REMEMBER - No subs are playing all the bass is coming from the speakers, and Bass is the HARDEST thing to record so cut me some slack if its not perfect as I have done my best to give you a proper full range recording with no editing of the sound whatsoever in post production. Please remember to watch the full reviews of these speakers Evoke 20 czcams.com/video/aeWnk9hyxlw/video.html Sonetto II czcams.com/video/sSY4-nqnumI/video.html
I didn't like any of the tracks very much, Terry, and that didn't help in my evaluation. However, I have to say that for me the Sonus Faber did a better job in injecting some emotion into the music. Overall, it sounded richer, fuller, more involving, more dynamic and with better bass. It even managed to make the first (truly awful) track sound interesting instead of, like on the Dynaudio, a horrible cacophony I couldn't wait to end. Tell your listeners that I don't think they have very good tastes in music. A track or two from Chris Jones, Christine and the queens, or Marian Hill might have helped. ;-)
@@johncallaghan3097 haha, give that first track/album a proper play on your system John as it's got epic scale and is an intense listen. I really like it Scandroid instrumentals
I like both of these speakers, although each rings different bells. I do have a feeling the Lema amp may be a better match to the more laid back Evoke 20's wich have a creamy richness that is almost mesmerizing on some of the tracks. The Sonetto's much greater detail is vivid and engaging, but approaches being on the over cooked side for me. The Evoke's just evoke a kind of subtle nirvana of sound. Nice demo. Pretty cool and revealing track selecion. Thank's, Terry
Both good speakers but to my ears in the demo, the sonetto’s are much more refined, open and clear. They sparkle with inflection and nuance in the mids and highs. The bass detail surprised me too and didn’t seem to be completely outdone by the evokes. Great video as always 👍🏼
The evoke has the type of sound signature in which you can listen to it all day without getting fatigued. The sonetto has the details and transparency that gives you goosebumps. I personally prefer sonetto
Funny. I was cross shopping these exact models. The Sonetto I was able to demo in a hi-fi shop, the Evoke's I had to order to hear them. Listening through the Evoke 20's now, and I'm very pleased with them! However, I'm certain I'll pick up a pair of the Sonetto II's in the future as well! Thanks Terry, these comparison series' you do are priceless!
The Sonetto II is a very fun and sparkling speaker, yet I prefer the natural and layed back sound of the Evoke 20. Auditioned them already in person with the same result. Excellent recording quality and song choice Terry!
Which amplifier is driving your Evoke? Do you think Rotel a11 would produce fast, tight bass from Evoke? Can’t spend $3000 on a Yamaha 1200 if that’s what Evoke is calling for.
How would you describe the texture in the music. What I mean is not only the detail but how well each speaker renders the texture of voices, instruments, tones and overtones, etc. Some "audiophile" speakers lock in the music in the center, place instruments in space and all that but some are so rounded all or most of the texture is lost. Even if smoothed and sibilance is controlled, texture seems to lose out all too often. Thanks.
I prefer the Sonus Faber. The Evoke 20 sounds very dry and recessed in comparison. The Sonetto is rich, involving and a bit colored. I could see some people loving the Sonetto.
I think the sonetta sounds clouded, less detailed and a bit too bright.. but then again, what do I know listening via CZcams? Broken record here, but neither of these loudspeakers are showing anything remotely close to what they're capable of. Still, these videos are fun to listen to and read into the comments, but I sure as heck wouldn't put any stock into how they sound on here for a future potential purchase.
@@radon222u I'm not a big believer in cables changing the "flavor" of the sound. Yes, I think high quality cables matter, just not in the sense of some audiophiles. I shouldn't have to spend thousands (or even hundreds) to change the sound character when a high quality preamp will already do that for me.
@@scaf_007vs3 primarily the cables should be neutral but we can use the character for final fine tune. Even I am against spending a bomb over cables and depending upon them for sound character. If not all the major character should come from the equipment. Also I am not a big fan of spending tons on exotic acoustic materials. If fundamentals are known then everything can be achieved in a step by step manner, ket it be cables or acoustics.
SF has the liveliest sound, open, clearer, more transparent highs, better bass in both depth and quality (control, definition, clarity) with an overall airier and cleaner sound. Dynaudio are softer and more relaxed. Less vivid, clear, transparent and detailed. With a Rotel A11 Tribute, Marantz PM-700N, Nad C 388, Marantz Model 30 I would go with Sonus Faber Sonetto. With a Naim Supernait 3, Accuphase E-270, Unison Research Unico Primo, I would go with Dynaudio Evoke.
This has got to be the best demo of these speakers on CZcams. Thanks so much. The evoke 20 give you an emotional and relaxed feel, and my wife has fallen in love with them. The Sonetto are more energetic and have a 'prod you and stay alert and listen, forward feel.' You have used a 6k amplifier, and that's out of my league, unfortunately. Can I get a similar sound from a Lower cost amp, like the Emotiva BasX TA2 for example. I am using the Eversolo A6, which is great, but won't have that airy lush sound of your equipment, but hopefully close enough. I value your opinion and advise. All the best
There is a lot of reasons for getting this sound, the amp is just one factor. I couldn't tell you how these might sound in your room on your system, you have to listen at home to see.
I love Dynaudio speakers, but... in this setup Sonetto II sounds better, richer, with better voices, more dinamic, contrast, more lower and high extension... No way, very beautiful loudspeakers!!
Female vocals, and strings, sound like they're happening within-a-box on the Dynaudios. And on the Sonus Fabers they sound like they've escaped the box, which I love. Cheers.
@@igaldins amazing what comes across on a meager cellphone speaker isn't it! But there's no microphone in the world that can confuse us into making this observation. It's there!
@@beefquiche in the otmar leibert track you would have to be hard of hearing to not pick up on the difference, magic microphone or no magic microphone.
Thank you for making this comparison demo. After watching your assessment on Sonus Faber Sonetto 2 and this demo, I can make up my mind ordering the Sonus Faber.
