8 ohm speaker that sounds like sonus faber

More importantly, which Sonus Faber?

The old SF designs were MUCH, MUCH warmer than the recent desings. I own the old Minuettos and the more modern Cremonas. The former are examples of the old SF sound (rolled off at the extremes with a mid-bass hump). The latter are a more nuetral, extended, modern sounding high end speaker and are representative of what I've heard from all the recent SF designs I've had the chance to check out - specifically including the stand mounted monitors.

So you've got to specify which one prefer before anyone can make an informed recommendation for you.

Marty

You could also look at Verity (Parsifal Encore, in my case) which is a little warmer and less extended than the Cremona, but overall barks up a similar tree. Not quite the same, but in the same neighborhood. The Parsifal Encore isn't a super easy load, but most 70wpc tube amps should work well.

I currently both own Parsifal Encores and Cremonas so my opinion is based on long experience with both speakers in my own home. Doesn't mean you'll agree with my assessment, but -if you like the Cremonas - I suspect that you'd be pretty happy with the choice.

Marty

Fjn,

As I noted, the P/Es aren't a super easy load.

However, I've successfully run the P/Es with 55wpc Cary 805 SET amps for over 10 years. In fact, the P/Es were demo'd at the dealer (Sound by Singer in NYC) with these amps. Now, this is a pricey SET amp, but an SET, nonetheless, and, as such, not exactly insensitive to the load they face. I've also had no issue running the P/Es with PrimaLuna 7 tube amps, similarly rated. Rooms sizes (there have been several over the years) have ranged up to the moderately large (14x23x17' cathedral ceiling at the largest). I listen fairly loud at times - and my taste runs to some fairly full range program material.

Bottom line, I agree that the P/E is a modestly tough load - it ate up the 30wpc Atmasphere S-30 and the smaller Cary 300B monos. However, it will work well with most 70wpc tube amps, in most rooms, with most material at most listening levels - at least IME.

Having said all that - the Fidelio Encore might well be a better call for the OP's needs. I really only referenced the P/E because it's the model I own - and know best. I've briefly heard the F/E at a local dealer and agree that it shares the family sound that I was recommending to the OP. It's cheaper, as well.

However, the P/E has diminished in-room output below 40hz (as measured in my room), while the loudspeaker that the OP references (SF Cremona) gets closer to 30hz in the same space. Not a big deal for most music, but.....

While I've never measured the F/E in my room (never had a pair in there), I'd suspect that it trades away even more deep bass response. Therefore I'd guess that it moves a bit further away from "sounding like" the Cremona.

Ah,...trade-offs. Isn't it always that way.

Marty