Chario (passive) vs Edifier (active) vs Sonus Faber (active)

[mike1986]

Hey folks, I need to ask for your advice, suggestions, and ideas 🙂 I'd like to take my home audio setup to the next level and replace my current Edifier S3000Pro + Audiolab 6000N Play setup with something with a wider soundstage, deeper and faster bass, and better instrument separation. I basically have three setups that always have to include Tidal streaming. My budget is $4,000.

1. Sonus Faber Duetto as active speakers, without any extras, because they already have everything I need, including Tidal streaming. Cost is around $4,000.

2. Airpulse A300 Pro + Bluesound Node Icon. Cost is around $3,000.

3. Chario Constellation DELPHINUS MKII or Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 + one of the amplifiers below (though most are out of my budget).
- NAD M10 v3 - my favorite in this set
- NAD C 700 v2
- Cambridge Audio Evo 150SE
- Marantz Model 40n

The room is approximately 35m² and I have no space for floorstanding speakers. Which of these systems makes the most sense? And why?

Thanks in advance!

 

[daytona600]

Harbeth NLE-1 + Chord Qutest

 

[mike1986]

Harbeth NLE-1 + Chord Qutest

The Harbeth NLE-1 is not available in my market. Furthermore, this set does not support Tidal streaming.
And would they need Chord Qutest?

 

[gasolin]

I can say as much as a pair Sonus Faber Duetto in denmark don't come close to $4000

$3100 for a pair or $3450 ish for a pair

 

[mike1986]

I can say as much as a pair Sonus Faber Duetto in denmark don't come close to $4000

$3100 for a pair

I wish we have this price here in Poland. $4000 is after discount. Regular price is $5000.

 

[nopiano]

I love Sonus faber but the powered wireless Duetto don’t seem to have inspired any particularly passionate reviews. And the used ones I’ve seen are heftily discounted, which makes me wary.

The only ‘system’ I’ve heard that approximates to your requirements is the Kef LS50 Wireless, which needs no external streamer or amp, and only needs your phone or tablet. Plus you can add an external device like a CD player should you wish to.

Can you hear any of these systems, because they are likely quite different in character and usability. If you like the KEFs, please budget for the matching stands.

KEF LS50 Wireless II review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winner. An innovative and entertaining sequel

www.whathifi.com

 

[mike1986]

I love Sonus faber but the powered wireless Duetto don’t seem to have inspired any particularly passionate reviews. And the used ones I’ve seen are heftily discounted, which makes me wary.

The only ‘system’ I’ve heard that approximates to your requirements is the Kef LS50 Wireless, which needs no external streamer or amp, and only needs your phone or tablet. Plus you can add an external device like a CD player should you wish to.

Can you hear any of these systems, because they are likely quite different in character and usability. If you like the KEFs, please budget for the matching stands.

KEF LS50 Wireless II review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winner. An innovative and entertaining sequel

www.whathifi.com

Thanks for the opinion! I attribute the Duetto's lack of success to the fact that, at this price, any audio enthusiast will choose passive speakers for greater system control and the ability to experiment with different amplifiers.

I considered KEF, but I have the distinct impression that their sound is very muffled and heavy, with the low end overshadowing the entire treble. But that's just my impression based on listening to several YouTube videos with good headphones. I just don't understand their enormous success 🙂

 

[nopiano]

Thanks for the opinion! I attribute the Duetto's lack of success to the fact that, at this price, any audio enthusiast will choose passive speakers for greater system control and the ability to experiment with different amplifiers.

I considered KEF, but I have the distinct impression that their sound is very muffled and heavy, with the low end overshadowing the entire treble. But that's just my impression based on listening to several YouTube videos with good headphones. I just don't understand their enormous success 🙂

Well I can tell you that’s not representative of the KEF at all. I owned the passive LS50s and they are very even handed. I’m sure some get paired with inadequate amps, but the actives obviously don’t have that issue. They also have a limited room EQ to adjust for placement. Funnily enough, I nearly said above that you might want a subwoofer, but I wanted to be succinct!

However, it’s impossible to gauge how speakers will sound in your home via YouTube and headphones, however well intentioned the presenter is.

 

[mike1986]

Ok, so I will put them on my list and listen in some store, if available. However, I don't have a place for the extra subwoofer 😔

 

[Jasonovich]

I like your choice of active speakers, you could match it with Eversolo Transport streamer T8 with the new Gustard R30 R2R then I saw the price, holly molly!
Mind you, the R30 is a streaming DAC, adding the T8 is a bit excessive, adding a DAC without the streaming probably best, such as the Denafrips venus ii or if this exceeds your budget downscale to Denafrips enyo 15th.

In Berlin for review: Gustard’s R30 R2R streaming DAC | Darko.Audio

Roon, AirPlay, Spotify, UPnP and HQPlayer meet a 27-bit R2R DAC module.

darko.audio

歌诗德官网 | DAC-R30

www.gustard.com

 

[mike1986]

yeah, quite pricey... 😱

 

[MUSICRAFT]

OP Devialet's new Phantom Ultimate 98 dB full range active wireless streaming speakers are also worth a look.

 

[mike1986]

Wow, these looks pretty awasome! On the list now!

 

[Jasonovich]

Music doesn't have to go at Snails Pace 😂

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[jjbomber]

The Harbeth NLE-1 is not available in my market. Furthermore, this set does not support Tidal streaming.
And would they need Chord Qutest?

This is how the forum works! You ask for a), b), or c) and the reply is always d)