The Highest - Suprema

odd the 159's not on the towers

@kraftwerkturbo It is always a good thing to listen to high end systems to get an idea what is possible. I really like Sonus Faber speakers. The problem with the Suprema is it is way too complicated and ignores some of the physical aspects of speaker design such as what happens when you mount a 15" subwoofer driver up high in an enclosure. Franco Serblin, who use to be SF's head designer would never have done it like that. He has passed away, but his own company and designs still exist. His K'tema speakers are probably more accurate for a fraction of the money. You have to remember, when it comes to point source speakers they all are limited by the power of their tweeter and midrange driver. In the middle of every big, well designed point source speaker is an LS3 5A. The more complexity you pile on top of the LS3 5A the more problems you create for yourself. 

On the very bright side of this argument, you can create an even better performing system for a magnitude less expense. It won't look as impressive, but does that really matter? Here we go. Take the aforementioned K'temas and drive them with a Bricasti Design M25 amplifier. Add two Martin logan BF 212 subwoofers and control all with a MiniDSP SHD studio through two Bricasti Design M1 DACs. Total cost = $90,000 before cables and sources. The Suprema speakers are $750,000 before everything else! All this assumes you like point source systems. I prefer line source systems. They project a more realistic sound stage. You are seated in the front row instead of the back of the concert hall. You can build the finest Electrostatic point source system for $150,000 and, IMHO, it will outperform any point source system including the Suprema. 

I would think the subs demand a lot more amps than the towers, hence the 159. 

I never sat in the front row of a concert, so I cannot say how it should sound :-) 

The issue with LS3 5A: "Klipsch later allowed that “For the blood stirring levels of a full symphony orchestra, you should have 115 dB at your ears.” He no doubt had instantaneous peaks in mind". Even a meak 100 dB in my VERY laraage (volume and square feet) living room puts that 'LS3 5A' idea to rest. 

That must have been a great experience 

looking at that setup, it must’ve been pretty close to the pinnacle of what a system can do

And yet again we have criticism and commentary about something they have never heard.

No criticism No commentary Just AWE. Maybe hear such a thing once before we die.

Man you are lucky!! Never heard the Suprema but I do think it’s an End Game speaker and that you need a big room!!!
It was a private listening or where did you had the chance to check this awesome system?

They had them at the show in Chicago, but this was (I was told) the first time they were in a store. We had received invitation from Paragon Sight and Sound in Ann Arbor, MI and made the trip early that day (and were the first in the door). We had the place almost to our own for a while. Just open mouth, AWE, and surprise HOW MUCH MORE is possible. And go back to other rooms with other setups/equipment that on their own were most impressive just revealed unthinkable 'shortcoming'. I am glad I did not have a side by side with my setup. THAT would be a very expansive and disappointing mistake. The store and brand personell (lots of McIntosh and Sonus faber people around) was most helpful (and great food and drinks!!). I had been at the store before, and was impressed from the beginning about the service and attention to detail. Just an awesome experience!

I wonder how they compare to the Magico M9 at the same price. Anyone heard both ? 

How cool to hear such a wonderful set of speakers, but I’m surprised they weren’t using Mac equipment. Even in their suite in New York, they have a large rack of McIntosh feeding the Suprema’s and their sub towers.

I had the pleasure of hearing the exact same system last week too. Paragon did a great job setting them up.  I was there early and had the room to myself. I was able to request a number of familiar songs to get a sense.  I will say it was a fantastic system.  No doubt.  However, it was too much of a good thing in my opinion.  Overly smooth.  I felt the soundstage was lacking.  Dynamics were lacking.  Maybe a different amp would have helped.  I’m not a huge fan of the Burmester sound.  Typically that room has XVX which are a third of the price and in my opinion perform much better in that room. I walked away knowing what I’ve set up for myself at home at a fraction of the price is not that far off from a cost no object system.  

@curiousjim : they pointed out the obvious to us (they ARE a McIntosh store), but consciously decided on the Burmaster.

@jbthurston : I actually LIKED that (smooth, relaxed, ’easy’), and pointed it out to Livio during our conversation, and he confirmed that it very well fits the overall (and traditional) Sonu faber sound philosophy. I later went back and forth between the Stradivari and the Suprema room. Could be the music material, but came away with the Stradivari setup sounding to ’harsh’ on my ears (in this comparison, not sure how they would compare to others speakers/brands in side by side comparison). The Stradivari also had a much different sound stage (which Livio explained by pointing out the WIDE front of Stradivari and their decision/setup to NOT use the rear facing tweeter/midrange after long listening seesion for the Ann Arbor setup.

I almost went to the same show but got tied up with the kiddos. I have shopped with them before when I was interested in Wilsons. 
 

I wonder if the subs were highpassed. I know there is a good bit of flexibility in how they can be setup. Good subs, well integrated really can improve the system. 

I have gotten more and more jaded regarding “super” systems over the years but would have liked to hear this setup. I have always leaned toward Wilson over Sonus Faber when I have done direct comparisons. The wilson always seem more dynamic in the bass. Interesting that this big system is still described as “smooth”. I wonder if there is a bit of dip in the upper mids. 

as awesome as a couple listening sessions for me were, 1 from the big Wilson's in a large room at axpona and another at aa local shop with the Dali Epikore's I know I don't have the funds or experience to create the space conducive for such a quality room. I really believe most speakers at the $30k level are good enough with someone able to create the space and components to tune them.

@hickamore it was not aimed at the Op but at 4 posts before mine.