yo ! ✌ Lots of stuff happening ! Channel's whole vibe (what's up with that? - coming soon) Thank you for those that messaged me concerned about me not posting content last week, I was on a short leave due to my 17 year old dog facing a life and death situation. But all is good now. Hope y'all were having a better week ! Related videos: Soundstage take 2 on Electa Amator: Coming soon... Totem Tribe Towers : ua-cam.com/video/JOreZP9uNhA/v-deo.html Totem Metal V2 : ua-cam.com/video/q4OgDxm-4P4/v-deo.html Starke AD4: ua-cam.com/video/dBxsKD_x018/v-deo.html BoyuuRange A50 MKIII : ua-cam.com/video/fHNQNyAkZO8/v-deo.html Soundstage take 2 on NAD C298: ua-cam.com/video/nEL8TtEqrx4c/v-deo.html Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
I have the Electa Amator III since a year back. I pair it with electronics from Heed Audio and Nordost speaker cables. I can testify to Jay’s assesment: the speakers are outstanding with respect to texture and tonal information/density. They are tuned for pleasure, but never go beyond a natural realism. The bass has a little extra energy, which suits my listening space perfectly. These are the types of speaker you invest in and then stay confident that you won’t be sucked in the hype of new arrivals from other brand. You stay confident and safe, and I’d guess the value decrease in strict economic terms will be lower on the Amators than other speaker series.
I have come back to your video to say thank you! You and a very dear dealer local to me have recommended these speakers, I bought them and absolutely love them, I am running them with Accuphase class A and a pair or RELs and I am in heaven!
Really enjoyed this one, Jay! You hit on many of the pleasurable aspects I hear with my new Sonus Fabers. Like you, I can’t say enough about how that slight upper mid touch makes voices and instruments present and detailed, yet without any stridency. Soundstage, image, tonal balance all work for me too. I was fortunate to have an expert position them. Always smiling when I’m done with a listening session. I look forward to hearing about your future adventures.
Well done Jay. My wife and own Sonus Faber Speakers. Amatis and shortly Guaneris and Serafinos. It’s been a 40 year journey for me. I really like the way you have grown as a reviewer. I really enjoyed this review especially. You passion and respect shows. Thank you😎👍
Thanks for the video Jay. The maxima really intrigues me. Would love for you to get your hands on the QLN prestige and do a direct comparison with those two
I have compared the QLN Prestige Three, Sonus Faber Electa Amator III and Maxima Amator during the same week. I ended up buying the Maxima Amator which are so luxurious in terms of sound quality. They are a pure wonder to listen to. The Electa were already so good considering their size!! So much more musical compared to a pair of B&W 804 D4 speakers that were lying around. I was disappointed with the QLN P3 as the bass was just not there (despite reading so many promising articles about them)
Great review Jay! The sound is simular to the smaller Minima Amator 2, the Electa Amator sounds bigger, but at a much bigger price. I’ve got the Minima Amator 2 connected to a Rega Aethos amp: magic magic magic!!
I remember doing a listening session at an audio shop years ago. Not for speakers, I owned a pair of beautiful SF Stradivari, but to hear what would sound better, a pair of Burmester 911 mono or a 909 stereo amp. The owner hooked up both amps, as well as a T+A HV series, some Pass Labs, switched some sources as well, but all on a pair on Electa Amator 3. The only thing that stayed with me from that day is how amazing those speakers sounded. The difference in amps, sources, pre's (ok, all high end and pricey) we tried were secondary at best. What kept me from buying those was that I just had bought my desired Stradivari's and indeed the looks of the speaker (especially the white marble) and I put a lot of value on esthetics.. But that sound.. I will never forget. And yes, I've owned speakers far exceeding this price point.
Thanks, Jay for finally reviewing the Electa Amator. Earlier this spring I spent a lot of time auditioning speakers of this size and approximate price point (Bowers and Wilkins, Dynaudio, Majico, Harbeth) and the SF was one of my 2 favorites. It’s only slight drawback for me was that mid bass lift, which was apparent on every type of music, placement be damned. That port is really big! I do disagree with you concerning the looks in that the walnut and white marble exactly match my mid-century Italian Provincial furniture, walnut and marble all, like if the same designer envisioned both. But ultimately I went for the 805 D3 because of the more neutral balance and that amazing diamond dome tweeter placed outside the cabinet. The sense of air, height and delicacy was too beautiful to pass up. And they were 54% of the price on closeout of the SF’s so I paid my property taxes with the difference. 🥳
The problem with most recorded music is that it is from multi-track recordings of multiple microphones and electronic instruments, each into their own track, which then is mastered down to stereo. Placement of instruments is done in the mastering by volume. Equally loud L-R gets a source track in the middle of the stereo, louder L and a bit or R volume still gets that source track towards the left end of the final mix. Front-to-back illusion is also done by volume adjustments in the mastering. Sitting in a concert with your own two ears, you hear arrival time differences and coloration related to wall (floor, ceiling, objects, etc.) reflections and this all contributes to your impression of soundstage. Typically, multi-track recordings make a mess of soundstage in the coloration and arrival time (phase) domain. Typically, the multi-track approach requires excellent “micro-dynamics” - the ability of your system to reproduce volume differences as precisely as possible and repeatable and down to the smallest differences. Audiophiles can listen to these effects their entire life, again and again, and forget to listen to the “music”. So if you are into these effects, then listen to RCA Living Stereo recordings, of a symphony orchestra recorded with two microphones (or three maybe). There’s this recording of The Weavers singing folk songs (I think it was one of the 1960s performances live at Carnegie Hall, not the 1950s). One of the tracks was recorded as if you, listener, stood at the side and edge of the stage. The members of the band are in the right speaker, behind each other. That sounds weird to begin with. Then you hear a soft cough from the left speaker but it is far away and high in a huge room. Carnegie Hall holds some 2,000 people audience. At some point the audience starts to sing along this old American folk classic. This is where arrival time differences, phase, coloration come together, on top of micro-dynamics in order to raise the illusion of a huge room