Sonus Faber v PMC

[Haselsh1]

I have been using my current KEF Q500's since 2013 and although I love the stereo effect, I think it is time to move on and up. I have been toying with PMC Twenty .22 and Sonus Faber Venere 2.0 speakers but I do intend to demo at a dealer before buying. I have read on the net that PMC's are extremely revealing in the treble which could lead to fatigue whereas the Sonus Faber's are not. I have also read that the Sonus Faber's go lower in the bass. Be aware that I am going from floorstanders to stand mounts.

I have also read that the Sonus Faber's are made in China whereas the PMC's are made in England. This could easily swing my decision.

Also considering speakers by Spendor and Sterling.

Max budget is £2k.

Any thoughts...?

[hifi_dave]

If you don't mind a standmount, then Harbeth should be on your list.

The Venere range is Chinese made but designed and controlled by the Italian company. PMC uses Chinese parts.

The Sonus have a fuller, flatter mid band than the PMCs, which are thinnner and harsher.

[Jimbo]

Sonus Faber are more musical, PMC a bit more revealing.

[Haselsh1]

The Sonus have a fuller, flatter mid band than the PMCs, which are thinnner and harsher.

Many thank you's as thin and harsh I certainly do not want. I had completely overlooked Harbeth's.

[hifi_dave]

Don't overlook Harbeth. There are few speakers which do mid-band anywhere near as good.

[Elephantears]

What size is your room Shaun?

[walpurgis]

Don't overlook Harbeth. There are few speakers which do mid-band anywhere near as good.

I agree. I favour Sonus Faber over PMC in general for presentation, but I'd be looking at Harbeth before those.

Of course, there are the two pairs of Reference speakers for sale in our Private Exhibitions section. These are what I'd be considering. I've heard the 3A Royal Virtuoso and it is just amazingly good. A level of transparency and imaging that is rare.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?48690-FS-Referencce-3A-Royal-Virtuoso

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47687-FOR-SALE-REFERENCE-3A-VEENA-Mk2-SPEAKERS

[Haselsh1]

What size is your room Shaun?

Room size is about 22' by 14'

[hifi_dave]

A pair of Harbeth C7ES3 will slot in there nicely.

[icehockeyboy]

Shaun, I can hardly see your posts, could I ask you enlarge the size a bit please?

[wee tee cee]

A second hand pair of Spendor SP1s should fit the bill-gorgeous midrange with listen all day quality.

As a curve ball how about Electric beach Frugels-Steve designs them to your spec and finnish-well worth a look.(threads on Tas)