I currently have the SF Il Cremonese speakers. I listen to classical and some jazz via either a turntable or Rossini apex DAC.
Over the last several years, I have tried several pre-amps and amps. Until just several weeks ago, I was using the ARC REF6SE preamp. This was a good, but not excellent, match in that the bass was a little less defined and less impactful (compared to current pre amp as discussed below). Indeed, I did not realize just how low and controlled the Il Cremonese speakers could present bass. The ARC midrange was also good, relatively detailed and neither analytical or particularly musical (warm). Complex classical orchestral music tended to be homogenized. Sound stage was very wide, and reasonably deep, but pinpointing precisely individual instruments was not its forte. Treble was also good, but violins tended to be slightly harsh or brittle.
So, I traded for a VAC Master preamp. It is still in the "break in" period, but what I can say thus far (in comparison to the ARC) is (a) bass seems to extend further, is more articulate, more impact, never blurry and for double bass (in jazz recording) can easily discern the musician's method of "plucking" the strings or for orchestral, bowing as well. (b) The sound stage is much deeper, and as the unit breaks in, is widening as well. While VAC presents a very holistic image, you can, if you so desire, pinpoint individual musicians within the orchestra. (c) the mid range is very full, very musical, but detail remains-- you just don't necessarily notice it unless you really want to (d) venue is very evident, especially live or concert halls; (e) treble is improving daily and losing any harshness or brightness. Violins are (as the unit breaks in) sounding authentic. The tonal character of all instruments is clearly presented, even the type of strings on guitars. It is NOT warm as some tube preamps can be, but it is definitely not "cool" either. Its tone seems completely natural as if the instruments are in the room or you are at the venue.
All of this is, of course, dependent on the amp as well. I upgraded from Rogue Apollo Dark Monos (which are very good in their own tier and do hit above their price point) to a D'Agostino Momentum MxV stereo (not monos). This is certainly permitting the character of the VAC to be appreciated as the DAGs are exceptionally taut on the bass, have an amazingly low noise level, no haze, no veil, etc. With the tube preamp, the DAG is not too analytical, and the combination is very natural without sounding overly warm or cool.
It is important, however, to recognize that the preamp and amp are only as good as the cabling in-between. I directly compared Nordost Valhalla 2, Odin 2 and Shunyata Omega interconnects, power and speaker cables and the differences were extremely noticeable. In my room, on my system, the Nordost loom seemed veiled, lost detail, did not allow the preamp and amp to present the music as holistically or to allow me to discern detail as readily (when desired). The shunyata cables were completely transparent in comparison. Both looms were connected via a Shunyata Everest and dedicated 20A circuit.
Your choice of musical genres is critical because the character of the sound is different for say electronic, hard rock, heavy metal vs classical. I have no experience outside of classical and jazz, although I have often heard others state that the SF Il Cremonese speakers are really not for heavy metal or similar music.
Incidentally, I have heard these speakers with MAC preamp/amp and feel that MAC is too warm, too ill defined, and does not present the music and instruments as faithfully in comparison to my combination.
Hope this helps. Wishing you the best... enjoy the music.
