Choosing new speakers

@Aslund Why do i not own a pair... (A) i cant afford that sort of money! ... (B) i have always preferred Roksan / Dynaudio (Standmount) / Old REL Sub partnership, (C) My room is on a first floor.. wooden floorboards, almost zero insulation/carpet and i have nosey neighbours underneath me that complain about the slightest bass thump despite the fact they are severe alcholics and keep me up all hours of the night..

As for how i know about them.... I am well versed with alot of amps and speakers :) I've listened to alot and played with alot since 1996 and have owned stuff from Nytech, Ion, Krell, Sonus Faber, Quadrel, Restek, etc over the years :)

A lot of brands like to keep a relatively low profile and just concentrate on the equipment these days. Gato-Audio are one such company. You generally only find them at a select few hi-fi dealerships these days that specialise in that niche market of top end hifi from non "domestic names
Think of Gato-Audio like Bang & Olufsen .. a one stop manufacturer, dealer and vender package :)

To give you an idea of the pedigree of shops that would stock them.. just check out Pink Noise in Bruxelles for example .. PINK NOISE | ENCEINTES ACOUSTIQUES

This is their showroom
EKxtBH4WoAUym1F


Thats the Gato's straddling a pair of Harbeth Super HL5 XD's (6,000 euros for the pair without stands) with the amps there being Gato's on the top and Analogue Audio on the bottom!

Gato-Audio obviously want you to use their own Gato amps for best matching sound.. but looking at the above photo and the one below.. you can see the FM30 has been used with many different brands.. The one below i can see Valve kit, i can see Naim, and a load of other brands on show... with no Gato amps in sight
IMG_8039.JPG


The above photo was from another polish review.. and they had Musical Fidelity M5si's the Naim is the Supernait 3i and the big reds are the SPL Director preamp with the SPL Performer M1000 Poweramps (each mononlock is nearly 4,000 euros and the pre is about 3,300 euros)
Głośniki podłogowe Gato Audio FM-30 review. Right click to translate to your language
I am sorry to hear about your struggles with neighbours. I am quite happy that I am not living in an apartment anymore.
I gave Gato Audio a call but they are totally sold out. They are starting production in a few weeks and will have speakers ready at that time.
It is actually funny how good source of information you get from Polish Hifi sites. I don't know of any place where I have gotten so many measurements of so many speakers as Zaawansowane i profesjonalne testy urządzeń hi-fi, hi-end i kina domowego | AUDIO

I’m convinced you already have your answer.

You clearly love the SF sound so I’d simply go for the wall mounts and the Gravis (or two).

It’s what Lyngdorf strongly recommend and the sound suits you. Best of all worlds imo.

However, the SF subs are expensive.

So for the price of the floorstanders you can get the the wallmounts and a pair of BK Electronics XLS 200s.

Small, in ten finishes and sound superb.


BK ship to Europe and have all the vat/import business sorted out.
Since the Sonetto II and Sonetto Wall is similar priced. Then I wonder how big difference there is on the sound. I especially notice that the Sonetto Wall has a much higher crossover than Sonetto II.
Would it not be possible to use standmount speakers together with a shelf. Something like this? Køb Vm Acoustics S0.5 shelf Hylde | 3 års medlemsgaranti

Another concern I have is the sonical qualities between Sonetto II and Sonetto V. There is a Scandinavian magazine who reviewed both. While the Sonetto V got the highest praise the Sonetto II got lurkwarm response:

Sonetto V - 6/6
  • Pro
    • Amazing all-round speaker with almost complete qualities, that can scare neighbors and give goosebumps
  • Con
    • Requires lots of space in the room. Can't play deepest of bass. Poor floor protectors
Sonetto II - 4/6
  • Pro
    • Good depth in bass, excellent midtone with wonderful vocal reproduction and very nice finish.
  • Con
    • Little lacking in dynamic contrast, sound a bit gray and lifeless in the treble.
 
Also consider these perhaps (and sub/s ).

Very wife friendly and would allow you to consider using the longer wall as the tv/hifi space.


Or better again.

I forgot to add that in-wall speakers are properly not an option as my wall, on both sides, are quite thin, around 7cm deep.
 
