NAD M2 with Sonus Faber Cremona Ms

I'm totally fine looking at used gear in that price range, that's how I ended up with the Cremona M, I got a good used deal. Eventually I do want to get better electronics but right now the $2,500 price range is all the budget can afford. I may end up waiting a while till I can afford something more.

Nothing wrong with price of amp vs. price of speakers as long as it has enough current capabilities. I drive Aeria 10's with Sunfire SRA amp bought NIB $450 for introductory price. Now would think twice before selling it for twice as much.

You might want to look at the HK 990. This is definitely a horse of a different color, as it has extensive digital signal processing capabilities (including room correction, bass management for subwoofers, and an internal DAC). It also has a Citation derived power amp section that should do well with Cremonas.

This unit can be had new for under $2k and, particularly if you use strictly digital source material, offers a lot of bang for the buck.

Marty

Some used options for integrateds currently for sale here

Ayre Ax7e - Ayre is usually a good match with SF

BAT V300x

Conrad Johnson CA200

The Ayre does not have as high a power rating, but may do fine. You might want to find a Ayre/Cremona dealer and ask for some advice. They are a pretty common combination. At 91 dB, the M is pretty efficient.

I have not heard any of these with the Cremona M, so am just making some general suggestions. The NAD may be OK, but I would also look at some of the used options.

The speakers are very much better than the amp....