Sonus Faber Extremas ?

These are the speakers I compare all others to. I've never owned a pair but have heard them on several occasions and the impression has stuck with me for many years. In my opinion, they are fantastic. The only caveat is that they are hard to drive and need a big room.

I heard them once at a dealer and it was one of those unforgetable audio experiences. Playing Sonny Rollins Way Out West, they sounded spooky. A bit dark overall and less detailed compared to some more popular high-end speakers but man did they sing. A speaker that I have considered many times, but never purchased, mainly because it would require a change of amps.

If a pair ever pops up for sale in the US I'll have to consider them. The amplification issue makes it a tough choice. Plus, Sumiko's policy with respect to service is not a friendly one IMHO.

I'm certainly not married to low powered tube amps, but still the cooler sounding monster ss aren't really for me either. I've had many amps over the years, but have settled on a great pair of Aleph 2s.

Threads like this is why I appreciate being an Audiogon member.

Sirspeedy, I use my Townshends with Talon Hawks monitors (said to go to 40Khz flat) and they do indeed make a notable difference even here: set at 2 on their dial. I would suggest that you experiment with cables. I use the same cable as I use for my speakers and I think the synergy is increased. When I used the supplied copper cables there seemed to be a tonal imbalance with my silver core cabling. It seems more integrated now but I am still experimenting.
Cheers

Hi I purchace one pair to Extremas, my power is Krell
KSA-300s its very, very powerfull & musical, for me is
the first posibility in amplification.Thanks