in your home’s music room. My Sonus Faber Extremas do a very good job but a pair of high end speakers ten times that price (*) really made me feel I was in Carnegie Hall. As such acoustic recordings also record spatial clues from the space where the music was played, the way your speakers interact with your room becomes more of a challenge as you add reflections to the recorded reflections. Speaker placement becomes very important and potentially some room treatment. Having listening sessions at the dealer’s with different sets, I played a piece of jazz that they gave me - I also brought my CDs. In one track it sounded as if there was no sound between the right edge of the right speaker box and the wall at some 4’ or more from it. I asked staff and it struck them, like it had me, that something is wrong. Cables got L/R swapped and the effect moved to the other side. This took some time and we had no answer. Starting the CD again, the dealer stayed in the room, not knowing what to say and not satisfied with that. He took the booklet out of the CD case and almost thoughtlessly turned its pages. Then he uttered our language’s version of “eureka!” The jazz combo had acoustically recorded this album in a small studio with the piano at the right end of the sound stage where it was placed against the acoustically dead wall of the studio. With the advancement of years, my hearing is less good and I certainly do not hear above 20 kHz anymore like I did at 18 - exceptional for a 6’1” guy, not exceptional for smaller people (like women) as the high frequency roll off has to do with the physical size of the inner ear. The advantage is I hear less distortion and coloration and am less distracted from what it really is about: music. (*) Avalon Sentinel, Nagra amplification
Excellent post. So many factors at play that chasing "perfect" is an elusive goal. Nothing can duplicate the real thing either. Given all of this, for those who are in this to enjoy music rather than Gear and tinkering, find something that moves you and enables you to enjoy the music.
I remember years ago I auditioned a set of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditora which were being run of a Naim NAP200 connected to a Gyrodec (which I bought lol). The whole setup sounded absolutely amazing. I can still remember the tracks and even how they sounded. For a bookshelf speaker they had amazing punch along with great refinement and that was even through they were connected to an amplifier not really renowned for being refined.
10k is a chunk of change! I’m sure the sound is outstanding. However, a lot of what you’re paying for is visual. You’re buying “pride of ownership.” I’m sure the sound of the research and development model reached approval with the same interior structure, bracing, crossover, port, drivers, etc, but were much simpler in appearance.
If you can do better, by all means. But personally I'm so sick of "but they're expensive!" Comments about gear. They make *plenty* of gear in whatever price range you're at. Go watch those.
Really interested in more details between these an Totem Metal V2! Your Metal V2 review got me super pumped and excited to hear those speakers. Still glad you mentioned that the Totems sounded more realistic. I'm all about color to a degree, but I'd rather have the source add color and have everything else be fairly neutral, but like everything else in audio it is all subjective and down to hundreds of variables so I always keep that in mind when watching or reading any reviews of gear.
@@akia123 the price is amazing for the build and sound quality. I tested the Lumina 2 after I bought my Focal. Built quality of the Sonus just wow, but I am sold to focal tweeter, because I listen a lot vocal songs.
When speakers sound terrific you forget they are even in the room...... I learned that lesson back in the 70's when I was playing tubes and tried a pair of KEF 104 AB's. They looked plain. But, who was looking at the speakers once the music was playing? Big lesson was learned...
Hi Jay, love your videos and the way you introduce and communicate the products you review. I was interested in purchasing the Electa Amator III. When I auditioned the speakers at a local stereo shop, I loved the tone but it sounded a little small. Not so much the soundstage but the overall sound itself. Hard to explain in words for me. The details were there, good soundstage but something seemed to be lacking. They were using a solid state Macintosh integrated, not sure that had something to do with synergy that affected the presentation. I then listened to the Maxima Amator and found that the sound was much fuller. Not sure if it was just a noticeable bass presentation, but a overall great difference.
I listened to the Sonus Faber Maxima Amator this weekend along with Dartzeel nhb-108 amplify, wow they blow me away, the hairs on my arms up. You must have a large budget and a large space for it. These do have a black marble plate. Grtz Phil
I fell in love with the sound and looks of this speaker at RMAF 2019. At the time I believed the only standpoint That was better was the small Borreson speaker at $33k. We had a standpoint shootout in Phoenix last year which included this speaker, Joseph Audio Pulsar, Totem and several others. The Amator 3 was the favorite.
I am shocked that so many manufacturers stopped using paper / pulp cones in favor of plastic / poly, which to my ears robs the speaker of the nuaced detail you described. It's so hard to find quality paper coned speakers that I've worked hard to collect the vintage Kef and Mission 80's models that did use the timeless combination of paper and soft domed tweeters. Metal tweeters also seem to be a bit of a tech gimmick, tricking the user into perceived clarity at first, but then realizing soft domes are best for natural non-fatiguing detail over the long term.
Love Sonus faber, but mainly the old school models. I own a pair of Elipsa SE’s . I love your rack. Would you mind sharing more info on it? Link? Thank you!
Ha.. You got this whole Pimp My Ride intro to the speakers. I see you Jay. Your intros have been full of Easter eggs over the past year of intros you like of others you watch.
I think Tannoy uses real wood on some of their speakers also, a very specific wood but I might be mistaken. Those are absolutely gorgeous speakers! I can just picture them in a traditional English style den. It seems they sound as good as they look also. Great review, & th terminology definitions were a nice touch🍻
Wow jay you changed your channel name. I have always been proud that you are Korean. And honestly, I was sad that your room decoration was a bit Japanese style. at least for me Iyaki means story in Korean. Jay I support you in Korea, Seoul
Hi Jay. My dream speakers are also Electa Amator III, may I ask which amplifier in your opinion would suit between the two amp's I have listed. 1 Unison Research S6 Copland CTA408 Really enjoy your videos.
