SonusFaber GP? Other recomendations?

Based on your likes and dislikes above, you might want to take a listen to the ProAc Response 2.5's. I have them and think they have all the qualities you mention, but offer a somewhat better sound than the Grand Piano's in my estimation. I spent quite a bit of time auditioning both the GP's and the 2.5's with a variety of electronics, and I enjoyed both of them, but in the end walked away with the ProAc's without hesitation. I've paired mine with tubes, but the designer recommends a solid state amp (the ARC 100.2) as his ideal pairing. As a caveat, I should mention, there's about a $1k difference between the two, which depending on your budget may make a difference. Anyway, just some food for thought.
Ken

Hi Nezwek. While I've never owned floor standing speakers like the ones you're considering, I do have great experience comparing Sonus Faber and ProAc mini monitors. I own both Sonus Faber Concertinos and ProAc Tablette 50 Signatures.

Like Kjg's post above, I enjoy the listening experience much more with the ProAcs. If you are concerned with bright sound, the SFs are more forgiving in my system. They also have a fuller midrange and less extended highs than the ProAcs. The ProAcs have a slightly leaner midrange and more extended highs. And if you don't have a lean system the ProAcs will reard you with a massive soundstage and lifelike experience the Sonus Fabers won't be able to match. The Concertinos have a very nice sound, but the Tablette 50s are so much more accurate and involving.

If you can, definitely audition a pair of ProAc Response 2.5s. I've had great results with the ProAcs, but only your equipment, your room, and your ears can verify that. Good luck!

Classe gear is a good match with the Meadowlark Shearwater Hotrods. I think there is a pair for sale here. They are detailed, warm, dynamic and transparent. They are also easy to drive. I had a CA151 with Meadowlark Herons and loved the match. I did demo the Grand Pianos, and prefered the Shearwaters.

I looked for a dealer of ProAc in the Seattle area
but I had no luck so far. I will definately try to
hear the 2.5s before I get the GPs. I must say that
cymbles on the GPs sound so rich and sweet. That's
what really grabs me is the sweetness of the GP sound.

I do sense that I wish the GPs had more omph in the
dynamics and breathed a bit more in the soundstage
department. I heard Lionel Richie in an outdoor
performance in Dallas over the weekend and there is
just something special about "live" dynamics
that I miss when I listen to audio components.

Nezwek, don't kill yourself trying to find ProAcs if it's that difficult. :•) It just happens that my personal preference is ProAc Tablette 50 Signatures over the Sonus Faber Concertinos. You might not feel the same way. But, maybe I can help a little more.

You mention that you enjoy cymbals on the SFs. The first thing I noticed when hooking up the Tab 50s after owning the Concertinos for a year and a half was that the cymbals sounded more pronounced and a bit drier. The Sonus Fabers while not as defined, sound smoother when reproducing this instrument.

That was two months ago, but now I definitely prefer the ProAcs overall because of their lifelike presentation. It may be that I just got used to them, I'm not sure. Since first getting the ProAcs I've made many more upgrades and tweaks, so that may have contributed to my change in opinion too.

So to answer your last post, if you enjoy a sweeter sound, I think the Sonus Fabers will please you more. However, I feel the ProAcs definitely create a larger and more accurate soundstage, and a better sense of air.