Great video, no complaints here. Please keep providing this free and entertaining/informative content. SFs take it here but the Dynaudios are excellent too. Just auditioned the Vs and the 50s yesterday and placed the order for the Sonettos. Only regret is I wish I could have purchased both. Polar opposites, yet both are winners. Sonus Fabers are for digging deep into recordings and losing yourself there while the Dynaudios are just a fantastic casual listen where you can sit back and just enjoy the music. I think that is accurately represented here. The tweeter design of the SF is smart and sounds extremely open, while the bass from the Dynaudios is crazy good. I don't know how they do it, it's superior to most every other floor standing speaker of this size that I've heard. Happy listening.
After much listening to various vinyl from George Benson, Grace Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Rush and Sparks I have finally bought my new speakers. I will admit that both the Rubicon 2 and Sonetto 2 were very good speakers. But the Sonus Faber just pipped the Dali in the end. I am now waiting for my Sonetto 2 speakers to be delivered.
I would choose Dynaudio. Sonus Faber has some brightness on the high MF and at a volume above average, this will most likely interfere (excessive loudness).
If this highly compressed CZcams sound is anything to go by than Sonus faber Sonetto II wins hands down ! Thank you for all the effort put into this presentation ! Great job ! Well done !
Thank you for this! Not even close on the song Give You Up. You have to clearly give it up to the Evoke 20. I have a piano in my listening room and I can tell you that's the way it supposed to sound on the Evoke 20. The Sonus sounds almost muffled in comparison.
Both are great speakers, but my subjective preferences are toward the sonetto's. Although Evoke's seems to be more balanced and a bit more neutral, i like the sonetto's air, the space between the instruments, the spicy treble. It's just more engaging, very detailed but not analytical or fatigue
Spicy treble, that’s a new one. Do you have any speakers with with a spicy top end. Yes, this one has medium to hot spiciness, or we have this one which is spicy but not too spicy.
Thank you for this channel Terry. An audiophile safe haven indeed. I agree with Victor. Sonetto II for the win. I absolutely Love Dynaudio however, in my opinion and in this particular shootout, compared to the Sonetto II, the Evoke 20 sounds not just veiled but shrouded. I will be purchasing the Sonetto II in Wengé finish. Thank you again Terry and keep ‘em comin!
The Sonettos are better for a strong first impression but the Evokes are more natural/;laidback and will be easier to live with and have longer listening sessions with.
Sonetto all day. I loved the clarity & sparkle… yet they also seemed fuller in the mid range and upper bass… Wow… I didn’t expect that. Evoke 20 is good.. Sonus Faber Sonetto is Exceptional.
This Demo was the key decider for me buying a pair of Sonetto II's ... the thing that drives me crazy about "dynamic" speakers is how recessed the gap between the peak and bass get. The Sonettos in this review were able to shake that "V" shaped sound and project all the way through the lower-highs. Not to mention they have a "Slight" Sepia tint to them. I am running a pretty Sterile amp (Technics SUG700 mk2) and pairing a slightly warm speaker helps them sound more musical.
the sparkling topend of the sonus sounds very fun in a video or demo, but once at home you want a more laidback speaker. thats what i have learned at least last years.
The Sonetto II for me, they sound crisper, more detailed than the Evoke. While the Evoke are good they don't bring the music to life and get me moving like the Sonetto. Great review by the way and love the choices in music.
Thanks Terry. I like all the tracks except the last one. The Sonettos would be my pick for instrumental music (clarity, details, realism) by as soon as female vocals are introduced, the Sonettos heavier weighting at high frequencies makes some tracks grating to my ears (especially the last one). So I would put the Evokes as the better all-rounder. Surprisingly, the difference between the bass output capability between these 2 models was not too obvious for me, listening to the sound demo with headphones. I wonder if the difference was more pronounced "in the flesh".
I can't believe that I'm writing this but next to the evoke20 the sonetto2 sounds just a little bit fatiguing! Evoke are more natural and will suite wider music range. I think with a different amp I would prefer the sonetto but with the Leema the evoke are a winner for me.
I gave it a 2nd listen this morning with monitor earbuds. The sonetto 2 sounds clearer, more information coming thru but the mid range and upper midrange accent is less natural then the evoke 2. I think that 3 or 4 years ago I would easily choose the sonettos but today I would choose the evoke for its natural sound.
Great comparison as always. One can actually hear that 7k-10k bump in the sonettos. It's funny that I prefer evoke treble but mid and lows of sonetto. I guess I'm waiting for those Quads you have coming. Thanks
That first track was sensational Terry. For me the Sounus Faber's were clearer, with a bit more sparkle and more dynamic. Dynaudio's seemed a bit dry and lifeless for my liking, especially with the acoustic guitar piece.
Tell us the truth Terry, that first Euro Electronica track had to have been suggested by our man John Darko. That's right down his alley. Thankfully your faithful viewers redeemed themselves with the rest of the tracks suggested. Ottmar Liebert, a truly talented artist. I confess, I did not view the review of these speakers (as I noted at the start of this comparison shootout), but as you know Terry, I'm addicted to your sound demos, they're the best period. The Sonus Faber Sonnetto delivers superior musicality ( transparent, precise, leans to warm). Thanks Terry.
If your not watching this video series Dave mate please feel free to click on each video and hit the thumbs up button if you have nothing else to do of course .... :) Thanks
I ran both review videos fully, and hit liked Terry. I will do the same with the rest of this review series, and definately listen and comment on the sound demos. As usual, I do share your videos with other audiophiles in other social media platforms.
Really well done! I listened with some neutral in ear monitors and was blown away. I have Dyn's and the Evokes are Dyn's through and through. Wow. I can see why you paired these two. I've got to say, if a sub weren't an option, I would have a much tougher choice. However, if I could drop a sub in with the Faber's, I might be in audiophile heaven. They sound amazing. Liquid. They just wash over you with this highly resolving midrange that just lets vocals suspend in open air. The bass is there, but it's not dropping bombs and distorting the midrange. Astonishing to me, as the Dyn's are known for their amazing midband performance. You've got a new follower. Thanks for this.
