NAD M2 with Sonus Faber Cremona Ms

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....

I would look at Musical Fidelity as well. I had the M6i integrated driving my SF Auditors and I thought it sounded great! Very organic. Some of the older MF amps and integrated can be found on here for a very reasonable price.

I find it interesting that the NAD amp's "goodness" is being measured by its price tag. This is ridiculous. It is either a good amp with good specs. and sufficient current to drive the speakers or it isn't, the price is irrelevant...

-RW-