I am sorry to hear about your struggles with neighbours. I am quite happy that I am not living in an apartment anymore.
I gave Gato Audio a call but they are totally sold out. They are starting production in a few weeks and will have speakers ready at that time.
It is actually funny how good source of information you get from Polish Hifi sites. I don't know of any place where I have gotten so many measurements of so many speakers as Zaawansowane i profesjonalne testy urządzeń hi-fi, hi-end i kina domowego | AUDIO


Since the Sonetto II and Sonetto Wall is similar priced. Then I wonder how big difference there is on the sound. I especially notice that the Sonetto Wall has a much higher crossover than Sonetto II.
Would it not be possible to use standmount speakers together with a shelf. Something like this? Køb Vm Acoustics S0.5 shelf Hylde | 3 års medlemsgaranti

Another concern I have is the sonical qualities between Sonetto II and Sonetto V. There is a Scandinavian magazine who reviewed both. While the Sonetto V got the highest praise the Sonetto II got lurkwarm response:

Sonetto V - 6/6
  • Pro
    • Amazing all-round speaker with almost complete qualities, that can scare neighbors and give goosebumps
  • Con
    • Requires lots of space in the room. Can't play deepest of bass. Poor floor protectors
Sonetto II - 4/6
  • Pro
    • Good depth in bass, excellent midtone with wonderful vocal reproduction and very nice finish.
  • Con
    • Little lacking in dynamic contrast, sound a bit gray and lifeless in the treble.
@Aslund
Sorry to hear they are out of stock but good that it is only a limited delay for you.
As you have seen with the various amps involved.. The Gato's can be used with lower specced amps than the Lyngdorf but are generally used with much higher quality (and seriously more pricey) amps.

The only real "issue" with the Lyngdorf TDA 1120 that you have is that it is the baby of the range with just 60w/8ohm but it does double to 120w into 4ohm. This is why it is recommended to use 4ohm speakers due to the power output. I am not worried on the 1120's abilities though considering the Naim Supernait 3 that is used as a regular partner to the FM-30 is 80w/8ohm and 130w/4ohm and that is more than ample :)

The FM-30 is 87db @4ohm so its fairly ok on sensitivity there.. recommended amp .. they say 50-250.... with dynamics.. you would want a minimum of around 75w into 4ohm min so the 1120 more than meets this

I will give you the link to the manual for the FM-30 .. as this goes into huge detail on how to set them up.. how to bi-wire/amp them.. and how the jumpers work. This is a huge bonus before you listen at least.. so you can understand how they work properly :)

The manual is here Gato-Audio FM-30 manual on manualslib.com
 
I forgot to add that in-wall speakers are properly not an option as my wall, on both sides, are quite thin, around 7cm deep.

Bugger. That’s a pity. Perfect solution otherwise.
 
Does anyone with experience with Sonus Faber that can explain the difference on review score between Sonetto II and Sonetto V from my previous post?
 
Does anyone with experience with Sonus Faber that can explain the difference on review score between Sonetto II and Sonetto V from my previous post?
From what i heard listening the Sonetto II standmount speakers is that they are a very detailed speaker but very forward on that treble which needs a very careful amp partnership to avoid it becoming aggressive on the ears. There are no shortage of other standmounts snapping at it's heels for quality either .. Kef R3, Buchardt S400, Amphion Argon 3S, Dynaudio Special 40...
Why would i have a Sonetto II when there is this level of competition ... hmmm

I would have the Sonus with something like a Naim, McIntosh or a Rega or a Sugden.. something that just oozes that warmth and control but I would have to have a sub with it.. there is no if, buts or maybe's around this one if you want that bottom end.. The Sonetto II has a warm bottom but it is rolled off fairly high.

The Sonetto V's is all about room size... to get them sounding right.. 13ft x 18ft (4M x 5.5M) is the sweet spot for these.. anything smaller or larger and you will struggle to get a balance. The V needs alot of work to position in a room to get that sweet spot and trade off on the bass... Also with the V.. you have a very high sensitivity of 90db at 4ohm... and it's a fast speaker as a result to balance and as a 3way speaker.. its personal preference on their crossover setup i am afraid.. no real other way to describe it.. I think the bass crossover is a low 235HZ ... where as something like the Wharfedale Linton (granted it is a standmount but it is a true 3 way) is up at 630Hz for the bass crossover.. and the mid cuttof is 3Khz on the V to 2.4Khz on the Linton .. meaning the V will have so much more range on the mid than usual.
The V also needs an insane amount of run in to loosen them up.. something like 100+ hours of listening which is not to everyone's cup of tea! ..
 