Great review! I purchased a new pair of Focal Electra 1008 BE's 2 years ago for $2,999, half the original $5,999 when they were first introduced. It seems like these Sonus Faber are similar in sound stage, high notes and base response. How would you characterize the difference? Have you listened to any of the Audiovector R1, R3 or R8 and if so, what are your thoughts?
Hey Jay have you made a video discussing your REL subs? I'm in the market for a pair of subs with an emphasis on 2-channel music listening but that will also do well enough with movies. Would you recommend those RELs? Are those the 9x or whatever they're called? Retail about $1500 each? There's some stiff competition in that price bracket for sure.
Also brother tell us about that chair you're using! That thing is a beaut and looks quite expensive. I think the listening chair is an important component to the stereo experience often overlooked.
I listened to the olympica nova 1 last week. Considering you probably had those in the store when you were still working there, what would you say the differences between the two in sound. Are these as dark sounding as the novas?
Hello Jay Thank you for your videos much appreciated! What is the closest loudspeaker not DIY that is a lot cheaper? Tonaly close is the most important Basa not that important. Thank you reinhart
Interesting, as it is, only two months ago I first heard these speakers connected to a Devialet amplifier and a dCS stack (Verdi transport, Delius DAC, and Verona wordclock). Even though the amplifier wasn’t my cup of tea, I loved the speakers a lot! And the dCS stack too. Even thought it’s from 2008… It would also be the speakers I would probably go for. Quite possibly with either an Accuphase amplifier or a Leben CS600XS or similar. But the real world doesn’t allow me such luxuries unfortunately…
Thanks for a good review. I am hesitant to say a particular speaker is the best for me; even though I have a personal preference. I have heard speakers change in character in the same environment; from bad to good. Or find speakers behaving differently with a different amplifier. That has made me feel hesitant in being brave enough to say; this is the best speaker I’ve ever heard. Having said that; I would like to see you compare the Amarto to the Sonus Fibre Nova 1.
Hi Jay, I intend to buy this speaker but need your opinion whether it is advisable to buy the dedicated stand also. Actually, I am having a 24” Foundation Designer II Stands which I think is much heavier and stable than the dedicated stand. The online manual(2018 version) stated that the weight of the dedicated stand was 9.5kg but currently the website indicated that the weight of the stand has been increased to 11.2kg. Maybe, they have finally realised that the speaker stands should be heavier than the speaker for stability and doesn’t make sense that the speaker should be heavier as the speaker can easily be toppled or knocked over when accidentally kicked at the bottom or accidentally pushed. Would appreciate your prompt attention and honest opinion on this matter. Thanks in advance.
Hey Jay, wonderful review as always!! Just wanted your take if you had the chance to compare amator with the nova 1 during your days in the retail. They are both priced similarly but the nova this unique port system, it does have a lighter MDF cabinet (or maybe the marble on the amator makes up the weight difference) and to my eyes a lot more aesthetically pleasing (elastic string grills!!!). Why Amator over the Nova 1?
Soulsik to Iyagi? News to story, right? What were they thinking using white "marbles"?? For that price I'd hold out for black marble bases Jay... Beautiful speakers! 🎶🤫🎶
Jay -- I enjoy your videos. I'm very interested in SF Electa III, Maxima's or Olympica Nova II. I've watched this video and the Maxima video. I demo'd Nova III and enjoyed them. I have a pair of REL S510 subs and my room isn't huge (approx. 14x17) so I think I have bass covered. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.
How are these for near field listening in a home office setup? I was considering the Minima Amator II but just realized a shop about 1.5 hours away had a used set of these for $7K with stands
Jay in your experience - what standmount speaker that you have heard comes the closest to these SF standmounts? Would DIY be a route to go to get close?
I like it when a respected reviewer says that he prefers a speaker which is fun to listen to a speaker that is very neutral. We hear with our senses so... Being a Totem speaker fan, I'm wondering which Totem speaker did you compare the Amator III whith? I'm using a pair of Totem Hawks powered by a YBA PASSION INTEGRE and for me this has been the most musically satisfying pair I have ever heard.
Hi Jay. I really need to ask you a question. As I am unable to listen to either of these in advance in the UK I am looking for your absolute honest opinion. You are the only reviewer I know of who has reviewed both. I love both Valve and Solid state. Which of these combos in your honest opinion will sound better with my Tannoy XT8f speakers. 1) Willsenton R8, R800i or similar valve amp 2) Denafrips Hestia/Hyperion combo. I know you are very busy but please if poss could you share your thoughts as I have the money ready to spend.
Hi Jay.. Do you have any experience with XAVIAN Perla Esclusiva? Xavian is an Italian product too. It's handmade with great natural design. If you do, i would be interested in your opinion. Maybe in comparision to Sonus faber electa Amator III. I have them along with Hegel H90... the sound is very natural. Instrumental (great bassguitar, acoustic) and vocals are dominant. Thanks a lot.
thanks Jay for this vid.im looking for a new set of speakers right now and how you describe the sound of these is exactly looking for.ill have to look over a few reviews of these now. i was looking at maybe a set of pmc fact 12's. do the maxima speakers sound anything like them? thanks
Hey Jay! I’ve drooled enough watching your video) How close do you think the CSS audio comes to this in terms of sound quality, tone, hf extension and refinement?
Very Close as I said in the css audio video and I still do stand by that but again, that's all DIY (not everyone is going to want to do the DIY part) and this is a finished product with much higher quality build. I would also say that there is something missing in the CSS audio speaker and that might be the slight mid bass emphasis that adds to the tone
@@Jayiyagi Appreciate the clarification, man! Knowing my pref I would really love that slight midbass bump. There’s always some magic missing in the affordable stuff (that’s actually pretty good nowadays!) 😅 Can a sub compensate for that tone adjustment? Or the effect would be different?
