Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors - Room Size

Grakesh,

I think the upcoming smaller Zu subwoofer will be around $1500. Frankly, at $1000, I recommend forgoing the subwoofer and waiting until you can accumulate the cash for one of the Zus. But as a backup if you must have a subwoofer now, you might consider something in your price range from SVS (svssound.com).

Phil

The Cremona Auditor can successfully drive a 20' x 20' x 8' room. However, despite their 90db/w/m efficiency rating, they need power to sound unconstricted and assertive. Also, being 4 ohm speakers, Auditors do not put most solid state amps in their best sound zone. McIntosh autoformer amps are particularly synergistic with Cremonas and Cremona Auditors. The MA6900 integrated sounds sensational on Auditors and in this case I make a rare recommendation of this amp over the Cary SLI80. A good preamp with a Mac MC252 or MC402 is even better, but that might exceed your space and funds.

If you choose to later add a subwoofer, be careful. Most subwoofers are too slow to mate well with that fast little cone in the Auditor. The Zu Method is an excellent match.

Phil

Grakesh,

I would not mate an REL subwoofer with Cremona Auditors. It will sound too slow. You need something much crisper and I suggest the Zu Method subwoofer. They also have a smaller version coming. You can get 60 day return privileges.

On amps, the Cary will be fine. I would not recommend the Plinius SS over the Cary as it will not sound its best into the Auditor. If you want to go SS, then a McIntosh autoformer amp is the ticket, due to the SF 4 ohm load. The MA6900 integrated sounds sensational on these speakers, as will an MC252 or above power amp.

The Domus won't sound as open and transparent as the Auditor. You could also look for a pair of used Cremonas if you want full range, as they can be had for the price of new Auditors + stands.

Phil

If you hear a Zu Method, an REL will sound like it gets moving tomorrow, by comparison.

The REL is pretty good against a generally bad lot of subwoofer designs. It doesn't sound even close to being in the moment with the Auditor's main driver, to me. The Zu is just better in every important respect.

Phil

Grakesh,

Don't know what your price range is for a subwoofer. But watch Zu. They are introducing a smaller sub, equally fast, for less, soon.

Phil