@Orobas
Seems there is nothing you have not heard :D
I do not feel you are as excited about the Sonus Faber sound as I am, but I only have experience with Sonetto V and I find the treble to be very detailed and engaging, but I do not know if Sonetto II behaves differently.
But from the description you give then my room is too big for Sonetto V. Don't you think RoomPerfect will help a bit on that?
You also describe the speakers as fast, is there any downside to that? Is there any downside to the low crossover frequency? When you use a standmount speaker with a subwoofer you will anyway have a low crossover frequency, would it not be the same?

Would it make any sense at all to use a standmount/bookshelf speaker for my room? I noticed the smaller speaker generally have a higher impedance and lower sensitivity. Is it not going to make the TDAI-1120 struggle more to provide a reasonable sound level compared to using a floorstanding?
E.g. the Sonetto II is listed as a 4 Ohm speaker, but the tests shows it is more a 6 Ohm speaker.
SONUS FABER Sonetto 2
https://audio.com.pl/images/1/6/2/60162-sonus-faber-sonetto-2-audiocompl-lab2.png

Last but not least, since you are so well versed, then let me show where and how I listed to Sonetto V.
I luckily found a picture on the dealers listening room online: MG 4305 970x647
Sonetto V was connected to a Roksan K3 amplifier. A Pro-ject Streambox was used for streaming content through Roon. The speakers where around 1m from the back wall and towed in towards to couch.
Listening to the Sonetto V gave me lots of details in the mid and treble. Higher frequencies, like a small bell, was much more forward in the soundstage, I could hear details I never felt as present as with Sonus Faber. Sonetto V was by far the speaker I spent most time with. Listening to track after track. The only downside I felt was the bass could be a little more present, but I am thinking it would change in my room, where they would closer to the back wall.
One song I really really enjoyed and noticed the treble was Straight for the Heart from Toto

There is some treble details in the soundtrack that really comes alive on the Sonus Faber. Since I listened to Sonetto V, then I noticed I am starting to judge speakers on their ability to imitate this character I heard on Sonetto V.
 
I really don’t think there’s any getting past the Sonnetto Vs for you... you appear addicted 🥳

In which case it’s hard to see you being content with anything less.

In which further case I’d simply buy them.

Then I’d deal with that couch being way to close to the left speaker and allow RP and a little experimentation to deal with the rest.

It’s a decent amount of cash you’re spending so remorse from buying something that was lesser in your mind will be a bit of a sting I’d imagine.
 
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@Orobas
Seems there is nothing you have not heard :D
I do not feel you are as excited about the Sonus Faber sound as I am, but I only have experience with Sonetto V and I find the treble to be very detailed and engaging, but I do not know if Sonetto II behaves differently.
But from the description you give then my room is too big for Sonetto V. Don't you think RoomPerfect will help a bit on that?
You also describe the speakers as fast, is there any downside to that? Is there any downside to the low crossover frequency? When you use a standmount speaker with a subwoofer you will anyway have a low crossover frequency, would it not be the same?

Would it make any sense at all to use a standmount/bookshelf speaker for my room? I noticed the smaller speaker generally have a higher impedance and lower sensitivity. Is it not going to make the TDAI-1120 struggle more to provide a reasonable sound level compared to using a floorstanding?
E.g. the Sonetto II is listed as a 4 Ohm speaker, but the tests shows it is more a 6 Ohm speaker.
SONUS FABER Sonetto 2
https://audio.com.pl/images/1/6/2/60162-sonus-faber-sonetto-2-audiocompl-lab2.png

Last but not least, since you are so well versed, then let me show where and how I listed to Sonetto V.
I luckily found a picture on the dealers listening room online: MG 4305 970x647
Sonetto V was connected to a Roksan K3 amplifier. A Pro-ject Streambox was used for streaming content through Roon. The speakers where around 1m from the back wall and towed in towards to couch.
Listening to the Sonetto V gave me lots of details in the mid and treble. Higher frequencies, like a small bell, was much more forward in the soundstage, I could hear details I never felt as present as with Sonus Faber. Sonetto V was by far the speaker I spent most time with. Listening to track after track. The only downside I felt was the bass could be a little more present, but I am thinking it would change in my room, where they would closer to the back wall.
One song I really really enjoyed and noticed the treble was Straight for the Heart from Toto

There is some treble details in the soundtrack that really comes alive on the Sonus Faber. Since I listened to Sonetto V, then I noticed I am starting to judge speakers on their ability to imitate this character I heard on Sonetto V.