Dyns for me. I have own them so, albeit a couple rungs higher than the evokes, but prefer the cleaner layering and separation across the scale. Where some people hear dry, I hear “clean”. Then I find the sonetto’s a a bit congealed at the bottom and weirdly more razorlike in the treble. My brain would probably get used to either version though after a couple months.,, interesting.
Very interesting. The Sonetto's are brighter and seem to have a more accentuated midrange. The Evokes seem more even and neutral, and have a deeper, more satisfying bass. I usually tend to lean towards brighter, but somehow, I think I preferred the Evokes, particularly on Dune. And I went back and forth several times on Whiskey, and they were both good. May have learned towards the Evokes on that too. So, I don't know. Right now, I'd go with the Evokes.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Hey, thanks for the prompt response. I'm not really in the market for speakers. I was there around this time last year, and I went with the Jbl Studio 590's, which I love. So I can't wait to listen to Whiskey and You and Dune on those a little later. 🙂 That's one thing I love about some of these demos: they often expose you to songs that you're not familiar with. So thank you, sir! 🙂
Need to listen to again, but my immediate response I prefer the Dynaudio. For lack of better terms they sounded more alive more present to me. And that first track, I really like that instrumental. So thanks for that too.
I'd be so happy with either of the two! Love their sound. Just a thought - wouldn't it make sense to have 1 reference song that is the same throughout all the videos so we can compare all speakers against each-other?
I started listening with a dryness bias regarding the Evokes. To my surprise they sounded stunning. Airy, clear, precise, engaging, and "outspoken" in a "pull no punches" way. Back to square one for me? "Whiskey" better on the SF.
Much bigger sound stage over the Sonetto's, by comparison gives the illusion of a larger speaker imo. More echo or ambiance also especially on Give it up.
Terry, thanks for the great demo and all the work you're putting in in order for the demos to sound great, even through YT. I thought I liked the SF better, but after hearing everything the second time, I changed my mind - SFs turned out to be just a bit bright for me at the end. Also,I think the Evoques are handling vocals better.
Going in to the video I thought I will prefer the Dynaudios, but Sonus Fabers has better tone, better decay, and are maybe a bit more transparent. Dynaudio sounds very dry in the mids in comparison. Thanks for the videos Terry! Don't ever stop :-)
Sonetto's sound more 'holographic' to my ear.. not even sure I explained that right.. just seem to sound more like the artist is there on the vocal tracks.
They both are great speakers. Which ever pair you bring home you're going to get a great set of speakers. It's mostly just a matter of personal preference. I would say the Dynaudio Evoke 20s sound more like recording studio monitors, mainly because of Dynaudio company's decades of experience with studio recording equipment. They are accurate and flat. The bass seems to be more pronounced, while the female voice is more subdued, flatter sounding. On the other hand, The Sonus Faber Sonetto IIs seem to be more accentuated in the higher end treble section. Style-wise, again the Evoke 20s look more like studio monitors, while the Sonetto IIs far out style the Dyns and would look more attractive in most home listening rooms. But again it's about personal preference. I was expecting to hear a vast difference between the two speakers, thanks to Mr. Ellis' fantastic listening set up, but the differences in sound quality is very subtle. Both speakers sets sound absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the great work, dedication and passion Mr. Ellis! I know these videos take long hours and hard work to plan, set up, record, and then edit to make a truly professional recording that others can enjoy. Thanks
Sounds very good, especially for the music chosen, which reflects the characteristics of the 2 pairs of speakers well. I have a question though - I once recorded the sound of my Dynaudio BM6A speakers using some music from Eva Cassidy, but CZcams didn't give me credit for the video saying copyright issues even though my purpose is to demo the characteristics of my speakers. So how did you deal with issues of this kind? Thanks a lot!
Both sound good in slightly different ways. The Sonus Faber sounded richer but for strange reason I preferred the Dynaodio Evoke 20 on the Spanish instrumental part, had more upbeat tempo or seemed like it...?
Dynaudio are more rhythmically involving which due to track selection is largely not obvious here. On the slow acoustic pieces Sonus is more studio monitor like with more detail and wins - so if you want to hear every transient from a wailing human voice go for the Sonus. On more up tempo jazz/funk/soul performed by virtuoso musicians (my standard listening fare) the Sonus misses bass dynamics and the Dynaudio wins and wins easily.
Great speakers. I really like soneto II. Italian design over Danish wins for me. Sound wise I cant decide, both sound great. It would be great to add one more Kef r3 meta into equation. The ones in walnut finish. I believe all three are in the same price range.
Los italianos son maestros en causar una buena primera impresión y la Sonus Faber lo demuestra tanto en la estética como en el sonido. Cualquiera de las dos me parecen estupendas en su gama de precios pero me quedo con la Dynaudio para sesiones de escucha medias y largas.
I enjoyer both speakers but I think the music choice played a significant difference. Over all I thought the Dynaudio were cleaner sounding throughout the demo.
I found the Sonetto II's a bit more dynamic from the demo's. I'd have to hear them in my own listening space to really know but this demo presented them as a bit more openly dynamic.
Both are decent speakers but in all honesty I prefer the Sonus Faber Sonetto 2. It has a fuller sound. Next week I will be going to my local hi fi shop to demo the Sonetto 2 and Dali Rubicon 2. One of them will be the winner and I will buy it. I have a gut feeling it's gonna be the Sonus Faber.
Just love the videos Terry. Next week will have new stand mount speakers. I only considered B & W 705s2, Dali Rubicon 2 and of course Sonus Faber Sonetto 2. So far Sonus Faber is the favourite.
