Magico V2 vs. Sonus Faber Cremona M

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.

The DeVore Fidelity Reference Silverbacks (at $16.8K) should be on anyone's audition list for speakers retailing under $25K. They excel in all of the OP's sonic goals and they are a relatively easy speaker to drive. They also excel in the very important "you are there" category. The only speaker that I have heard that beats them in the "you are there" category, the Shindo Latour's, cost $48K. John DeVore is a musical genius. You hear the proof every time you listen to the Silverbacks.

Here's another interesting observation re the Silverbacks. I have never seen a used pair for sale, here or elsewhere. Think about that and draw your own conclusion! ;->

Enjoy the ride!

Hulskof, I know my Primares won't be up to the task. That's why I mentioned I intend to upgrade the amp and source after getting the speakers. I'm only using the Primares to audition them since I'm familiar with the sound. This way I can tell which speakers I prefer. Not a good way? Should I get my amp first then?

Rtn1 and Cmalak, I live in Malaysia. Most, if not all, hifi stuff are sold in KL, the capital city. I live in another city which is 200km away. The reason I'm narrowing down to 2 choices is it's very inconvenient and tiring to audition equipment in my country because different brands are sold by different dealers. I will have to visit 2 different dealers to listen to the Magico V2 and SF Cremona M. Another dealer yet again if I want to listen to Thiel as well. I will probably need to take a week off and stay in KL to properly audition all of them.

I arrived at these 2 choices based on what is said in reviews that I think might give me the sound I'm looking for.

I think Rockport and Devore Fidelity are not available in Malaysia.

Thanks Brian, that's comforting. Any other besides Luxman and the ones I named?