Sonus Faber fans: Liuto vs. Cremona Auditor M?

I was in the same boat 8 months ago. I went in looking at the Luito also. The offers being given on the Cremona M Auditors was just too good to pass up. I bought the M Auditors/stands/REL B2 sub base system for $6500 new out-the-door. I had the Auditor Ms a few weeks before the REL arrived. The midrange is exquisite, but the bass output is unbelievable for a 6" driver. I think I could have been happy without the REL, but now is not the time to second-guess my choice. The Cremona Ms (floor stander) couls have been had for around $9000. Having listend to both the Luito and Auditor Ms extensively I felt the Cremonas were much smoother in the top end, silky midrange and tighter bass than the Luitos. The finish on the Auditors was so much more elegant than the Luitos. Keep in mind you will need great equipment for the cremona line - no AVRs or big-box store electronics. I am using McIntosh C2300 pre, MC252 amp, Rega P7 TT, Rotel RC-1072 CDP.

Miner, thank you very much for your detailed respose. I would be buying the floor standing cremoras. I have been using Pathos integrated the last two years mono-blocked with ny concertos. I have been very happy with that combo and have heard the cremora ms with the patohos and like it very much. Obviously, the Liutos are cheaper, thus my question. I haven't been able to hear the both together. You have been a big help.

Months... almost a year since this original post... does this still ring true for everyone? I just purchased a pair of Liuto's with the potential to own the Cremona M auditor's in graphite (a beautiful color). Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

For the record the Liuto's sound amazing... are the Cremona M's that much sweeter?

Thanks in advance...

Simply - yes. There is a much more audible difference between the Auditor Ms and Luitos that there is between the Auditor Ms and Guareni Momentos - IMHO of course. With that said I plan on upgrading to the GMs when funds allow.

The Cremona's have since found a new home in my listening space... and all I can say is "wow." Detailed but retaining musicality throughout. Less warm than the Liuto's but that may also be because the Cremona M Auditor's utilize free-space and sound much more open than the Liuto's.

Oh well... next stop; Guarneri... :)