G'day Terry for me it's the Dynes that get the win. I tend to agree with some of the other comments here the sonetto's sound a little bright and a but dare I say it fatiguing.The bass was a little bloated at times as well, as opposed to the dynes which sounded beautifully smooth and deep. Can I ask Terry what db level do you set for the test? And with your direct life calibration are you seeing any room gain at around 80 Hz that you're having to pull down? I have a song selection for you it's one I use a lot to test how good a speaker is it's a Dominic Miller track London Paris Cardiff. Be interested in your thoughts in regard to how you find it. Great song for finding how low a speaker can dig and reproduce transiences in low frequencie response. Also the speakers ability to produce good mid-range right in the sweet spot. If this song sounds good on any speaker then it's pretty much a good speaker in my humble opinion.🎧👍🙂
Sonus sounds syrupy. Need to hear how they would handle harshly recorded 80s rock like Journey’s Raised on Radio. It seems Evoke would control those rock guitars better.
I have owned the Sonus Faber Sonetto I for sometimes, it's not a bad speakers, but at times I feel it can be a little bit bright on upper midrange, and less engaging on bass rhythm, not sure you can fix that with gear matching, overall not my cup of tea, lack forgiving soul to me, can't comment on the Dyns, haven't own even one set haha.
Thanks for sharing this. I've been looking for new quality stand mounts for a while and these two I've been considering. What others are going to be in this set ? Interesting seeing how people's perceptions differ - some saying for example Sonetto ii are cleaner and others evoke 20 cleaner. So as everyone seems to have an opinion here is my 2p: Sonetto seems cleaner to me, slightly more forward in the highs. For vocals the evoke 20 sounded better - easier to listen to. Guess it's the mid bass. I would be happy with either. - depends how they would sound in my room.
Sonus gets my big 👍🏼 I don’t even need them yet I want them. Even though pricey I think some sonus floor standers might be on next years shopping list. Maybe with a new amp too.
Both sounded very good for the price, but I do prefer the Dynaudio sound. Especially with much more detail where the Sonetto was just set up behind a curtain, albeit a wafer-thin one. Perhaps you can listen to the Sonetto untiringly for longer in your living room, where the Dynaudio requires all your attention.
Interesting reading the comments . Never going to be the same as listening to equipment live. However I'm guessing the Dyno's have less of their own character, perhaps slightly more expansive sound. Both speakers would be worth an audition, which means they're both good speakers and have something slightly different to offer.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks for an excellent demonstration Terry, which gives enough clarity on you tube to establish if a product is worth an audition.
The Dynaudio are rear ported and might be affected by the placement close to those subwoofers either side of the speakers. My Evoke 20's arrive in three days time. The Sonus Fabers are not rear ported.
Thank you, really appreciate your content! Any thought on a speaker with the warmer midrange of the Sonetto but without the top end bump? I'd like to avoid full range eq but so many popular speakers are tipped up at the top.
Loved the scandroid comparison, only wish it was used in the atc scm11 and Arendal demos. Really would like to know how they compare with this type of music.
Would be interesting to hear how Chris Rea sounds on these. His old songs (as recorded) require a very special type of speaker to sound good. I'm guessing Evoke :-)
To my surprise, Sonus Faber made the dubious choice of wrapping the top of the speaker with leather. What for? It's a speaker, not a car. Also not a fan of the Sonetto tweeter or the aesthetic. Dynaudio was an easy choice.
REMEMBER - No subs are playing all the bass is coming from the speakers, and Bass is the HARDEST thing to record so cut me some slack if its not perfect as I have done my best to give you a proper full range recording with no editing of the sound whatsoever in post production.
Please remember to watch the full reviews of these speakers Evoke 20 czcams.com/video/aeWnk9hyxlw/video.html Sonetto II czcams.com/video/sSY4-nqnumI/video.html
I didn't like any of the tracks very much, Terry, and that didn't help in my evaluation. However, I have to say that for me the Sonus Faber did a better job in injecting some emotion into the music. Overall, it sounded richer, fuller, more involving, more dynamic and with better bass. It even managed to make the first (truly awful) track sound interesting instead of, like on the Dynaudio, a horrible cacophony I couldn't wait to end.
Tell your listeners that I don't think they have very good tastes in music. A track or two from Chris Jones, Christine and the queens, or Marian Hill might have helped. ;-)
@@johncallaghan3097 haha, give that first track/album a proper play on your system John as it's got epic scale and is an intense listen. I really like it Scandroid instrumentals
I agree didn't think too much of the music but then again I'm sure some people loved it 🎧
I like both of these speakers, although each rings different bells. I do have a feeling the Lema amp may be a better match to the more laid back Evoke 20's wich have a creamy richness that is almost mesmerizing on some of the tracks. The Sonetto's much greater detail is vivid and engaging, but approaches being on the over cooked side for me. The Evoke's just evoke a kind of subtle nirvana of sound. Nice demo. Pretty cool and revealing track selecion.
Thank's, Terry
Oops, put my comments in the wrong place. Gotta stop doin' em when I'm half asleep. Nobody agrees with them anyway. 🙄
Both good speakers but to my ears in the demo, the sonetto’s are much more refined, open and clear. They sparkle with inflection and nuance in the mids and highs. The bass detail surprised me too and didn’t seem to be completely outdone by the evokes. Great video as always 👍🏼
Thank you Terry!!I think the Sonetto sounds better more clean sound!!!
The evoke has the type of sound signature in which you can listen to it all day without getting fatigued. The sonetto has the details and transparency that gives you goosebumps. I personally prefer sonetto
You better sleep instead of listening if your concern is fatigue
Funny. I was cross shopping these exact models. The Sonetto I was able to demo in a hi-fi shop, the Evoke's I had to order to hear them. Listening through the Evoke 20's now, and I'm very pleased with them! However, I'm certain I'll pick up a pair of the Sonetto II's in the future as well! Thanks Terry, these comparison series' you do are priceless!
The Sonetto II is a very fun and sparkling speaker, yet I prefer the natural and layed back sound of the Evoke 20. Auditioned them already in person with the same result. Excellent recording quality and song choice Terry!
Which amplifier is driving your Evoke? Do you think Rotel a11 would produce fast, tight bass from Evoke? Can’t spend $3000 on a Yamaha 1200 if that’s what Evoke is calling for.