The K3 from Roksan is ok.... but... it is very dependant on what is fed into it as to how it will sound... I have this issue with my KA1 mk3 and my Dynaudios.. its very very flat and mid forward at low volume until i dial that volume up north. I can shape my sound very well though due to pc feed and going through my thx audio soundcard and audio processing software so i can dial my dyn's in very well :)

Downside to the low crossover.. more is loaded onto the midbass/midrange making it more upfront, airy and vocally at the expense of the dedicated lower end.

Standmount with a sub is very very different for the bottom end... you dial the sub into the speaker's bottom end plus or minus a bit with volume and phase adjustment to hide the sub totally from "sight of sound" .. and that is it done... this is the same for a floorstander except the sub setting is dialled in lower that's all compared to the standmount.

Do not confuse a sub's output with what a speaker can or cant do.. a sub is a dedicated low frequency infill only...

Now you now why i suggested the Gato-Audio FM30! This has non of the issues of the Sonetto V but sounds just as airy :)

I think Gato-Audio is your best bet here to bridge the gap and get the sound you want. But this is one speaker you really have to demo hard and learn how to use.. but the rewards are there.

I am not anti-sonus faber by anymeans.. i used to have their concertino and cremona standmounts.. when Sonus Faber were still true to their roots and not more modern pop oriented which they are now.. to compete with the market.
 
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This does not sum up all @Orobas says...

Still check out this video. Notice the Dynaudio even though they are bit slow compared too the others. But still even though I like SF also, and YouTube should not always be taken seriously...

Even so in this video I just love the Dynaudio sound, not as wide as the Dali ones. Less imaging in other words. In that area Dali are excellent.

Still Dynaudio wins. Also notice Dynaudio perfectly sound from bass to treble.

Even though perhaps SF is bit edgy in the treble, don’t confuse this with bright sound. In my view they are not. If you wanna talk about bright treble check out the B&W speakers.

Still everyone hears different, amplifiers play large role! Room also!
 
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@Aslund if you are interested in the standmount showdown here :)
In order of listening .. Dali Rubicon 2, Kef R3, Sonus Faber Sonetto 2, B&W 705 S2, Dynaudio Evoke 20 .. This is being fed from a Audiolab 6000A amp/dac and the matching Cd Transport.
Just be aware it's a youtube codec and no idea how it was recorded .. so you cant really take this as gospel.. but it is a rough.. "look" at how they perform.
 
I really don’t think there’s any getting past the Sonnetto Vs for you... you appear addicted 🥳

In which case it’s hard to see you being content with anything less.

In which further case I’d simply buy them.

Then I’d deal with that couch being way to close to the left speaker and allow RP and a little experimentation to deal with the rest.

It’s a decent amount of cash you’re spending so remorse from buying something that was lesser in your mind will be a bit of a sting I’d imagine.
Yea. That is my big problem. I feel addicted to the sound. But it is also a lot of money :D My only question here is if Sonetto II is a possibility with my room sitting on a wall-mounted shelf? It is front ported anyway.
Well, there is actually a second question. If a bookshelf speaker is possible, would it then make sense to focus on a subwoofer with bypass option when combining it with RoomPerfect?

The K3 from Roksan is ok.... but... it is very dependant on what is fed into it as to how it will sound... I have this issue with my KA1 mk3 and my Dynaudios.. its very very flat and mid forward at low volume until i dial that volume up north. I can shape my sound very well though due to pc feed and going through my thx audio soundcard and audio processing software so i can dial my dyn's in very well :)

Downside to the low crossover.. more is loaded onto the midbass/midrange making it more upfront, airy and vocally at the expense of the dedicated lower end.

