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Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors or Olympica I

I am looking to buy a pair of Sonus Faber monitors to go in my living room, a less than ideal listening space. On the used market the cost of a pair of newer Olympica I are slightly more than the cost of the older Cremona (or Cremona M) Auditors. Right now I have a pair of full-size Liutos that I really like but I think they’re a little too big for the space. My associated equipment is all PS Audio (Memory Player transport, DSD DAC, BHK Preamp, BHK amp).

I am looking for recommendations/insights into the strengths and weaknesses of one vs the other. My understanding is that the Olympica is a different sound from the Cremonas. Some have said that the Cremonas sound a lot like the Guarneri Mementos at half the price. I listen mostly to jazz and vocalists (Sinatra, Bobby Short, Diana Krall, James Taylor, etc.)

Thanks!
ihmeyers
ihmeyers OP
83 posts
 
If it was the Cello it's quite a bit more $$$ than the Cremona @ $18k.  The Cello is a floor mount.  Maybe you saw the Violin which is stand-mounted.  That's not cheap either at $8500.

Whether they are value or not is another matter but I've heard they sound great.  I think you also have to factor in that if the company went belly-up the resale value would get crushed especially compared to SF that holds up pretty well in the secondary market.  Since I swap in and out of equipment frequently I think about things like that a lot more than I used to.
ps
747 posts
 
For me, having lived and worked in Italy some years ago, Sonus Faber has a certain romantic quality and hence, great appeal. Call me a bit of an Italophile (is that even a word?) but Italians sure know how to design and craft some gorgeous things. A side benefit is that SF speakers have excellent resale value, which is one of your concerns.

I owned a pair of highly-regarded floorstanding speakers for many years, and although they sounded pretty good or better, depending on the room, I could never get over how "homely" they looked. :) I finally sold them for a fraction of what I paid for them, even after I spent a lot to have them upgraded.  My next speakers were Sonus Faber Liutos.  A weight had been lifted.  :)
ihmeyers OP
83 posts
 
Almost embarrassed to admit that the look of a speaker is nearly as important as the sound to me, especially in my main set-up in a living room surrounded by art deco furniture.

I have a pair of Liutos in there now,  Very high WAF for floor-standers but she would prefer monitors.  I'm also getting to the age where we'll downsize our residence (we're now empty nesters) and monitors are just easier to find space for.
ps
747 posts
 
ihmeyers,
There’s nothing to be "almost embarrassed" about. :) Beautiful design enhances our lives in many ways. That you now own a pair of Liutos clearly indicates that you "get it." :)
excelit
11 posts
 
ihmeyers,
Yes it was the violins I listened to. There's a cherry finish listed for $3690 with free shipping. Sounds very inviting as a deal.
I have to say it sounded smoother than the auditors. Don't get me wrong, I love my auditors, but I think the violins with its ribbon tweeters and 8 inch mid woofers do sound more "effortless". and sound more full range than the auditors. However, I believe I don't think I can shoehorn the violin into my small listening room (11 x 12 x 9) as I did my auditors
The only drawback is that it does not have the brand recognition and is made in a country not widely know for building high end speakers.
BUT if sound is all that matters.....
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