@@oleksiifilippov68 subs don’t exactly integrate the same way or as seamless. Even with Rel. It’s more to do with room limitations and how it interacts with subs
@@Jayiyagi thanks! That totally aligns with my experience. Although I integrated my Rel pretty darn good, there’s still some very minute things that seem to be off. And I can’t do anything with it. Maybe that’s where the product price is coming from. Minute things.
I think what everyone wants to know is what are the best speakers under $2k we need Jays recommendations on best speakers for price range or an update at least to the existing list
Thks Jay, I am spending down on my sizable 401K starting next year, and I like SonusFaber and one time almost bought a pair of used Extremas, but I am also considering the new S400 Buchardt which is 5 times less expensive (2200$ as compared to 10K$) if you can make a video comparing the two I am really appreciate your opinion
Hi Jay， I brought this speak because of your previous review, that is really great review. The cost of this price in China is 8000 USD, with special discount, slightly cheaper than in US.
The Dimensions of my music listening room are 8.3x15 square feets. ( 2.5x4.5 square meters). I have to listen low Volume because of neighbors. I have Sonus faber Olympica I. Would you recommend me to replace Sonus Faber Olympica I with Sonus Faber Electa Ametur III to improve music quality?
I'm curious how this Sonus Faber would compares to Marten Parkers duo and Dynaudio 20 confidence. And yes i agree the white marble is ugly. But i think i get use to it and get the chance to buy them for a nice price
I had Electa Amator 2s for 7 years and various other sonus fabers before it. I never remembered any of them to be syrupy. Warm yes. Syrupy no. The magic of sonus faber is the combination of warmth and lively emotional expression. They can even sound bright and irritating with the wrong components and cables. Post Franco Serblin sonus fabers did become more neutral and better behaved ... but somehow also became more generic and lost the emotionality of the older ones. The EA3 being a nod to its predecessors maybe somewhat of the exception and successfully bridge the sound of the old and the new. Congratulations.
I still have my pair of original Elactas from the late 1980s - one benefit of a misspent youth. Syrupy is not a word I would use to describe them. I was devastated when one of the tweeters blew and I couldn't get a replacement. Fortunately, the break in the coil was right near the terminal and I was able to unwind a single turn to fix it. I know I'm living on borrowed time, but I don't have $10k lying around to replace them.
For the price of $10K I'll just buy myself a Tekton Moab (with the upgraded parts and single Beryllium tweeter) and I still have a change and use it for other better audio components/accessories.
I have a pair of Pioneer S1-ex’s and they come real close to the CR-1’s. I bought these from a guy who bought the CR-1’s and he said the S1-ex are 95% of the CR-1’s . He’s using a 25 grand Devialet setup……You can find a pair of S1-ex’s for 4 grand if you look hard.
Beautiful, almost works of art, but honestly a pair of ATC's and a quality amp and you'll still get change leftover (a more accurate speaker as well). Can't match the looks though.
It is possible that when eyes are closed a600 dollar speaker could be chosen as the better sounding speaker than a 12k Speaker Used my duntech crown prince And a cheap pair of infinity Many things can happen on what sounds better on the material you play on , records , radio , to the furniture in the home To placement of speakers And how they interface with the power and preamp
yo ! ✌ Lots of stuff happening ! Channel's whole vibe (what's up with that? - coming soon)
Thank you for those that messaged me concerned about me not posting content last week,
I was on a short leave due to my 17 year old dog facing a life and death situation. But all is good now. Hope y'all were having a better week !
Related videos:
Soundstage take 2 on Electa Amator: Coming soon...
Totem Tribe Towers : ua-cam.com/video/JOreZP9uNhA/v-deo.html
Totem Metal V2 : ua-cam.com/video/q4OgDxm-4P4/v-deo.html
Starke AD4: ua-cam.com/video/dBxsKD_x018/v-deo.html
BoyuuRange A50 MKIII : ua-cam.com/video/fHNQNyAkZO8/v-deo.html
Soundstage take 2 on NAD C298: ua-cam.com/video/nEL8TtEqrx4c/v-deo.html
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
How does it compare to Wilson Audio speakers
I have the Electa Amator III since a year back. I pair it with electronics from Heed Audio and Nordost speaker cables. I can testify to Jay’s assesment: the speakers are outstanding with respect to texture and tonal information/density. They are tuned for pleasure, but never go beyond a natural realism. The bass has a little extra energy, which suits my listening space perfectly. These are the types of speaker you invest in and then stay confident that you won’t be sucked in the hype of new arrivals from other brand. You stay confident and safe, and I’d guess the value decrease in strict economic terms will be lower on the Amators than other speaker series.
how do you find them for some rock music?
I like that you've included description boxes for the words you're using to express your perception of the sounds. That's a nice touch.
I have come back to your video to say thank you! You and a very dear dealer local to me have recommended these speakers, I bought them and absolutely love them, I am running them with Accuphase class A and a pair or RELs and I am in heaven!
I totally get it Jay. These (like most modern SF speakers) have something magical about them. Something that connects you emotionally to the music.
Really enjoyed this one, Jay! You hit on many of the pleasurable aspects I hear with my new Sonus Fabers. Like you, I can’t say enough about how that slight upper mid touch makes voices and instruments present and detailed, yet without any stridency.
Soundstage, image, tonal balance all work for me too. I was fortunate to have an expert position them.
Always smiling when I’m done with a listening session. I look forward to hearing about your future adventures.
I'm longing for this review so much! glad that your dog is all good now. Keep it up jay! Klh model 5 next?
