NAD M2 with Sonus Faber Cremona Ms

I actually just realized I put the wrong model number in the post. I was looking at the NAD C 390DD. Have you heard of the same reliability issues with that model? Are there other integrateds you'd recommend in that price range? About 2500-3000?

You are proposing to drive a set of $10K speakers with a $2,500 integrated (list). I hate to say, but I think these speakers need better electronics. The C390DD seems to be 150 watts at 8 ohms and 150 watts at 4 ohms, although the NAD specs seem to say >150 watts at both 4 ohm and 8 ohm, which is a pretty unusually way to specify the power. NAD typically under rates their power, but an amp that puts out the same watts at 4 ohms and 8 ohms does not seem to have a very robust output stage. I would look into that. The Cremona M are nominal 4 ohms speakers.

I generally like NAD gear and I have not heard the Cremona M with this NAD, but I think you may not get the best out of these speakers with this amp. You might want to look at used gear if $2,500 is your price range.

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