How would you describe the texture in the music. What I mean is not only the detail but how well each speaker renders the texture of voices, instruments, tones and overtones, etc. Some "audiophile" speakers lock in the music in the center, place instruments in space and all that but some are so rounded all or most of the texture is lost. Even if smoothed and sibilance is controlled, texture seems to lose out all too often. Thanks.
Also, I found Evoke 20 to have a wide soundstage that plays really big, so to speak. Not sure about this with the Sonettos.
I hope you add Kef R3 and Focal Aria 906! Keep up the great reviews!!!
I prefer the Sonus Faber. The Evoke 20 sounds very dry and recessed in comparison. The Sonetto is rich, involving and a bit colored. I could see some people loving the Sonetto.
Perfrctly said. Exactly my opinion.
I think the sonetta sounds clouded, less detailed and a bit too bright.. but then again, what do I know listening via CZcams? Broken record here, but neither of these loudspeakers are showing anything remotely close to what they're capable of. Still, these videos are fun to listen to and read into the comments, but I sure as heck wouldn't put any stock into how they sound on here for a future potential purchase.
@@scaf_007vs3 bit coloured yes but not at all fatiguing. The solution could be using bit dull cables and / or off axis placement.
@@radon222u I'm not a big believer in cables changing the "flavor" of the sound. Yes, I think high quality cables matter, just not in the sense of some audiophiles. I shouldn't have to spend thousands (or even hundreds) to change the sound character when a high quality preamp will already do that for me.
@@scaf_007vs3 primarily the cables should be neutral but we can use the character for final fine tune. Even I am against spending a bomb over cables and depending upon them for sound character. If not all the major character should come from the equipment. Also I am not a big fan of spending tons on exotic acoustic materials. If fundamentals are known then everything can be achieved in a step by step manner, ket it be cables or acoustics.
SF has the liveliest sound, open, clearer, more transparent highs, better bass in both depth and quality (control, definition, clarity) with an overall airier and cleaner sound.
Dynaudio are softer and more relaxed. Less vivid, clear, transparent and detailed.
With a Rotel A11 Tribute, Marantz PM-700N, Nad C 388, Marantz Model 30 I would go with Sonus Faber Sonetto.
With a Naim Supernait 3, Accuphase E-270, Unison Research Unico Primo, I would go with Dynaudio Evoke.
This has got to be the best demo of these speakers on CZcams. Thanks so much.
The evoke 20 give you an emotional and relaxed feel, and my wife has fallen in love with them. The Sonetto are more energetic and have a 'prod you and stay alert and listen, forward feel.'
You have used a 6k amplifier, and that's out of my league, unfortunately. Can I get a similar sound from a Lower cost amp, like the Emotiva BasX TA2 for example. I am using the Eversolo A6, which is great, but won't have that airy lush sound of your equipment, but hopefully close enough.
I value your opinion and advise. All the best
There is a lot of reasons for getting this sound, the amp is just one factor. I couldn't tell you how these might sound in your room on your system, you have to listen at home to see.
I love Dynaudio speakers, but... in this setup Sonetto II sounds better, richer, with better voices, more dinamic, contrast, more lower and high extension... No way, very beautiful loudspeakers!!
Female vocals, and strings, sound like they're happening within-a-box on the Dynaudios. And on the Sonus Fabers they sound like they've escaped the box, which I love.
Cheers.
Yes! I can hear this effect too!
High end stuff...
@@igaldins amazing what comes across on a meager cellphone speaker isn't it! But there's no microphone in the world that can confuse us into making this observation. It's there!
@@beefquiche in the otmar leibert track you would have to be hard of hearing to not pick up on the difference, magic microphone or no magic microphone.
Totally agreed. “Within a box/ escaped the box”. You’ve nailed it.
Thank you for making this comparison demo. After watching your assessment on Sonus Faber Sonetto 2 and this demo, I can make up my mind ordering the Sonus Faber.
Great video, no complaints here. Please keep providing this free and entertaining/informative content. SFs take it here but the Dynaudios are excellent too. Just auditioned the Vs and the 50s yesterday and placed the order for the Sonettos. Only regret is I wish I could have purchased both. Polar opposites, yet both are winners. Sonus Fabers are for digging deep into recordings and losing yourself there while the Dynaudios are just a fantastic casual listen where you can sit back and just enjoy the music. I think that is accurately represented here. The tweeter design of the SF is smart and sounds extremely open, while the bass from the Dynaudios is crazy good. I don't know how they do it, it's superior to most every other floor standing speaker of this size that I've heard.
Happy listening.
I find the Evoke to be more involving musically, and it also has what I think is a more accurate tonality
After much listening to various vinyl from George Benson, Grace Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Rush and Sparks I have finally bought my new speakers. I will admit that both the Rubicon 2 and Sonetto 2 were very good speakers. But the Sonus Faber just pipped the Dali in the end.
I am now waiting for my Sonetto 2 speakers to be delivered.
I would choose Dynaudio. Sonus Faber has some brightness on the high MF and at a volume above average, this will most likely interfere (excessive loudness).
If this highly compressed CZcams sound is anything to go by than Sonus faber Sonetto II wins hands down !
Thank you for all the effort put into this presentation ! Great job ! Well done !
Sonetto II gets my vote, more detail in the acoustic guitar to my ears, maybe because I'm a guitar player.
Thank you for this! Not even close on the song Give You Up. You have to clearly give it up to the Evoke 20. I have a piano in my listening room and I can tell you that's the way it supposed to sound on the Evoke 20. The Sonus sounds almost muffled in comparison.
Both are great speakers, but my subjective preferences are toward the sonetto's. Although Evoke's seems to be more balanced and a bit more neutral, i like the sonetto's air, the space between the instruments, the spicy treble. It's just more engaging, very detailed but not analytical or fatigue
How is inner detail or the textures within the detail you hear? Is it so smoothed over it loses the texture like many speaker lines?
tweeter is def tuned louder on the sonetto
Nice to hear in a store, not for hours at home
Spicy treble, that’s a new one. Do you have any speakers with with a spicy top end. Yes, this one has medium to hot spiciness, or we have this one which is spicy but not too spicy.