Dayum, These are dream level speakers. I may buy the floorstanding version used 6 years from now. :D
Well done Jay. My wife and own Sonus Faber Speakers. Amatis and shortly Guaneris and Serafinos. It’s been a 40 year journey for me. I really like the way you have grown as a reviewer. I really enjoyed this review especially. You passion and respect shows. Thank you😎👍
Thanks for the video Jay. The maxima really intrigues me. Would love for you to get your hands on the QLN prestige and do a direct comparison with those two
I have compared the QLN Prestige Three, Sonus Faber Electa Amator III and Maxima Amator during the same week. I ended up buying the Maxima Amator which are so luxurious in terms of sound quality. They are a pure wonder to listen to. The Electa were already so good considering their size!! So much more musical compared to a pair of B&W 804 D4 speakers that were lying around. I was disappointed with the QLN P3 as the bass was just not there (despite reading so many promising articles about them)
Areed on the black marble in the base and stand, so baffled as these come from Italy! So happy that you found your ‘ideal’ speaker. Enjoy
Great review Jay! The sound is simular to the smaller Minima Amator 2, the Electa Amator sounds bigger, but at a much bigger price. I’ve got the Minima Amator 2 connected to a Rega Aethos amp: magic magic magic!!
I totally agree about the paper woofer. I love paper woofers.
I remember doing a listening session at an audio shop years ago. Not for speakers, I owned a pair of beautiful SF Stradivari, but to hear what would sound better, a pair of Burmester 911 mono or a 909 stereo amp. The owner hooked up both amps, as well as a T+A HV series, some Pass Labs, switched some sources as well, but all on a pair on Electa Amator 3. The only thing that stayed with me from that day is how amazing those speakers sounded. The difference in amps, sources, pre's (ok, all high end and pricey) we tried were secondary at best. What kept me from buying those was that I just had bought my desired Stradivari's and indeed the looks of the speaker (especially the white marble) and I put a lot of value on esthetics.. But that sound.. I will never forget. And yes, I've owned speakers far exceeding this price point.
Thanks, Jay for finally reviewing the Electa Amator. Earlier this spring I spent a lot of time auditioning speakers of this size and approximate price point (Bowers and Wilkins, Dynaudio, Majico, Harbeth) and the SF was one of my 2 favorites. It’s only slight drawback for me was that mid bass lift, which was apparent on every type of music, placement be damned. That port is really big! I do disagree with you concerning the looks in that the walnut and white marble exactly match my mid-century Italian Provincial furniture, walnut and marble all, like if the same designer envisioned both. But ultimately I went for the 805 D3 because of the more neutral balance and that amazing diamond dome tweeter placed outside the cabinet. The sense of air, height and delicacy was too beautiful to pass up. And they were 54% of the price on closeout of the SF’s so I paid my property taxes with the difference. 🥳
"I just touch it all the time, for pleasure" I hear you buddy 😂
The problem with most recorded music is that it is from multi-track recordings of multiple microphones and electronic instruments, each into their own track, which then is mastered down to stereo. Placement of instruments is done in the mastering by volume. Equally loud L-R gets a source track in the middle of the stereo, louder L and a bit or R volume still gets that source track towards the left end of the final mix. Front-to-back illusion is also done by volume adjustments in the mastering.
Sitting in a concert with your own two ears, you hear arrival time differences and coloration related to wall (floor, ceiling, objects, etc.) reflections and this all contributes to your impression of soundstage.
Typically, multi-track recordings make a mess of soundstage in the coloration and arrival time (phase) domain. Typically, the multi-track approach requires excellent “micro-dynamics” - the ability of your system to reproduce volume differences as precisely as possible and repeatable and down to the smallest differences.
Audiophiles can listen to these effects their entire life, again and again, and forget to listen to the “music”. So if you are into these effects, then listen to RCA Living Stereo recordings, of a symphony orchestra recorded with two microphones (or three maybe).
There’s this recording of The Weavers singing folk songs (I think it was one of the 1960s performances live at Carnegie Hall, not the 1950s). One of the tracks was recorded as if you, listener, stood at the side and edge of the stage. The members of the band are in the right speaker, behind each other. That sounds weird to begin with. Then you hear a soft cough from the left speaker but it is far away and high in a huge room. Carnegie Hall holds some 2,000 people audience. At some point the audience starts to sing along this old American folk classic. This is where arrival time differences, phase, coloration come together, on top of micro-dynamics in order to raise the illusion of a huge room in your home’s music room.
My Sonus Faber Extremas do a very good job but a pair of high end speakers ten times that price (*) really made me feel I was in Carnegie Hall.
As such acoustic recordings also record spatial clues from the space where the music was played, the way your speakers interact with your room becomes more of a challenge as you add reflections to the recorded reflections. Speaker placement becomes very important and potentially some room treatment.
Having listening sessions at the dealer’s with different sets, I played a piece of jazz that they gave me - I also brought my CDs. In one track it sounded as if there was no sound between the right edge of the right speaker box and the wall at some 4’ or more from it. I asked staff and it struck them, like it had me, that something is wrong. Cables got L/R swapped and the effect moved to the other side. This took some time and we had no answer. Starting the CD again, the dealer stayed in the room, not knowing what to say and not satisfied with that. He took the booklet out of the CD case and almost thoughtlessly turned its pages. Then he uttered our language’s version of “eureka!” The jazz combo had acoustically recorded this album in a small studio with the piano at the right end of the sound stage where it was placed against the acoustically dead wall of the studio.
With the advancement of years, my hearing is less good and I certainly do not hear above 20 kHz anymore like I did at 18 - exceptional for a 6’1” guy, not exceptional for smaller people (like women) as the high frequency roll off has to do with the physical size of the inner ear. The advantage is I hear less distortion and coloration and am less distracted from what it really is about: music.
(*) Avalon Sentinel, Nagra amplification
Excellent post. So many factors at play that chasing "perfect" is an elusive goal. Nothing can duplicate the real thing either. Given all of this, for those who are in this to enjoy music rather than Gear and tinkering, find something that moves you and enables you to enjoy the music.
I remember years ago I auditioned a set of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditora which were being run of a Naim NAP200 connected to a Gyrodec (which I bought lol). The whole setup sounded absolutely amazing. I can still remember the tracks and even how they sounded. For a bookshelf speaker they had amazing punch along with great refinement and that was even through they were connected to an amplifier not really renowned for being refined.
