2. speakers
  3. 1286816155

Sonus Faber Minima versus Cremona Auditor?

Reviews of both of these famous speakers abound, but has anyone heard both and can offer some insights into how they compare?

I'm looking for a serious upgrade for my bookshelves in my office, and am on a waiting list for both of these, in case either shows-up used here in Japan, which is rare.

My current set-up is a sweet Luxman L-550 pure class A (50 W@8 Ohms, 1981 model) fed by iDecco as DAC from iMac or iPod. replacing Quad 12L passives, which sit on my computer desk, but could mount the speakers on stands behind me in a small office room, about 3 X 4 Meters.

I'm more interested in general views of the differences between these two than how people might understand or imagine them to sound with my own gear. I can change my amp, etc later to better drive the speakers, if necessary.
deaf_in_left_eye

Showing 2 responses by martykl

martykl
3,578 posts
 
I own Minimas and Cremonas (floorstanders). The former have been doing yeoman's work in my home office since forever. The latter are in my living room system. IIRC, the Auditors shared more of the "modern" character found in the full range Cremonas, which means much more presence region energy (relative to the mid/upper bass) than found in the older SFs (including the Minima).

Bottom line: very different sounding. My inclination would be to recommend Auditors if you're planning on adding a sub and Minimas if you are not.

Caveat: Above based on imperfect recollection of Auditors auditioned at time of Cremona purchase several (4?) years back.

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Deaf,

It's not that the Minimas have more bass than the Auditors, they almost certainly have less. They do, however, have a mid-bass hump and less presence region energy than I recall hearing from the Auditors. The net effect is that the Minimas sound classically "warm", while the Auditors sound more neutral.

IMHO, a monitor that is neural over its (somewhat) limited range (all but deep bass) benefits when that range is extended by a subwoofer. Maybe just a personal preference.

Marty
More to discover