Magico V2 vs. Sonus Faber Cremona M

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?

Jtein...good luck auditioning and enjoy the hunt. Let us know how you make out. Take care

Jtein, Your situation is complicated but not uncommon. I recommend you pick the speaker before the amp. Not sure if bringing the Primares along to audition is good or bad. Sure, you may know the sound of your amp well enough, but then are you really hearing the speaker with the proper synergy? If you cannot upgrade the amp for another 1-2 years, then go ahead and bring it.

Do take off some time to audition. You need to be very goal-focused. For example, I absolutely had to have a speaker that reproduced the scale of a large performance. I would not upgrade without that condition being met. All speakers have strengths and weaknesses. Musical priorities will help make decisions.

Call each place and make an appointment. Inquire as to what they carry, and ask them to set-up before you arrive. Be sure the equipment is on for several hours before you arrive. That way, you could spend 1-2 hours at each place. Listen to music you like, not sounds or highlights that impress. Some speakers need 5 minutes of auditioning to exclude. If you stay overnight, go back and listen to your top 2 for several hours straight. Tell the dealer what you are doing and get your prices. Come back home, do research, ask Audiogon again, and pull the trigger. Have fun.