10k is a chunk of change! I’m sure the sound is outstanding. However, a lot of what you’re paying for is visual. You’re buying “pride of ownership.” I’m sure the sound of the research and development model reached approval with the same interior structure, bracing, crossover, port, drivers, etc, but were much simpler in appearance.
$10K is not that much for a pair of good speakers, and most of that money goes to 3 layers of profits, manufacturer, distributor and dealer margins
If you can do better, by all means. But personally I'm so sick of "but they're expensive!" Comments about gear. They make *plenty* of gear in whatever price range you're at. Go watch those.
buy used
@@AudfileBut, but, they're sooooo expensive!!!!!!
@@divertiti Okay, Mr. Moneybags.
Really interested in more details between these an Totem Metal V2! Your Metal V2 review got me super pumped and excited to hear those speakers. Still glad you mentioned that the Totems sounded more realistic. I'm all about color to a degree, but I'd rather have the source add color and have everything else be fairly neutral, but like everything else in audio it is all subjective and down to hundreds of variables so I always keep that in mind when watching or reading any reviews of gear.
Hello from MTL and happy Sunday! I am really intrigued by this brand, they really make superb speakers at decent price.
I love my luminas
@@akia123 the price is amazing for the build and sound quality. I tested the Lumina 2 after I bought my Focal. Built quality of the Sonus just wow, but I am sold to focal tweeter, because I listen a lot vocal songs.
When speakers sound terrific you forget they are even in the room...... I learned that lesson back in the 70's when I was playing tubes and tried a pair of KEF 104 AB's. They looked plain. But, who was looking at the speakers once the music was playing? Big lesson was learned...
Hi Jay, love your videos and the way you introduce and communicate the products you review. I was interested in purchasing the Electa Amator III. When I auditioned the speakers at a local stereo shop, I loved the tone but it sounded a little small. Not so much the soundstage but the overall sound itself. Hard to explain in words for me. The details were there, good soundstage but something seemed to be lacking. They were using a solid state Macintosh integrated, not sure that had something to do with synergy that affected the presentation. I then listened to the Maxima Amator and found that the sound was much fuller. Not sure if it was just a noticeable bass presentation, but a overall great difference.
Great review Jay, still good in 2024? What amp should I pair them with? Thanks
I listened to the Sonus Faber Maxima Amator this weekend along with Dartzeel nhb-108 amplify, wow they blow me away, the hairs on my arms up.
You must have a large budget and a large space for it.
These do have a black marble plate.
Grtz Phil
I fell in love with the sound and looks of this speaker at RMAF 2019. At the time I believed the only standpoint That was better was the small Borreson speaker at $33k. We had a standpoint shootout in Phoenix last year which included this speaker, Joseph Audio Pulsar, Totem and several others. The Amator 3 was the favorite.
I currently have Pulsars, and just ordered the EA 3’s. Glad to know they fared so well against stiff competition!
@@audiophile466 I think you will find they win the 'Tone' game between the two. Pulsars are great speakers too.
@@jeffkalina7727 and it’s definitely the natural tone/timbre that I’m missing from the Pulsars. Other than that, they are exceptional.
@@audiophile466 A year later, any thoughts on the EA3? I'm thinking of purchasing a pair for a condo in PHX.
Please review the Dutch & Dutch 8C when you get the chance!
After watching various reviews of this pair of speakers by you, I got it. Jay, thanks.😊😊
One of your best reviews to date! :-) Would also love to hear your take on the Minima Amator II...
You're in for a treat with the Maxima they're truly amazing.
My god these are lovely speakers - oof!
I am shocked that so many manufacturers stopped using paper / pulp cones in favor of plastic / poly, which to my ears robs the speaker of the nuaced detail you described. It's so hard to find quality paper coned speakers that I've worked hard to collect the vintage Kef and Mission 80's models that did use the timeless combination of paper and soft domed tweeters. Metal tweeters also seem to be a bit of a tech gimmick, tricking the user into perceived clarity at first, but then realizing soft domes are best for natural non-fatiguing detail over the long term.
I love it when people critise Sonus Faber for high quality craftsmanship and the finish..
Love Sonus faber, but mainly the old school models. I own a pair of Elipsa SE’s . I love your rack. Would you mind sharing more info on it? Link? Thank you!
Ha.. You got this whole Pimp My Ride intro to the speakers. I see you Jay. Your intros have been full of Easter eggs over the past year of intros you like of others you watch.
I think Tannoy uses real wood on some of their speakers also, a very specific wood but I might be mistaken. Those are absolutely gorgeous speakers! I can just picture them in a traditional English style den. It seems they sound as good as they look also. Great review, & th terminology definitions were a nice touch🍻
Wow jay you changed your channel name.
I have always been proud that you are Korean.
And honestly, I was sad that your room decoration was a bit Japanese style. at least for me
Iyaki means story in Korean.
Jay I support you in Korea, Seoul
Awesome show Jay!
Thanks so much!
Hi Jay.
My dream speakers are also Electa Amator III, may I ask which amplifier in your opinion would suit between the two amp's I have listed.
1 Unison Research S6
Copland CTA408
Really enjoy your videos.
Great review! I purchased a new pair of Focal Electra 1008 BE's 2 years ago for $2,999, half the original $5,999 when they were first introduced. It seems like these Sonus Faber are similar in sound stage, high notes and base response. How would you characterize the difference? Have you listened to any of the Audiovector R1, R3 or R8 and if so, what are your thoughts?
Hey Jay have you made a video discussing your REL subs? I'm in the market for a pair of subs with an emphasis on 2-channel music listening but that will also do well enough with movies. Would you recommend those RELs? Are those the 9x or whatever they're called? Retail about $1500 each? There's some stiff competition in that price bracket for sure.
