Finally, "Affordable" Luxury HIGH-END Audiophile Speakers - Sonus Faber Lumina 1 Speaker review !
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2024
- Sonus faber speakers are made in Italy Audiophile Speakers. With the Sonus faber Lumina 1, Lumina 2, Lumina 3, and Lumina 5; High-end speakers finally became affordable !
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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?
What happened to the Lumina 2 review?
I have the Lumina III and they are fantastic. I have paired them with affordable Marantz PM6007 and CD6007. The sound is incredible.
How did it go with Lumina 2? Would be interesting to hear your opinion at that 👍
Just love the speaker stands.
I also bought the Lumina II’s! Can’t believe the purity of these speakers! Incredible!
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
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.
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.
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)?
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.
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.
Such a lovely speaker, I have these, sound quality to die for!
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.
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
I have vintage Concertino’s in piano black and absolutely love them.
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.
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 TH-cam 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.
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.
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
Love your reviews brother!
I remember the maxell ad in a magazine in 1990. Now you have the poster. I had a Farrah Fawcett poster.
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..?
It’s nice to see reviews from people that have an affiliation with the products they are reviewing.
I have the Lumina 1, and 3 , love them! But thing is all Sonus Fabers are great.
Thanks, Jay. I'll think more about trying the SF speakers in the future.
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!
Hello
Lumina 1.
Or Dynaudio Emit 10 ?
To pair with amplifier Sonoro Maestro in class D
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 love to see side by side comparison of sonus faber lumina 2 vs quad s2. Both 1200usd pair.
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.
funny how you get more views than "that high end store you used to work at". Keep at it. I have subscribed/liked/commented.
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.
I am so ready to pull the trigger on a pair of Lumina ll, hopefully you will air the review before I do.
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.
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.
Nice review Jay!! If you could review the Lumina V that would be awesome.
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
Which speaker is more forgiving for poor recordings - Lumina I or Dali menuet?
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?
Fair comment Mr. Iyagi.
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
wait wait wait. Are these not MDF cabinets? (Seriously considering the Lumina Center Channel)
Please review the Dynaudio Heritage special. I’m quite surprised you haven’t yet.
I was waiting for lumina v review though! ✌️
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!
Thank You.
Great review. Can I ask what the desktop stands you briefly showed were ?
Best haircut yet!!!
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.
How are these speakers for nearfield listening?
Jump to 16:15
Hey Jay, do you have a few words on how the Lumina 1 or 2 sound with your hegel h120?
Thanks!
Would be interested in comparison to the Elac unfi reference
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.
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
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
How do they sound compared to the Kef LS50 Meta?
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?
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!
Loved SF under Serblin. It had that romantic natural sound with amazing sound stage. Sounded like nothing else.
Under Serblin...
@@juanmillaruelo7647 Franco Serblin was an Italian entrepreneur and designer, known for founding Sonus Faber and popularising the smooth form which is imitated by many designers today. From Wikipedia though....
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! 👌🎼✨
hi, can you review the Solidsteel stands? and show us how they look with the LS50 Meta please.
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?
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?
Sinus Faber’s faux leather is so close to real leather that they’re taxed as real leather.
Good morning Jay
Never been fan of the brand, and while always very pretty, never felt they were worth the $. To my ear, boring, not alive, not dynamic, too laid back a sound, like a great speaker with a pillow in front of it. Obviously, have not heard all they offer, but have listened to their higher end stuff many times over the years, and meh, was always my experience. Not sure if that's the "natural" sound being focused on here. I would be interested to hear the lumina line some time.
I think what you are describing is the PAST sonus faber speakers. I feel the same way about the past speakers, the ones made today are a lot more forward and lively.
@@Jayiyagi How far past? I listened to several about a year or so ago. Not bad at all of course, just not involving to me. They were set up in professional listening rooms at high end place not far from me, popped in to listen them, Wilson's and some others. I recall well when SF came out, and thought then they were some of best looking speakers I'd ever seen and had very high hopes for them, and was not impressed. Looks wise, SF can't be beat, sound wise for the $? Not so much... :)
I understand SFs can sound a little too relaxed.
@@willbrink same here. They make great statues
@@madcrabber1113 😄😄
How do they compare to Dynaudio Evoke 20s?
Can I ask if Marantz Model 40n integrated amp will have sufficient power to drive Sounus Faber Lumina II? Thanks.
The Sonetto line starts at $1799 usd and not $2300.
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
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.
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.
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.
How does the electa Amator III compare to the Olympica Nova I?
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
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 :)
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
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
It's about getting enough current, not watts.
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?
These or Gershman studio?
Every time Jay drops a new vid, I HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT because I HAVE TO SEE WHAT HES DONE TO HIS HAIR……
It's his Jet Li Fist of Legend tribute
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 🥲
I'm waiting for the Sony saz-1 review
Posted on my soundstage playlist on this channel
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
I have been thinking the same thing for a good while now. I have heard in the past by an educated, company head, that Maple wood is a very musical type of wood..I don't doubt this, being the Stradivarius Violin is made of Maple wood. I wonder why no speakers that I know of are made of Maple wood.?...
Can you review dynaudio speakers? Want to know your thoughts on them
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!
Jay would you get these or the lumina 2 or r200?
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
Is sonus and presonus the same company? Sorry, newb question.
Presonus is an American company. Sonus is just Latin for 'sound'.
These are on the small side for me…I mean…just how good could they sound in a room with 4.7” drivers???
Maybe near-field/desktop speakers, which is demonstrated? …but….realistically…
Perhaps the Lumina II would have been a better choice to review, with 6” drivers?
There's nothing wrong with small drivers. Smaller drivers means smaller speakers and they integrate in rooms better. I live in an apartment and for others that do as well a smaller speaker is perfect. Bigger drivers would have more room interaction and be pointless for me. But yea if I could fit it I'd buy a 3 way floorstanding speaker in a heartbeat.
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
Why didn’t you buy it from your buddies? Or did you get a deal.
Good to see you did something with that mop you had. As A senior the thing that annoys me most, about young people these days....is that you all think dying your hair grey is a fashion statement. You all are smart about a lot of things, but you got that one all wrong.
Again though, at least it wasnt a mullet......
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 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