Acoustic Zen Crescendo

grannyring, the M60 did a very nice job for all but Rock n Roll 98 dB blasting music. I listen to 90% jazz and had no problem. Yes the Veritas drives them without breaking a sweat but can lack some of the liveleness of the M60's.

sksos1,
I can believe that the 60 watt Atmasphere mono blocks overall outperform the more powerful Merrill with the exception of playing very loud rock music. As you note, some high power amplifiers can lack liveliness. I’ve heard this result more than a few times at shows and demonstratons. Despite the impressive power available, there can be "at times"  a flat and uninvolving sound. Increasing the volume doesn’t eradicate the issue.

I’ve heard these speakers on 4 occasions driven by the 50 watt Triode Corp TRX 845 PSET in generous sized rooms and the presentation was truly superb! My 8 watt SET wouldn’t be my first choice with the Crescendos, but 50 to 60 "high quality " watts should be quite a fine match. Emphasis on quality watts. Sorry to hear about your experience with AZ selling direct and undercutting you. Too bad.
Charles

Just  a thought, Viva Auroras seldom appear on the used market  (I can understand why). A pair of these would make the Cresendo sing to the heavenly angels above in my opinion.  

Wig uses the Line Magnetic 508ia an  805 SET 48 watts and says they're the best amplifier he has heard on the Cresendo. Quality!
Charles 

LM 508 IA drives the Crescendo's beautifully and 48 SET Watts is more than enough for the music I listen to: Classical Guitar, Cello, Violin and various string instruments.

It's so involving that it keeps me up until almost midnight every night...

Wig
: o)