I like my Classe and Levinson with the Cremona very much. I am willing to change, but probably not to double the price, at least not at this time. I realize that is not optimal, but sometimes you need to move in steps. The Levinson certainly has the power, the question is whether it has the finesse and speed for the Strads. I am sure it would be a compromise, but if I can get 90% of the Strads capability, it may be OK for now.I will stay with solid state, even even though a tubed pre would be very nice. When I have heard the Strads it has been with Nagra gear. Unfortunately, there are not Strad dealers in New England (Boston). When you went to SS, what amp/pre combos did you try?
Sonus Faber - Stradivari - Amp and Pre
I currently have SF Cremona driven by a Classe CP-65 pre and a Levinson 432 amp. I am looking at the possibility of a pair of Stradivari. Any thoughts on how the Classe and Levinson would match with the Strads? I realize that this class of speaker normally would call for a higher end electronics, but the Strads are enough of a stretch. Upgrading electronics is probably not in the cards. Thoughts?