Standmount with a sub is very very different for the bottom end... you dial the sub into the speaker's bottom end plus or minus a bit with volume and phase adjustment to hide the sub totally from "sight of sound" .. and that is it done... this is the same for a floorstander except the sub setting is dialled in lower that's all compared to the standmount.

Do not confuse a sub's output with what a speaker can or cant do.. a sub is a dedicated low frequency infill only...

Now you now why i suggested the Gato-Audio FM30! This has non of the issues of the Sonetto V but sounds just as airy :)

I think Gato-Audio is your best bet here to bridge the gap and get the sound you want. But this is one speaker you really have to demo hard and learn how to use.. but the rewards are there.

I am not anti-sonus faber by anymeans.. i used to have their concertino and cremona standmounts.. when Sonus Faber were still true to their roots and not more modern pop oriented which they are now.. to compete with the market.
I send Gato Audio an email and we will see when they are open for a demo. I am just afraid they can only disappoint after your big praise. My expectations are very high now. :) But what I do not understand is that you recommend FM-30. Is it not more comparable to Sonetto III and not Sonetto V, which I will compare it too? I would expect FM-50 to be the proper candidate to compare to Sonetto V.
Do you have any knowledge about the crossover frequencies on Gato Audio? They do not specify anything on their website.
Another solution, which I also mention in my reply to @Paul7777x, is to have a standmount/bookshelf speaker on a wall-mounted shelf with one or two subwoofers. I think my wife would like that, but the question is if it can provide the necessary sound pressure for my room.

This does not sum up all @Orobas says...

Still check out this video. Notice the Dynaudio even though they are bit slow compared too the others. But still even though I like SF also, and YouTube should not always be taken seriously...

Even so in this video I just love the Dynaudio sound, not as wide as the Dali ones. Less imaging in other words. In that area Dali are excellent.

Still Dynaudio wins. Also notice Dynaudio perfectly sound from bass to treble.

Even though perhaps SF is bit edgy in the treble, don’t confuse this with bright sound. In my view they are not. If you wanna talk about bright treble check out the B&W speakers.

Still everyone hears different, amplifiers play large role! Room also!
I find that video a bit strange. The Dynaudio seems very muffled compared to what I have heard with Evoke 50 and Emit 50. I can not at all see how Dynaudio can win that comparison. Sorry :D
A video that I feel shows the true colours of the Evoke is this one, but I still find the Sonus Faber better. I do not have access to any good headphones, but with Sonus Faber I feel the singer is standing in front of me with the band in the background,. with Dynaudio I will that the band and singer is sitting side by side. But I would love to hear your opinion to compare and evaluate :D
 
@Aslund, it is trick question. And video. Dynaudio needs an amplifier around 100 watts to really shine.

But you passed with flying colors. 😊😊
 
The Dynaudio with let’s say the Marantz Model 30-match made in heaven.

Don’t need too be that expensive either. Rotel RA14 MK2 since Rotel is neutral in the sound it suits Dynaudio voicing,

Yamaha AS701 also. Still I see you are hooked on the SF sound. Buy them, try them. If they don’t work, surely the shop has 30 days return right.
 
Yea. That is my big problem. I feel addicted to the sound. But it is also a lot of money :D My only question here is if Sonetto II is a possibility with my room sitting on a wall-mounted shelf? It is front ported anyway.
Well, there is actually a second question. If a bookshelf speaker is possible, would it then make sense to focus on a subwoofer with bypass option when combining it with RoomPerfect?


I send Gato Audio an email and we will see when they are open for a demo. I am just afraid they can only disappoint after your big praise. My expectations are very high now. :) But what I do not understand is that you recommend FM-30. Is it not more comparable to Sonetto III and not Sonetto V, which I will compare it too? I would expect FM-50 to be the proper candidate to compare to Sonetto V.
Do you have any knowledge about the crossover frequencies on Gato Audio? They do not specify anything on their website.
Another solution, which I also mention in my reply to @Paul7777x, is to have a standmount/bookshelf speaker on a wall-mounted shelf with one or two subwoofers. I think my wife would like that, but the question is if it can provide the necessary sound pressure for my room.


