Magico V2 vs. Sonus Faber Cremona M

Hi guys, many thanks for your responses. It's a great feeling to have when one gets such prompt responses :o)

I do intend to listen to them personally. Just wanted some feedback in case I can't make up my mind between the two. Then there's the Thiel CS3.7 to consider as well.

It seems that most are in favour of the Magico V2, which I am also more inclined towards.

My current set-up consists of Primare I30 amp + CD31 cdp combo and PMC FB1i floorstanders. I intend to lug my Primares, i/c and speaker cables along to audition the speakers. After I got the speakers, then I'll change the amp and finally the source. Is this the correct route to take?

Speaking of amps, which amp would bring out the best from the Magico V2? That said, I favour integrated amps. I know integrated amps are looked upon with disdain by some audiophiles but I just love the convenience of a one-boxer. I also get to save on interconnects and power cords. I have a few in mind - Plinius 9200 (200W into 8 ohms), Pass Labs INT-150 (150W into 8 ohms), Boulder 865.

What do you guys think?

I don't know about the Magico, but you can forget about the Primare being able to decently drive the Cremona's. In fact, the Cremona's are much harder to drive than is thought. And no, I'm not talking about the old Cremona's, that are even more a pain in the butt to make them sing. I'm refering to the Cremona M, which I've heard on many amplifiers and it never sounded bad, but it never sounded great either. Until I heard them on a Naim combo NAC252/NAP300/Supercap. That was the first and only time I truely heard them excell in all areas. Forget your Primare. It's not half good enough. I even doubt the rest of your suggested amps have it in them to create magic with the Cremona M.

Jtein, where do you live and what are the costs of those speakers. I ask because factors such as currency conversion and import costs can go in favor or against you.

How did you decide upon those 2 speakers? There are many to consider within that price range. Those speakers are almost at opposite ends of the spectrum. Maybe you should be auditioning more. I would think at least 5 should be considered for serious auditioning. I have nothing against those choices, but it is good to make an informed decision.

With regards to Rtn1's suggestion to expand your auditioning beyond the Magico V2s and the Cremona Ms (and the Thiel 3.7s I guess), I would like to suggest you add the Rockport Mira (~$16.5K in the US) to your list because I think it ticks off every single sonic attribute you listed. I currently have the Thiel 2.4s and have heard the 3.7s which are excellent (and I really do like the Thiel house sound unlike some others) but when my finances allow, my next speaker is going to be the Rockport Miras. If you are able to audition them, i would strongly recommend it. As for Hulskof's comments about the amp-speaker match, I totally agree that for all the speakers listed (certainly the Miras, V2s and the 3.7s but I guess also the Cremona Ms) you will need an abundance of clean high quality power and finding it in an integrated package is hard. Your Primare is not up to the task but I would think some of the ones you listed at least are a good starting point (I have not heard any of them). I would look at models that are more in the 200+wpc into 8ohms and that truly double as impedance halves. Good luck.

No need to make an "excuse" for prefering an integrated amp as there are many fine choices out there, I also like their convenience and simplicity. Consider Luxman as well, they make excellent integrated amps.