Thank you for this channel Terry. An audiophile safe haven indeed.
I agree with Victor. Sonetto II for the win. I absolutely Love Dynaudio however, in my opinion and in this particular shootout, compared to the Sonetto II, the Evoke 20 sounds not just veiled but shrouded.
I will be purchasing the Sonetto II in Wengé finish.
Thank you again Terry and keep ‘em comin!
Yeah I have Dynaudio Focus 160 and looking for a replacement, just too dull.
The Sonettos are better for a strong first impression but the Evokes are more natural/;laidback and will be easier to live with and have longer listening sessions with.
strong impressions are nice when you demo speakers. once you are home this often gets fatiguing
Sonetto all day. I loved the clarity & sparkle… yet they also seemed fuller in the mid range and upper bass… Wow… I didn’t expect that. Evoke 20 is good.. Sonus Faber Sonetto is Exceptional.
This Demo was the key decider for me buying a pair of Sonetto II's ... the thing that drives me crazy about "dynamic" speakers is how recessed the gap between the peak and bass get. The Sonettos in this review were able to shake that "V" shaped sound and project all the way through the lower-highs. Not to mention they have a "Slight" Sepia tint to them. I am running a pretty Sterile amp (Technics SUG700 mk2) and pairing a slightly warm speaker helps them sound more musical.
the sparkling topend of the sonus sounds very fun in a video or demo, but once at home you want a more laidback speaker. thats what i have learned at least last years.
The Sonetto II for me, they sound crisper, more detailed than the Evoke. While the Evoke are good they don't bring the music to life and get me moving like the Sonetto. Great review by the way and love the choices in music.
Great demo not review...
I like the Sonetto sound better. More rich and detailed. better bass response. I am a proud owner of the bigger brother the Sonetto 5
Chris Stapleton - Whiskey and You. Wow, what a fantastic track. I'd never heard it before today.
I’d take the fuller, richer sonus faber
Thanks Terry. I like all the tracks except the last one. The Sonettos would be my pick for instrumental music (clarity, details, realism) by as soon as female vocals are introduced, the Sonettos heavier weighting at high frequencies makes some tracks grating to my ears (especially the last one). So I would put the Evokes as the better all-rounder. Surprisingly, the difference between the bass output capability between these 2 models was not too obvious for me, listening to the sound demo with headphones. I wonder if the difference was more pronounced "in the flesh".
💚🤍❤.. Love the Sonus Faber sound.
I can't believe that I'm writing this but next to the evoke20 the sonetto2 sounds just a little bit fatiguing!
Evoke are more natural and will suite wider music range.
I think with a different amp I would prefer the sonetto but with the Leema the evoke are a winner for me.
I gave it a 2nd listen this morning with monitor earbuds.
The sonetto 2 sounds clearer, more information coming thru but the mid range and upper midrange accent is less natural then the evoke 2.
I think that 3 or 4 years ago I would easily choose the sonettos but today I would choose the evoke for its natural sound.
Great comparison as always. One can actually hear that 7k-10k bump in the sonettos. It's funny that I prefer evoke treble but mid and lows of sonetto. I guess I'm waiting for those Quads you have coming. Thanks
That first track was sensational Terry. For me the Sounus Faber's were clearer, with a bit more sparkle and more dynamic. Dynaudio's seemed a bit dry and lifeless for my liking, especially with the acoustic guitar piece.
Thank for this video.
The whole series about this category of speakers are very well done!!!
Tell us the truth Terry, that first Euro Electronica track had to have been suggested by our man John Darko. That's right down his alley. Thankfully your faithful viewers redeemed themselves with the rest of the tracks suggested. Ottmar Liebert, a truly talented artist. I confess, I did not view the review of these speakers (as I noted at the start of this comparison shootout), but as you know Terry, I'm addicted to your sound demos, they're the best period. The Sonus Faber Sonnetto delivers superior musicality ( transparent, precise, leans to warm). Thanks Terry.
If your not watching this video series Dave mate please feel free to click on each video and hit the thumbs up button if you have nothing else to do of course .... :) Thanks
I ran both review videos fully, and hit liked Terry. I will do the same with the rest of this review series, and definately listen and comment on the sound demos.
As usual, I do share your videos with other audiophiles in other social media platforms.
Top man David thanks very much it really helps !! Thanks again
Really well done! I listened with some neutral in ear monitors and was blown away. I have Dyn's and the Evokes are Dyn's through and through. Wow. I can see why you paired these two. I've got to say, if a sub weren't an option, I would have a much tougher choice. However, if I could drop a sub in with the Faber's, I might be in audiophile heaven. They sound amazing. Liquid. They just wash over you with this highly resolving midrange that just lets vocals suspend in open air. The bass is there, but it's not dropping bombs and distorting the midrange. Astonishing to me, as the Dyn's are known for their amazing midband performance. You've got a new follower. Thanks for this.
Treble sounds forward/fatigueing though
+1 for the SF Sonetto
Only listened on my Samsung earbuds but Sonus sound fuller and have better sound stage. Will come back later after listening on my 660s.
Dyns for me. I have own them so, albeit a couple rungs higher than the evokes, but prefer the cleaner layering and separation across the scale. Where some people hear dry, I hear “clean”. Then I find the sonetto’s a a bit congealed at the bottom and weirdly more razorlike in the treble. My brain would probably get used to either version though after a couple months.,, interesting.
Sonus Faber sound so sweet.
Defiantly wouldn't kick either out of bed excellent comparison keep up the good work 👌
Very interesting. The Sonetto's are brighter and seem to have a more accentuated midrange. The Evokes seem more even and neutral, and have a deeper, more satisfying bass. I usually tend to lean towards brighter, but somehow, I think I preferred the Evokes, particularly on Dune. And I went back and forth several times on Whiskey, and they were both good. May have learned towards the Evokes on that too. So, I don't know. Right now, I'd go with the Evokes.