I find that video a bit strange. The Dynaudio seems very muffled compared to what I have heard with Evoke 50 and Emit 50. I can not at all see how Dynaudio can win that comparison. Sorry :D
A video that I feel shows the true colours of the Evoke is this one, but I still find the Sonus Faber better. I do not have access to any good headphones, but with Sonus Faber I feel the singer is standing in front of me with the band in the background,. with Dynaudio I will that the band and singer is sitting side by side. But I would love to hear your opinion to compare and evaluate :D

Re the FM-30 Crossover.. this is not an easy one to answer as it is a curved crossover with the jumper system they employ that allows you to change the points... This is their PurePhase system.. It is not a set crossover point for as per a standard speaker.

You would need to look at the D'Appolito arrangement of speakers and how they time align the drivers to get close to working out the Gatos.. Where the D'ap's use a mid/treble/mid configuration with the bass drivers angled in and the treble recessed to ensure that all frequencies get to the sweet spot at the same time (in theory) .. what the Gato's crossover does is time each driver individually so they all fire at split timings so they emit at the same time/level as each other if that makes sense. (thats how i interpret it.... ) see PurePHASE for an explaination on how their crossover works

normal speaker
tech_purphase_cab01.jpg


gato's speaker
tech_purphase_cab02.jpg


I guess yes... the FM-30 is in the same size / driver category as the Sonetto III they are pretty much identical.. except the Sonus Faber has a 29mm treble to the FM-30's 38mm unit... so there is a huge difference there on the output.. the other thing at play here is the weight .. the FM-30 is 29kg.... the Sonetto III is only 16kg... the Sonetto V is 22.6kg ... so the FM-30 offers far superior sound deadening internals.

The FM-50 size and driver puts it at the Sonetto V .. yes this is correct (again the FM-50 has the bigger treble unit and is considerably heavier than the V at 40kg!!!! nearly double that of the Sonus Faber)

BUT .. and this is why i put the FM-30 re the V .. is the frequency response.. the FM-30 is specced 37Hz - 35kHz (give or take the +/-3db) .. the V is 38Hz - 25kHz and the III is only 42Hz - 25kHz (again with the give or take +/-3db) The FM-30 will sound alot cleaner at top end and possibly a bit forward due to that extended response :)

Re the on wall suggestion that @Paul7777x mentioned... Gato do the FM-9 wall hung speakers and the FM-15 standmounts .. (be warned though.. the FM-15 are rear ported) ... these with something like a BK sub or a pair.. will more than suffice for volume for sure.. IF .. you can get the sound balanced with the sub ..... and that is always the big "IF" .. getting a sub dialled in so you cannot hear it or "see" it when they fire. You would definately need the bottom end from a sub with stand/wall mounts.. but as you are going to Gato ... have a listen to them and ask on the jumper system and change them as you listen.. all the Gato speakers have the jumper system..

Obviously this is based on what "I" know... and what "I" have heard with my ears in my surroundings... and as such I have reported back based on what my thoughts are with these speakers along with the Sonus Fabers :) This is why demo's are so vital .. that way it is your ears, your environment :)
 
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@Aslund, it is trick question. And video. Dynaudio needs an amplifier around 100 watts to really shine.

But you passed with flying colors. 😊😊
Damn I feel stupid for not reading the video description. I was really left puzzled when listening to that video :D Now it all makes sense. But it seems that Sonus Faber is my way to go, or @Orobas dark horse, Gato Audio. The Dali was not bad either, but Dynaudio was awful. I want something that sounds nice without huge volume or amplifier power.

Re the FM-30 Crossover.. this is not an easy one to answer as it is a curved crossover with the jumper system they employ that allows you to change the points... This is their PurePhase system.. It is not a set crossover point for as per a standard speaker.

You would need to look at the D'Appolito arrangement of speakers and how they time align the drivers to get close to working out the Gatos.. Where the D'ap's use a mid/treble/mid configuration with the bass drivers angled in and the treble recessed to ensure that all frequencies get to the sweet spot at the same time (in theory) .. what the Gato's crossover does is time each driver individually so they all fire at split timings so they emit at the same time/level as each other if that makes sense. (thats how i interpret it.... ) see PurePHASE for an explaination on how their crossover works

normal speaker
tech_purphase_cab01.jpg


gato's speaker
tech_purphase_cab02.jpg


I guess yes... the FM-30 is in the same size / driver category as the Sonetto III they are pretty much identical.. except the Sonus Faber has a 29mm treble to the FM-30's 38mm unit... so there is a huge difference there on the output.. the other thing at play here is the weight .. the FM-30 is 29kg.... the Sonetto III is only 16kg... the Sonetto V is 22.6kg ... so the FM-30 offers far superior sound deadening internals.

