What is the best amp for Sonus Faber Cremonas?

Old thread but missed it previously.

I had similiar experience with Audphile1. In my opinion, Sonus Faber lower models(Cremona and below) have a dark character and the highs are rolled-off. My previous Grand Piano speakers sounded exactly as what you've described with the equally dark Plinius SA-100 amp. Even the employment of the harsh and bright Krell KAV-300i doesn't help in bringing out the details but I thought this combination sounded much better than the Plinius. Unless your musical tastes lean towards a soothing, warm and laidback kind of sound, an upfront and lively amp such as the Krell would be a better match with the Cremonas to achieve an overall more balanced presentation.

I agree with the 1st response, try a different pre amp. I would go SS and yes try a Mcintosh, I have owned both the c2200 and the c46 at the same time, thru my Mac 252, I prefer the c46. to me it had more guts without being bright and had more definition.

There have been some comments on the dark sonic signature of Sonus Fabers which are spot on. However, this is only applicable to the the lower lines in Sonus Fabers. They are very coloured speakers, certainly not neutral with a glorious midrange and rolled=off highs as some has suggested. Absolutely wonderful on vocals but doesn't possess the speed and transient attack on some materials compared to more neutral speakers, and some highs might not be reproduced as convincingly. PLay some piano tracks and you would notice the sound is somewhat not quite right.

The higher end models Amati Homage or Stradivari don't show these faults though.

Krell has always been a good amp to counter the warmish character of the Sonus Fabers. Have seen many driving Electra Amator I & II as well as GP's and Cremonas.

I disagree my sonus faber cremona speakers sound fantastic with my Mcintosh C220 pre amp, MC252 power amp and MVP861 cd player. The sound is fantastic. Maybe you have a problem with your room ? Are your speakers near the corners or is the listening chair back against the wall ?

I heard the Cremonas powered by the Ayre V-5xe at the Festival Son & Image in Montreal last year, and the sound was fabulous, among the best rooms at the show.