Sonus Faber Extrema vs. Guarneri

Trust me,I was in absolute amazement at the "complete" level of performance from the Extremas(I don't own a Sonus product,but can easily be honest,here).It did both subtle detail,gorgeous timbres and really amazing dynamics aplenty!It is DEFINITELY in need of powerful,super clean amps though.I thought it was superior to any Sonus product I have heard(just opinion),though I have not heard the Strad!
As to looks,it sort of reminded me of a BIG Kharma Exquisite Minimonitor,on a stand,only in solid(gorgeous)wood.The "indented lines" running down the top to front reminded me(in a good way)of that comparison.
As from what I can surmise,these were discontinued("what MORONS")because they were too tough a load to drive,as so many Euro hobbyists like to run low power amps.
I believe if introduced now,with the realization of better solid state,and tube designs,they would be a viable product.
I envy the "LUCKY" few who have,or can get a "MINT" pair.
Wife acceptance factor should be really high on these "masterpieces"!
I have been at this hobby for over 35 years and few designs "scream" heirloom quality,as these do.Sometimes a really great design doesn't need to be replaced,just because some review /marketing plan decides to push another design(good or not).Some products really stand the test of time.Just ask the "classic car" collector,or "classic watch" collector.

Best of luck!!

sirspeedy,
I concur with your views on the Extremas. While they are great sounding speakers, they are not the best to my ears (maybe there are no best, just a matter of taste). Speakers must not only sound great, they must also look great and that's one of the main reasons I own them. These are certainly what classics and legends are made of.

Thf,I never stated I thought they were the "best".I implied that I thought they were a superb speaker.As I'm sure you know,there is no best of anything,but a heck of alot of really good stuff.That's the fun of it all!

Best!

I heard them at the '93 San Fran show with the best Denon stuff in a big room. Not as good as the Audio Artistry Beethovens with Rowland gear('96 CES), but VERY nice.

Tabl10s, yes, the Beethovens may be better but I believe Denons don't do Extremas justice even though I have not heard this combination before. The Extremas need great clean power. They sound best with gears like Gryphon Antileons, Pass labs XA series and other similar Class A stuff.