Also brother tell us about that chair you're using! That thing is a beaut and looks quite expensive. I think the listening chair is an important component to the stereo experience often overlooked.
I listened to the olympica nova 1 last week. Considering you probably had those in the store when you were still working there, what would you say the differences between the two in sound. Are these as dark sounding as the novas?
Hello Jay
Thank you for your videos much appreciated!
What is the closest loudspeaker not DIY that is a lot cheaper? Tonaly close is the most important Basa not that important.
Thank you reinhart
Interesting, as it is, only two months ago I first heard these speakers connected to a Devialet amplifier and a dCS stack (Verdi transport, Delius DAC, and Verona wordclock). Even though the amplifier wasn’t my cup of tea, I loved the speakers a lot! And the dCS stack too. Even thought it’s from 2008… It would also be the speakers I would probably go for. Quite possibly with either an Accuphase amplifier or a Leben CS600XS or similar. But the real world doesn’t allow me such luxuries unfortunately…
How this Electra Amator III paired with your Luxman LX-380 amp? too warm or just right?
Thanks for a good review. I am hesitant to say a particular speaker is the best for me; even though I have a personal preference. I have heard speakers change in character in the same environment; from bad to good. Or find speakers behaving differently with a different amplifier. That has made me feel hesitant in being brave enough to say; this is the best speaker I’ve ever heard. Having said that; I would like to see you compare the Amarto to the Sonus Fibre Nova 1.
Hi Jay, I intend to buy this speaker but need your opinion whether it is advisable to buy the dedicated stand also.
Actually, I am having a 24” Foundation Designer II Stands which I think is much heavier and stable than the dedicated stand.
The online manual(2018 version) stated that the weight of the dedicated stand was 9.5kg but currently the website indicated that the weight of the stand has been increased to 11.2kg. Maybe, they have finally realised that the speaker stands should be heavier than the speaker for stability and doesn’t make sense that the speaker should be heavier as the speaker can easily be toppled or knocked over when accidentally kicked at the bottom or accidentally pushed.
Would appreciate your prompt attention and honest opinion on this matter. Thanks in advance.
Hello Jay, how would you compare these to the Sonus Faber Guarneri tradition ?
I've always said that I don't mind a coloured sound, so long as I like the colour.
Exactly, everything colors the sound. As long as it sounds good to us, that's all that matters.
Hey Jay, wonderful review as always!! Just wanted your take if you had the chance to compare amator with the nova 1 during your days in the retail. They are both priced similarly but the nova this unique port system, it does have a lighter MDF cabinet (or maybe the marble on the amator makes up the weight difference) and to my eyes a lot more aesthetically pleasing (elastic string grills!!!). Why Amator over the Nova 1?
Soulsik to Iyagi?
News to story, right?
What were they thinking using white "marbles"??
For that price I'd hold out for black marble bases Jay...
Beautiful speakers!
🎶🤫🎶
Jay -- I enjoy your videos. I'm very interested in SF Electa III, Maxima's or Olympica Nova II. I've watched this video and the Maxima video. I demo'd Nova III and enjoyed them. I have a pair of REL S510 subs and my room isn't huge (approx. 14x17) so I think I have bass covered. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.
Jay, check out the Canton Reference 9k's. Unreal German craftsmanship. $4000! Ceramic tweeter is sweetest I've ever heard.
beautiful as everthing SF does.
Hi @Jay's iyagi, have you listened to a pair of Harbeth, Spendor or Graham speaker for comparison? If so, which one and how would you compare them?
Great honest presentation !
How are these for near field listening in a home office setup? I was considering the Minima Amator II but just realized a shop about 1.5 hours away had a used set of these for $7K with stands
Jay in your experience - what standmount speaker that you have heard comes the closest to these SF standmounts? Would DIY be a route to go to get close?
I like it when a respected reviewer says that he prefers a speaker which is fun to listen to a speaker that is very neutral. We hear with our senses so... Being a Totem speaker fan, I'm wondering which Totem speaker did you compare the Amator III whith? I'm using a pair of Totem Hawks powered by a YBA PASSION INTEGRE and for me this has been the most musically satisfying pair I have ever heard.
Hi Jay. I really need to ask you a question. As I am unable to listen to either of these in advance in the UK I am looking for your absolute honest opinion. You are the only reviewer I know of who has reviewed both. I love both Valve and Solid state. Which of these combos in your honest opinion will sound better with my Tannoy XT8f speakers. 1) Willsenton R8, R800i or similar valve amp 2) Denafrips Hestia/Hyperion combo. I know you are very busy but please if poss could you share your thoughts as I have the money ready to spend.
Willsenton r800i for soundstage, tone, and 3D sound.
Denafrips for a bit more bass authority, imaging and clarity.
Hi Jay..
Do you have any experience with XAVIAN Perla Esclusiva? Xavian is an Italian product too. It's handmade with great natural design. If you do, i would be interested in your opinion. Maybe in comparision to Sonus faber electa Amator III. I have them along with Hegel H90... the sound is very natural. Instrumental (great bassguitar, acoustic) and vocals are dominant.
Thanks a lot.
The MK1 all the way, a true classic. The MK2 with ScanSpeak units has pretty much been forgotten.
Based on sound only - what speaker comes close in a more affordable range ? - this is a 'dream on' for me ...
the ;paper woofer likely makes the speaker more forgiving of bad recordings.smooths things out some vs aluminum as an example.
I am looking for an end game speakers before I retired. I hope this speakers are the answer to my quest for perfect speakers.
Jay, what speaker cable do you use/recommend for the EA 3’s?
thanks Jay for this vid.im looking for a new set of speakers right now and how you describe the sound of these is exactly looking for.ill have to look over a few reviews of these now. i was looking at maybe a set of pmc fact 12's. do the maxima speakers sound anything like them? thanks
Hey Jay! I’ve drooled enough watching your video) How close do you think the CSS audio comes to this in terms of sound quality, tone, hf extension and refinement?