With it being that close for you a demo of both in real life would make sense right to make sure you made the right call
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Hey, thanks for the prompt response. I'm not really in the market for speakers. I was there around this time last year, and I went with the Jbl Studio 590's, which I love. So I can't wait to listen to Whiskey and You and Dune on those a little later. 🙂 That's one thing I love about some of these demos: they often expose you to songs that you're not familiar with. So thank you, sir! 🙂
@@Larwiz yeah me too I pick up music like that as well :)
Can you review the Dali Rubicon 2 as part of this series? I believe they are very much comparable to these speakers. Thanks!
Need to listen to again, but my immediate response I prefer the Dynaudio. For lack of better terms they sounded more alive more present to me. And that first track, I really like that instrumental. So thanks for that too.
I surprisingly preferred Sonettos.
I'd be so happy with either of the two! Love their sound.
Just a thought - wouldn't it make sense to have 1 reference song that is the same throughout all the videos so we can compare all speakers against each-other?
I agree with people that say sonettos are more clean and sparkle more but to my ear the vocals were more natural on the evoke speaker.
Thank you, very interesting. To be honest they are equally brilliant speakers! Its like japanese vs Argentína wagyu 😀 both are the best !
I started listening with a dryness bias regarding the Evokes. To my surprise they sounded stunning. Airy, clear, precise, engaging, and "outspoken" in a "pull no punches" way. Back to square one for me?
"Whiskey" better on the SF.
They are not dry they are lively and fun
LMAO - .. lol .. Next to those Sonetto 2.. The Evoke sound is muted and lifeless.
Much bigger sound stage over the Sonetto's, by comparison gives the illusion of a larger speaker imo. More echo or ambiance also especially on Give it up.
Never been a fan of SF, and this video did nothing to convince me otherwise. It's the Dyn's for me!
Good test 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Sonetto sounds a little better.
Terry, thanks for the great demo and all the work you're putting in in order for the demos to sound great, even through YT.
I thought I liked the SF better, but after hearing everything the second time, I changed my mind - SFs turned out to be just a bit bright for me at the end. Also,I think the Evoques are handling vocals better.
Going in to the video I thought I will prefer the Dynaudios, but Sonus Fabers has better tone, better decay, and are maybe a bit more transparent. Dynaudio sounds very dry in the mids in comparison. Thanks for the videos Terry! Don't ever stop :-)
Sonetto's sound more 'holographic' to my ear.. not even sure I explained that right.. just seem to sound more like the artist is there on the vocal tracks.
Both sound excellent. Slight preference for the Evokes ( I think!). Looking forward to the rest of the speakers in this group!
Sonus faber #1 for me
I really like the music tracks played here. Going to add to my collection.
Indeed..what was the first one?
They both are great speakers. Which ever pair you bring home you're going to get a great set of speakers. It's mostly just a matter of personal preference. I would say the Dynaudio Evoke 20s sound more like recording studio monitors, mainly because of Dynaudio company's decades of experience with studio recording equipment. They are accurate and flat. The bass seems to be more pronounced, while the female voice is more subdued, flatter sounding. On the other hand, The Sonus Faber Sonetto IIs seem to be more accentuated in the higher end treble section. Style-wise, again the Evoke 20s look more like studio monitors, while the Sonetto IIs far out style the Dyns and would look more attractive in most home listening rooms. But again it's about personal preference.
I was expecting to hear a vast difference between the two speakers, thanks to Mr. Ellis' fantastic listening set up, but the differences in sound quality is very subtle. Both speakers sets sound absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the great work, dedication and passion Mr. Ellis! I know these videos take long hours and hard work to plan, set up, record, and then edit to make a truly professional recording that others can enjoy. Thanks
Neither of these speakers measure anything like that flat in frequency response, - see my reviews for their in my room measurements
The Sonetta would be welcomed by my wife😂. The Evoke looks like a studiomonitor
They sure are close to each other. Maybe the sonus has a little more body and depth. Great job thanks.
That first section of music was brilliant Terry. Tel me what it is please. Great channel..!!
Sounds very good, especially for the music chosen, which reflects the characteristics of the 2 pairs of speakers well. I have a question though - I once recorded the sound of my Dynaudio BM6A speakers using some music from Eva Cassidy, but CZcams didn't give me credit for the video saying copyright issues even though my purpose is to demo the characteristics of my speakers. So how did you deal with issues of this kind? Thanks a lot!
I get the same copyright claim against the video where any revenue made goes to the copyright owners of the music used
Both sound good in slightly different ways. The Sonus Faber sounded richer but for strange reason I preferred the Dynaodio Evoke 20 on the Spanish instrumental part, had more upbeat tempo or seemed like it...?
Dynaudio are more rhythmically involving which due to track selection is largely not obvious here. On the slow acoustic pieces Sonus is more studio monitor like with more detail and wins - so if you want to hear every transient from a wailing human voice go for the Sonus. On more up tempo jazz/funk/soul performed by virtuoso musicians (my standard listening fare) the Sonus misses bass dynamics and the Dynaudio wins and wins easily.
Sonus is more syrupy. Would it produce sibilance on treble-harsh 80s rock music? I think Dynaudios would control 80s rock guitars better.
Sonus sounds as lively as my Dynaudio Emit10s -when I switch on the Schiit equalizer in my system.
Great speakers. I really like soneto II. Italian design over Danish wins for me. Sound wise I cant decide, both sound great. It would be great to add one more Kef r3 meta into equation. The ones in walnut finish. I believe all three are in the same price range.
Sonetto II's all the way for me.
Los italianos son maestros en causar una buena primera impresión y la Sonus Faber lo demuestra tanto en la estética como en el sonido. Cualquiera de las dos me parecen estupendas en su gama de precios pero me quedo con la Dynaudio para sesiones de escucha medias y largas.
I enjoyer both speakers but I think the music choice played a significant difference. Over all I thought the Dynaudio were cleaner sounding throughout the demo.
I found the Sonetto II's a bit more dynamic from the demo's. I'd have to hear them in my own listening space to really know but this demo presented them as a bit more openly dynamic.
