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Mcintosh MA6900 v Krell 400xi for S F Cremona

What do you folks recommend for driving the floor standing Sonus Faber Cremona speakers ?

I am a reletive audio-novice building a system from the ground up. I have opted for the Sonus Faber Cremonas and now have to choose a system to build around them.
Here are some of the requirements :-
1. 2 Channel , only for audio use. Home Theatre is in different room.
2.My taste in music includes:- female jazzy vocalists (eg Holly Cole,especTemptation,KD Laing etc),Rock (eg Pink Floyd,Dire Straits, Sting) and Blues.
3.System should not be super fussy about location. The room cannot be customised for the music....the architecture(contemporary,double height rooms) and the views are important. The current room is large 42'x24'+super high ceilings and balcony), so system has to be able to fill space, but also have the flexibility to work in a more reasonble space if we move.
4. Practical and Robust. Nothing esoteric. Something that can be installed easily, and will work without problems for years.
5. Exquisite for one and good in a crowd. This will be used for for listening to by myself in the evening(cocktail in hand enjoying the sunset), but also provide music for 100 at a party.
6. Clarity, great air, accurate but smooth ,musical are adjectives I read on this site that resonate with me.

My local dealer is going to demo the Krell 400xi and the Mcintosh MA6900 for me next week. What should I listen for ? What other choices would you recommend ?
I would like to keep the whole system cost(Speakers ,source,Amps,cables etc) under $15,000.

I am off to go skiing and watch the superbowl, so will return to answers on Monday. Thanks....and Go Pats.
crowninshield
billh556
3 posts
 
I have the Cremonas driven by a 400xi, but in a *much* smaller room than yours. For my listening I prefer musicality to exacting precision, but not to extremes. For my taste, in my room, this combination hits a wonderful sweet spot. I also have a REL Stadium 3 in the mix, but for many kinds of music I turn it off and run full range through the Cremonas. The REL is more authoritative, very smooth, and blends well with the Cremonas. On their own the Cremonas have a somewhat "wetter" bass tone. Still nice, but slightly more colored than the REL. Listening either way is a treat.

I agree with earlier responses that you'll want a sub in a room the size of yours. I think you'll find the Krell/Cremona combination gives a great blend of detail and musicality - they certainly do for me.

Good luck with your system!
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
Also try Bat vk300 integrated.
I am going to (very soon) buy Plinius sa102 for my Cremonas
dcarr
3 posts
 
I haven't heard the Cremona w/ Krell, but I have heard the Cremona Auditor with Krell (compact version, similar voicing). I also heard it run with Primare A30.2 amp and PRE30 preamp. My tastes in sound do lean more towards the musical (read: easy to listen to). What I found after listening to the Krell combo, was that its aggressive nature was some what over baring. The Primare, on the other hand, which still exibited good detail and bass control, did not have the glare that the Krell did. Much more expressive not as analytical. My experience with SF and Mac has been quite enchanting, and I'm considering going that path myself. But, the Primare stack makes a very good argument (comparing an integrated @ $4800 and seperates @ $4000). BTW, Franco Serblin uses an amp called the Musica (also made by SF, and imported to the US by Sumiko). It sounds great and its only $3000.
dtgunn
1 posts
 
While starting a search to decide how to drive my Guanieri's I listened to the MA6900 vs Mac's 275 reissue; driving B&W something or others.
The difference was was so pronounced it was scary! Made me decide to go back to reading wine reviews!!
The tube set was warm the 6900 precise; only way to describe it.
Bottom line is you need to audition! with music you know and like!!
Dave
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