Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors / Manley Stingray??


Hi,

Im in the process of purchasing a pair of Cremona Auditors. I have Aural Symphonic cables, interconnects, and a Rega CD player. The speakers will be set up in a small room, and listened to at relatively low levels.
The Cremonas seem effecient at 91db. But, they do drop to 4 ohms. Im wondering if the Stingray would be a good system match. Budget is a concern. Has anyone tried them with the Pathos or SF Musica amps? I do prefer an intergrated tube amp, but I am curious about the two amps mentioned above. All feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!
tod914
I'll try to see if I can audition a stingray with the speakers as well, being that is my 1st choice. Wonderfull little amp. Just hopeing it's a good system match. When I first heard the stingray I was quite pleased. We tried a missing link power cord on it. What a notable difference that made. Realy tightened up the bass. I'll keep you all posted on my progress. Hopefully I will find a good match in next couple months.
I had a CAV50 when it first came out. I was not impressed with that unit. The sound seemed compressed and dark. It did have a fair amount of detail it revealed, but the tonal signature was not to my likeing. It's been a while since I heard it, but from what I recall, it did not have good dimensional/soundstage qualities either.
I'll see if I can find a local VAC retailer and give the Avatar a whirl. Thanks guys, for the suggestions.
Have you also considered the VAC Avatar or Conrad Johnson CAV50, or maybe even an Antique Sound Lab/Cayin if budget is a concern? I am currently driving my SF Grand Piano's with the VAC Avatar with great results. Wide soundstage, good transparency with sweet mid-range. Great for classical music, jazz and vocal.

I've also recently sold my Rega Planet 2000 for a Cary and the difference is quite dramatic. Much more dynamic that I expected.
Hi

I just bought a Pathos Classic one to drive Sonus Faber Amator2 and I'm very happy. When I was buying my previous Sonus Faber (Concerto Home) I heard them with SF Musica and LOVED it. I compared it to several integrated, the first Pathos Classic, Unison Research first SR1(I think), Copland (?) and Krell 300i. The Krell was a disappointement, to bright, cold, thin. Pathos, Unison, Copland, very loose bass, very boomy. The Musica was the last to play and put a smile on my and my gilrfriend's face. That was the perfect match for us. Thight bass, warm but detailed and lively sound. But I didn't buy it for one reason, I could not live with its looks!
If you can, listen to both the Pathos and Musica. The Musica is almost twice the price, if that's important.
Good listening
Hi,
i think you don't have any problem with the stingray,the Auditors aren't a difficoult load, they drop to 4 ohm but just in the very low frequencies and for a small period, considering your size room and your acoustical lever i'm sure you'll be happy with a tube amp like this.Please forget the Musica it's not a very good amp.All my best and happy listenings.
Ciao
Marco
Contact Eva Ann at Manley. She is accessable, very knowledgeable!, and will probably know best if this is a match.