumina I (there was no Lumina II at the time) as the room is 25 sqm. Amazing result. With the advent of the Lumina II, I purchased it and the result wasn’t worth the extra cost. Lumina I manages perfectly even in a larger room. The new owner of Lumina I listens to them in the 33 km.m room and is very satisfied. This would suggest buyers consider the size of the room before deciding which model to buy. Sure, it won’t get any worse if you have a Lumina II, but you really don’t have to overpay.
@@vidaswidas How far can you sit away from them before the sound loses body, SQ, etc? Some small speakers are better nearfield, some further away; it's rare to have a speaker do well in both nearfield and say 2-2.5 meters away, or a bit more. My room is about 288 sq ft or 26.8 sqm.
Thank You.
Sinus Faber’s faux leather is so close to real leather that they’re taxed as real leather.
I thought you loved the Totem metal speakers but maybe they are a higher price point, you said other speakers sounded like they were broken compared to the Totems.
I do love the totem speakers and I mention totem speakers in this video as well
The Sonetto line starts at $1799 usd and not $2300.
I'm waiting for the Sony saz-1 review
Posted on my soundstage playlist on this channel
rewiew the sonetto 2 please
Thanks for the clarity on the leather. I have updated my review in my comments section and put a link to your review. I hope you get some traffic from my subscribers to your channel. We are all in this hobby together! 👌🎼✨
The Lumina I and II are very coloured, lack detail in the midrange, bass is soft and not well defined, highs are smooth and lack Air and sparkle. I wonder at which point they produce a decent speaker, is the Sonetto I any good?
I disagree. Not sure how you came to that conclusion but each to their own. Sounds like Focal, magico, b&w speakers may be your thing ! try those out.
I don't like the sonus faber sound, are any of them decent? Sounds like what you are asking Fortunately for you, I've heard (verify!) that more recent models are less warm, so perhaps you might like them. OTOH sounds like you should pick a brand who's sound is more to your liking. No shortage of what I'd consider bright/detailed brands which I'd guess would be more to your liking.
@@Jayiyagi Audiotioned them and they came across this way... dull and boring. As you say they look nice, thats where the budget went presumably... thanks for the recommendations BTW, I really must check out Magico 😀
Says someone who can’t afford them. Troll
Best haircut yet!!!
do you think a Parasound 200Pre + 2125v2 setup would be a good match for these speakers?
Is sonus and presonus the same company? Sorry, newb question.
Presonus is an American company. Sonus is just Latin for 'sound'.
How do you know they are that good, you haven't shown any measurment !
Great to see a Sonus Faber review. Since Dynaudio went down the Private Equity sh*t hole, Sonus Faber can steal all that market share since they product similar sound to Dynaudio’s older models. And Sonus Faber continues to deliver quality and value at a realistic price point.
Too many high-end brands try to become the Rolex of loudspeakers and eventually disappear.
It's about getting enough current, not watts.
Good morning Jay
You mean seriously that These sound better than elac vela??
Why didn’t you buy it from your buddies? Or did you get a deal.
As a long time tape person, could I suggest getting rid of the scotch tape from your reel to reel and try and source say, BASF, or Ampex…scotch sheds oxide like nothing on earth.
That's Maxwell tape not Scotch.
@@StewartMarkley Maxwell is another 3M brand, isn’t it or is my memory failing me? I just had another look, maybe it’s only the take up reel, but it does say Scotch.