I have owned them for close to a year. Everyone is different, but I find them the perfect speaker for me. I had taken advantage of the trial periods for a few others- Reference3a Grand Veena, Zu Audio Definition Mk2, and a Tyler Acoustics model I don't recall. I say this to let you know I have tried others before settling in to these.
The Crescendos are a full 'meat on the bones' presentation, and they produce NO listening fatigue whatsoever. The midrange is pure and grain free, the highs sweet and not at all agressive. I hear no discontinuity between drivers, though I admit I listen more to the music than to the 'sound.' When I have audiophiles over, or want the last word in imaging and high end openness, the grilles need to come off, as the manual states. But the difference is not huge.
As far as positioning goes, they are not too finicky. Mine are in my living room, therefore I don't have them as far from the walls as might be acceptable by audiophile standards, but they still image and soundstage well.
I like to listen at the loud end of reality, 90-100db at times, and they play along nicely and just make you want to listen more.
If I had one nit to pick regarding them, I feel that the grille mounting scheme is not worthy of a $14,000
speaker.
FWIW, I use an LSA Signature amplifier, Bryston BCD-1 player, and VPI Classic as components.
I am by no means a reviewer, so I probably left some things out that are of interest. Feel free to ask any questions.
Jim