The FM-50 size and driver puts it at the Sonetto V .. yes this is correct (again the FM-50 has the bigger treble unit and is considerably heavier than the V at 40kg!!!! nearly double that of the Sonus Faber)

BUT .. and this is why i put the FM-30 re the V .. is the frequency response.. the FM-30 is specced 37Hz - 35kHz (give or take the +/-3db) .. the V is 38Hz - 25kHz and the III is only 42Hz - 25kHz (again with the give or take +/-3db) The FM-30 will sound alot cleaner at top end and possibly a bit forward due to that extended response :)

Re the on wall suggestion that @Paul7777x mentioned... Gato do the FM-9 wall hung speakers and the FM-15 standmounts .. (be warned though.. the FM-15 are rear ported) ... these with something like a BK sub or a pair.. will more than suffice for volume for sure.. IF .. you can get the sound balanced with the sub ..... and that is always the big "IF" .. getting a sub dialled in so you cannot hear it or "see" it when they fire. You would definately need the bottom end from a sub with stand/wall mounts.. but as you are going to Gato ... have a listen to them and ask on the jumper system and change them as you listen.. all the Gato speakers have the jumper system..

Obviously this is based on what "I" know... and what "I" have heard with my ears in my surroundings... and as such I have reported back based on what my thoughts are with these speakers along with the Sonus Fabers :) This is why demo's are so vital .. that way it is your ears, your environment :)
Thanks for the detailed reply. I finally managed to get response from Gato Audio and it seems I can get an audition end of next week. I look very much forward to the audition :)

I was searching for alternative speakers near my home and found these speakers. I wonder if I finally found something your have never heard before :D
 
Damn I feel stupid for not reading the video description. I was really left puzzled when listening to that video :D Now it all makes sense. But it seems that Sonus Faber is my way to go, or @Orobas dark horse, Gato Audio. The Dali was not bad either, but Dynaudio was awful. I want something that sounds nice without huge volume or amplifier power.


Thanks for the detailed reply. I finally managed to get response from Gato Audio and it seems I can get an audition end of next week. I look very much forward to the audition :)

I was searching for alternative speakers near my home and found these speakers. I wonder if I finally found something your have never heard before :D
Yeah the Davone range hasn't hit our UK shores outside of 1 or 2 specialisted dedicated dealers so you have got the +1 there :D From what i can see though .. The Davone is a direct competitor to B&O for their audience target.. but instead of a clinical cold design of the B&O .. the Davone offers that awesome retro almost 70's G-Plan / Ercol furniture look with that awesome fabric.

Have fun with the Gatos and try all the different models and experiment with the different jumper settings so you can see how the speakers "re-voice" and let us know how you find them :)
 
Re the FM-30 Crossover.. this is not an easy one to answer as it is a curved crossover with the jumper system they employ that allows you to change the points... This is their PurePhase system.. It is not a set crossover point for as per a standard speaker.

You would need to look at the D'Appolito arrangement of speakers and how they time align the drivers to get close to working out the Gatos.. Where the D'ap's use a mid/treble/mid configuration with the bass drivers angled in and the treble recessed to ensure that all frequencies get to the sweet spot at the same time (in theory) .. what the Gato's crossover does is time each driver individually so they all fire at split timings so they emit at the same time/level as each other if that makes sense. (thats how i interpret it.... ) see PurePHASE for an explaination on how their crossover works

normal speaker
tech_purphase_cab01.jpg


gato's speaker
tech_purphase_cab02.jpg


I guess yes... the FM-30 is in the same size / driver category as the Sonetto III they are pretty much identical.. except the Sonus Faber has a 29mm treble to the FM-30's 38mm unit... so there is a huge difference there on the output.. the other thing at play here is the weight .. the FM-30 is 29kg.... the Sonetto III is only 16kg... the Sonetto V is 22.6kg ... so the FM-30 offers far superior sound deadening internals.

