Following which, I have tried to audition the Chario Sonnet without much success as many of the hifi shops in Hong Kong only carry the other cheaper Chario models. Even thought, I have bought the Sonus Faber, another Italian brand,there is always a question marks with regards to Chario Sonnet sound in my heart.
Last time, I went to TST and has managed to find a shop who has a pair of Sonnet. The workmanship is really nice but the size of the speaker is much bigger then what I imagine and seen from the photo. Given the size, there will be a need to get the original speaker stands as the depth of the Sonnet is much deeper then the other bookshelf speakers. The appearance and look of the Sonnnet is superb and now comes the sound.
I have asked the shop to connect and let me audition both the Chario Sonnet and the Sonus Faber auditor M SE. The first audition is on the Sonnet and I must say that the music is nice with a stronger base. Then came the auction of the Sonus Faber Auditor M SE. Upon AB comparison, I have immediately known that I have made the correct decision as the sound of the Sonus Faber is much clearer and more analytical and has a clear soundstage. Phew, lucky, I have made the right choice as my previous audition was with the other range of the Chario. IMHO, Chario is also a good pair of speaker but it's strength is in the pop music where the strong bass is important.
For Violin music, jazz and classical music, the Sonus Faber will be there for you. I have asked the shop sales what is the different between the Sonus Faber Auditor M version versus the newer the Auditor M SE version besides the tweeter.
According to the sales, since HK is being distributed by Sonus Faber Asia limited directly and not via a distributor, they tend to launch the latest Sonus Faber Cremona M, Auditor etc with their latest innovation. The ribbon tweeter with its ability to reach higher frequencies and better control, the speakers will be more "accurate"' faster and and dynamic then the older version where there is tendency of being warmer but slight sluggish.
I was formerly a user of vintage speakers but with the improvement in science and technology, I am now starting to open up my mind to accept newer things and allow myself to explore the new equipments. The advantage of the Sonus Faber is that the design of the speakers is still "traditional" in design, with superb craftsmanship (like a violin) with modern technology in term of drivers and tweeters.
I have realized the different between vintage watch collection where I appreciate the old technology and the play with vintage nostalgic. For hifi, the equipment is supposed to bring out the realism of music and make the home system sound like "live" music, the advancement in term of science and use of materials etc is inevitable.
The sound of vintage amplifiers is a different kind of fun and if the chase is for realism in terms of music and clarity of sound stage and presentation of symphony orchestra music, perhaps one should take another look. If I intend to upgrade, I will move up to the next level of Sonus Faber...haha...
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