Very Close as I said in the css audio video and I still do stand by that but again, that's all DIY (not everyone is going to want to do the DIY part) and this is a finished product with much higher quality build. I would also say that there is something missing in the CSS audio speaker and that might be the slight mid bass emphasis that adds to the tone
@@Jayiyagi Appreciate the clarification, man! Knowing my pref I would really love that slight midbass bump. There’s always some magic missing in the affordable stuff (that’s actually pretty good nowadays!) 😅
Can a sub compensate for that tone adjustment? Or the effect would be different?
@@oleksiifilippov68 subs don’t exactly integrate the same way or as seamless. Even with Rel. It’s more to do with room limitations and how it interacts with subs
@@Jayiyagi thanks! That totally aligns with my experience. Although I integrated my Rel pretty darn good, there’s still some very minute things that seem to be off. And I can’t do anything with it.
Maybe that’s where the product price is coming from. Minute things.
I think what everyone wants to know is what are the best speakers under $2k we need Jays recommendations on best speakers for price range or an update at least to the existing list
Jay has made several videos about speakers in the $1K-$2K price range.
Great speaker, wound up personally buying the Wilson Tunetot instead.
Thks Jay, I am spending down on my sizable 401K starting next year, and I like SonusFaber and one time almost bought a pair of used Extremas, but I am also considering the new S400 Buchardt which is 5 times less expensive (2200$ as compared to 10K$) if you can make a video comparing the two I am really appreciate your opinion
In this segment, my personal favourite would be TAD Micro Evolution One. Give it a try!
I have ! Great speakers for sure.
How does the performance of the Amator III compare against the Olympia Nova I?
Hi Jay， I brought this speak because of your previous review, that is really great review. The cost of this price in China is 8000 USD, with special discount, slightly cheaper than in US.
In germany € to $ 12580$.
I thought you liked the Totem speakers a lot, you said other speakers seemed broken compared to the Totem's. Is this speaker an exception?
I mention totems in the video.
The Dimensions of my music listening room are 8.3x15 square feets. ( 2.5x4.5 square meters). I have to listen low Volume because of neighbors. I have Sonus faber Olympica I. Would you recommend me to replace Sonus Faber Olympica I with Sonus Faber Electa Ametur III to improve music quality?
I'm curious how this Sonus Faber would compares to Marten Parkers duo and Dynaudio 20 confidence. And yes i agree the white marble is ugly. But i think i get use to it and get the chance to buy them for a nice price
do these or the maxima work well close to wall and furniture?
Had electa amattor II long time ago but how it compare to latest Guarneri...please advice me..
Thanks Jay
I had Electa Amator 2s for 7 years and various other sonus fabers before it. I never remembered any of them to be syrupy. Warm yes. Syrupy no. The magic of sonus faber is the combination of warmth and lively emotional expression. They can even sound bright and irritating with the wrong components and cables. Post Franco Serblin sonus fabers did become more neutral and better behaved ... but somehow also became more generic and lost the emotionality of the older ones. The EA3 being a nod to its predecessors maybe somewhat of the exception and successfully bridge the sound of the old and the new. Congratulations.
I still have my pair of original Elactas from the late 1980s - one benefit of a misspent youth. Syrupy is not a word I would use to describe them. I was devastated when one of the tweeters blew and I couldn't get a replacement. Fortunately, the break in the coil was right near the terminal and I was able to unwind a single turn to fix it. I know I'm living on borrowed time, but I don't have $10k lying around to replace them.
Any thoughts on comparison between these and the Amator 2 Minima?
For full transparency, did you actually end up buying these speakers, or did SF give them to you?
They have not given me anything. I have not yet decided on whether I’d buy these or not yet - still gotta hear the floorstanders
@@Jayiyagi so did you buy them or..?
Fun to watch this-thanks.
Hey Jay! I wonder how is this compared to Franco Serblin Accordo hope u could review this as well:)
How do they compare to Amator Minimas 2 ?
Great review 👍
For the price of $10K I'll just buy myself a Tekton Moab (with the upgraded parts and single Beryllium tweeter) and I still have a change and use it for other better audio components/accessories.
I will buy Sonus Faber Aida II and call it a day.
The Tektons look like crap, wouldn't let them in my door.
What's the difference between high end speakers versus the Audioengine A5+ that I have ?
Jay, can you link the Japanese blossom wallpaper divider that’s in the back of your screenshot. My wife loves it and I want to get it for her! Thanks!
yes black would really work better Jay.
Good review, but you never once mention if it's sealed, ported, or passive radiator? Never even showed a full view of the back.
Strongly suggest you trying Diapason Astera and TAD CE1, if you like End game monitor size speakers.
I have a pair of Pioneer S1-ex’s and they come real close to the CR-1’s. I bought these from a guy who bought the CR-1’s and he said the S1-ex are 95% of the CR-1’s . He’s using a 25 grand Devialet setup……You can find a pair of S1-ex’s for 4 grand if you look hard.
Beautiful, almost works of art, but honestly a pair of ATC's and a quality amp and you'll still get change leftover (a more accurate speaker as well). Can't match the looks though.
You should audition the Dynaudio Contour 20i ‘s, they’re truly amazing! ….At half the price!
In that room the white granite is perfect.
So this is better than elac unifi reference?
I would love to hear how you compare these to the CSS Criton 1TD-X kit. Aesthetics aside.....
It is possible that when eyes are closed a600 dollar speaker could be chosen as the better sounding speaker than a 12k
Speaker
Used my duntech crown prince
And a cheap pair of infinity
Many things can happen on what sounds better on the material you play on , records , radio , to the furniture in the home
To placement of speakers
And how they interface with the power and preamp
Nicely done ✅
These speakers are out of my budget and so is the Herman Miller Ottoman chair. But nice review.