What is the best amp for Sonus Faber Cremonas?

IMO, the Cremona speakers themselves have a dark character. McIntosh gear has a slightly dark presentation as well and most likely is not a good match with the Cremonas. I've listened to Cremonas with all Krell gear and thought it was a very good match, although the speakers are still a bit dark sounding for me, but they are smooth with good bass. I would recommend a powerfull solid state amp, like Krell, McCormack DNA-225 and up and Pass Labs. You need a lively amp with these speakers.

I'm presently using an ARC VT130SE with very good results.

I am rather new to the high end audiophile hobby, but would one think tht the SF musica would be specifically made to go with any of the SF speakers? Alternatively, for something like the Cremona, would a tube set produce better sound, as was told to me by a salesperson at harvey's (who ahd the SF hooked up to the McIntosh tube amplifier. Just a thought. Alan

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.