Hmmm, I think I prefer my desktop to my cell phone. Excellent sampling!
Both are decent speakers but in all honesty I prefer the Sonus Faber Sonetto 2. It has a fuller sound.
Next week I will be going to my local hi fi shop to demo the Sonetto 2 and Dali Rubicon 2. One of them will be the winner and I will buy it. I have a gut feeling it's gonna be the Sonus Faber.
Perfect approach, demo a short list armed with the credit card ready to pounce and purchase 😀
Just love the videos Terry.
Next week will have new stand mount speakers. I only considered B & W 705s2, Dali Rubicon 2 and of course Sonus Faber Sonetto 2. So far Sonus Faber is the favourite.
@@davidmcdougall1825what did you buy, happy?
G'day Terry for me it's the Dynes that get the win. I tend to agree with some of the other comments here the sonetto's sound a little bright and a but dare I say it fatiguing.The bass was a little bloated at times as well, as opposed to the dynes which sounded beautifully smooth and deep. Can I ask Terry what db level do you set for the test? And with your direct life calibration are you seeing any room gain at around 80 Hz that you're having to pull down?
I have a song selection for you it's one I use a lot to test how good a speaker is it's a Dominic Miller track London Paris Cardiff. Be interested in your thoughts in regard to how you find it. Great song for finding how low a speaker can dig and reproduce transiences in low frequencie response. Also the speakers ability to produce good mid-range right in the sweet spot. If this song sounds good on any speaker then it's pretty much a good speaker in my humble opinion.🎧👍🙂
Sonus sounds syrupy. Need to hear how they would handle harshly recorded 80s rock like Journey’s Raised on Radio. It seems Evoke would control those rock guitars better.
I have owned the Sonus Faber Sonetto I for sometimes, it's not a bad speakers, but at times I feel it can be a little bit bright on upper midrange, and less engaging on bass rhythm, not sure you can fix that with gear matching, overall not my cup of tea, lack forgiving soul to me, can't comment on the Dyns, haven't own even one set haha.
Thanks for sharing this. I've been looking for new quality stand mounts for a while and these two I've been considering. What others are going to be in this set ?
Interesting seeing how people's perceptions differ - some saying for example Sonetto ii are cleaner and others evoke 20 cleaner.
So as everyone seems to have an opinion here is my 2p:
Sonetto seems cleaner to me, slightly more forward in the highs.
For vocals the evoke 20 sounded better - easier to listen to. Guess it's the mid bass.
I would be happy with either. - depends how they would sound in my room.
Sonus gets my big 👍🏼 I don’t even need them yet I want them. Even though pricey I think some sonus floor standers might be on next years shopping list. Maybe with a new amp too.
For once I won't choose the Dynaudio's, the Sonus Faber are much more open and more forward.
sonus che meraviglia the Middle and aeriose trebble.... Wooowww👍
Great and honest work Terry!!Do you have a pair of Quad Z2 waiting in this group??? Thanks and cheers!!!!
Seems to me the Dyn Evokes were much easier to listen 2. Luckily there is a dealer near me that sell both.
Both sounded very good for the price, but I do prefer the Dynaudio sound. Especially with much more detail where the Sonetto was just set up behind a curtain, albeit a wafer-thin one. Perhaps you can listen to the Sonetto untiringly for longer in your living room, where the Dynaudio requires all your attention.
Wow those Sonetto's blow the Danes out of the water! This vid will save me auditioning the Dyn's, way too dry.
Agreed. Also obviously congested with the Dynaudio.
Sonus Faber Sonetto is the king
Interesting reading the comments . Never going to be the same as listening to equipment live. However I'm guessing the Dyno's have less of their own character, perhaps slightly more expansive sound. Both speakers would be worth an audition, which means they're both good speakers and have something slightly different to offer.
Thats exactly right - they both have a distinct stregnth but only a weaker point in a direct comparison which is how someone should choose :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks for an excellent demonstration Terry, which gives enough clarity on you tube to establish if a product is worth an audition.
Sonus Faber Sonetto II all day!!!
Когда звучит на динах вокал, то это отпад, насколько живо и увлекательно...
The Dynaudio are rear ported and might be affected by the placement close to those subwoofers either side of the speakers.
My Evoke 20's arrive in three days time.
The Sonus Fabers are not rear ported.
Thank you, really appreciate your content! Any thought on a speaker with the warmer midrange of the Sonetto but without the top end bump? I'd like to avoid full range eq but so many popular speakers are tipped up at the top.
Could you do a video between the arendel and the sonus? It seems most like the sound of the sonus faber but the arendel was best in the test.
Arendal was thr speaker I felt was thr best but you might prefer the sonus which is fine and what it's all about
Loved the scandroid comparison, only wish it was used in the atc scm11 and Arendal demos. Really would like to know how they compare with this type of music.
People moaned about it so can’t win either way you go with a music demo
The Evokes for me thanks. Cant take the Italians treble,, 😬!
Cheers and thanks again Terry,, 🍻😎👍!!!
Would be interesting to hear how Chris Rea sounds on these. His old songs (as recorded) require a very special type of speaker to sound good. I'm guessing Evoke :-)
Sonetto clearly winner for me. More open and bigger sound stage
wow, Radiohead through those Evoke 20s.
I cant deceide between Emit 20 , Evoke 20 & Audiovector QR1
Special 40 ;) youll be amazed.
@@loplan4581 Indeed. Or, even better still..Heritage Specials, perhaps!? Albeit, just a taaaad more coin ;) Amazing, however.
Evoke works controls rock guitars better.
Have you heard the Quad Z2? If so, how would you compare them to the Sonetto II?
too much treble from sonetto, fuller vocal on evoke
I’m a huge Dyn fan, but sonus faber won this round fair and square
To my surprise, Sonus Faber made the dubious choice of wrapping the top of the speaker with leather. What for? It's a speaker, not a car. Also not a fan of the Sonetto tweeter or the aesthetic. Dynaudio was an easy choice.
Evoke 20 all the way! They are better than Sonetto 2