Magico V2 vs. Sonus Faber Cremona M

I agree with Branislav...make a day out of it and enjoy the auditions. Take some music you are familiar with so you can formulate accurate impressions about each speaker. As for the comparison, I have heard both, and to me, the Magico V2 is a much more accurate and tonally balanced speaker. The Cremonas are warmer but less resolving and to my ears not as extended in the highs. The V2s are the more accurate and balanced speaker. The Cremona Ms are the more romantic lush speaker. I also find the V2s to be the faster more rythmically engaging speaker vs the Cremonas. Also keep in mind there is a big price difference between the 2 speakers (V2: ~$18Kish vs. Cremona: ~$12Kish). Also there seems to be a lot more Cremonas for sale on Agon either brand new or in good condition used for a considerable discount). Keep in mind you can add a little warmth/texture to the V2s with the type of amplification you use while similarly you can tighten up things with the Cremona a bit with the type of amplification. What do you plan on using with either speaker in terms of the rest of your system. That should be a major consideration in terms of which speaker you chose as well. Good luck.

With regards to Rtn1's suggestion to expand your auditioning beyond the Magico V2s and the Cremona Ms (and the Thiel 3.7s I guess), I would like to suggest you add the Rockport Mira (~$16.5K in the US) to your list because I think it ticks off every single sonic attribute you listed. I currently have the Thiel 2.4s and have heard the 3.7s which are excellent (and I really do like the Thiel house sound unlike some others) but when my finances allow, my next speaker is going to be the Rockport Miras. If you are able to audition them, i would strongly recommend it. As for Hulskof's comments about the amp-speaker match, I totally agree that for all the speakers listed (certainly the Miras, V2s and the 3.7s but I guess also the Cremona Ms) you will need an abundance of clean high quality power and finding it in an integrated package is hard. Your Primare is not up to the task but I would think some of the ones you listed at least are a good starting point (I have not heard any of them). I would look at models that are more in the 200+wpc into 8ohms and that truly double as impedance halves. Good luck.

Jtein...good luck auditioning and enjoy the hunt. Let us know how you make out. Take care

Jtein...like Hulskof said. It is a very personal thing. Some people will pay up big for a 5% improvement and others will only pay up for a metrial improvement. The only way to find out is to hear for yourself and decide whether the upgrade is worth your while. I am not familiar with the PMC speakers so I cannot advise you there. It could be that you could squeeze out a lot more from your PMC's if you upgrade the amplification and/or source. I would take a day or two and go to KL and listen to the speakers you were originally considering. If you don't think it's a big improvement, you can ask the dealers for suggestions as to how to fine tune enhance your system with your PMCs. I am sure in that scenario they will allow you to audition at home better amps/source/cabling etc...Just a thought. Good luck.