Paradigm S8 vs. Sonus Faber Cremona M


I am having hard time deciding between these speakers. I can get each for about 6K used. I have auditioned them both at a dealer, and I like them both. However, I find it very hard to compare them given the lapse of time in between and the difference in gear and rooms. Paradigms have great reviews, but can they compare to the build quality of the SFs?
gago1101

Showing 4 responses by gago1101

I have made my decision and even though I like paradigms they are out of the question. My list is down to 3 speakers, all in the same price range in this order
B&W 800D
Sonus Faber Elipsa
Revel Ultima Salon 2

I am leaning towards the B7Ws at this time, but will have to do some intense auditions before deciding which one is for me.
Thanks for all the comments.
Playing at higher volumes is important to me. I was also thinking to match these with Mcintosh Mc601s with their 2300 tube preamp. I just love the way Macs look. Would the mono blocks be to much for the Cremona Ms? Also many mention that SFs have a touch warmer sound, would this be a problem matching them with Mcintosh gear, which many have mentioned has warmer sound as well?
I am relatively new to this and this will be my first jump to so called high end stuff. So please give me examples of better neutral electronics than Mac for me to check out. I have heard of Krell, Ayre and Bryston, is that what I should be looking for?
Hifihvn, all the links you have provided are for their studio line, which are lower models and do not contain the higher grade beryllium tweeters, which the S8s have. The reference studio line costs less than halfof what the S-line paradigm speakers featuring the beryllium tweeters. Your assumption that Paradigm S8s are bad speakers because their lower line speakers have bad tweeters does no make sense. Do you value or judge the quality of Sonus Faber based on their Toy collection?