The FM-50 size and driver puts it at the Sonetto V .. yes this is correct (again the FM-50 has the bigger treble unit and is considerably heavier than the V at 40kg!!!! nearly double that of the Sonus Faber)

BUT .. and this is why i put the FM-30 re the V .. is the frequency response.. the FM-30 is specced 37Hz - 35kHz (give or take the +/-3db) .. the V is 38Hz - 25kHz and the III is only 42Hz - 25kHz (again with the give or take +/-3db) The FM-30 will sound alot cleaner at top end and possibly a bit forward due to that extended response :)

Re the on wall suggestion that @Paul7777x mentioned... Gato do the FM-9 wall hung speakers and the FM-15 standmounts .. (be warned though.. the FM-15 are rear ported) ... these with something like a BK sub or a pair.. will more than suffice for volume for sure.. IF .. you can get the sound balanced with the sub ..... and that is always the big "IF" .. getting a sub dialled in so you cannot hear it or "see" it when they fire. You would definately need the bottom end from a sub with stand/wall mounts.. but as you are going to Gato ... have a listen to them and ask on the jumper system and change them as you listen.. all the Gato speakers have the jumper system..

Obviously this is based on what "I" know... and what "I" have heard with my ears in my surroundings... and as such I have reported back based on what my thoughts are with these speakers along with the Sonus Fabers :) This is why demo's are so vital .. that way it is your ears, your environment :)

There’s no problem at all in getting subs balanced and timed with the 1120.
 
There’s no problem at all in getting subs balanced and timed with the 1120.
This is true.. I'm not a user of inbuilt tech like the Lyngdorf sadly and still dial subs in the old fashioned way hehehe and did kinda forget the 1120 was at play when i mentioned the dialling in of the sub as was thinking standard amp still :)
 
Yeah the Davone range hasn't hit our UK shores outside of 1 or 2 specialisted dedicated dealers so you have got the +1 there :D From what i can see though .. The Davone is a direct competitor to B&O for their audience target.. but instead of a clinical cold design of the B&O .. the Davone offers that awesome retro almost 70's G-Plan / Ercol furniture look with that awesome fabric.

Have fun with the Gatos and try all the different models and experiment with the different jumper settings so you can see how the speakers "re-voice" and let us know how you find them :)
I finally got through to Gato Audio and I have a session with them on Friday. @Orobas you really have put my expectations high, I feel like a child for Christmas.

Davone Solo seems to be a Revel speaker in a new cabinet. Do not know about the brand but looking at it I feel the design takes a majority of the price. But they have audition room 20min from where I live ....
 
I finally got through to Gato Audio and I have a session with them on Friday. @Orobas you really have put my expectations high, I feel like a child for Christmas.

Davone Solo seems to be a Revel speaker in a new cabinet. Do not know about the brand but looking at it I feel the design takes a majority of the price. But they have audition room 20min from where I live ....
I think i would be inclined to agree with the look on the Davones in that the design is where the money is spent for sure.

As for the Gato's .. as I have mentioned.. my comments on them have been based solely on my personal experience/assessment. You may find them to be the best thing since sliced bread or you may find them to be no better than the Sonetta III / V when you physically hear them. At least its a local brand to you that you are not having to go out of your way to find and you have a head start in how they work and how to change their sound via their jumper system :)

Let us know how you get on :)
 
@Aslund Just following up here to see how you got on over at Gato Audio on Friday with the demos of the FM-30 and any of the other's there they do (the standmounting FM-15 and the wall mounted FM-9)
I think there are a good few here, myself included, to find out how you got on and how you found their speakers to be in person and how they compared to the Sonus Faber :)
 
@Aslund Just following up here to see how you got on over at Gato Audio on Friday with the demos of the FM-30 and any of the other's there they do (the standmounting FM-15 and the wall mounted FM-9)
I think there are a good few here, myself included, to find out how you got on and how you found their speakers to be in person and how they compared to the Sonus Faber :)
Hey Orobas
I did not hear Gato Audio yet. It is delayed until next Friday, sadly.
I suddenly feel very much pressure. :) I am no expert in listening or judging speakers, so I doubt my input can be used as a way to judge Gato Audio and Sonus Faber for you guys.
 

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