Cremona M worth it?

Sonus Fabers are nice speakers which give a warm and colored sound. Most folks who like this laidback, warm, liquid and glowing sound will adore the speakers. I have owned Grand Pianos and have experience with the Cremona line and Extrema. In short, I agree with Huslkof's assessment. Although I have not listened to the Cremona M or the new Domus line of speakers, I have read that the speakers still retain the colored character of the old line of Sonus Faber speakers. I believe the only neutral speaker in the Sonus Faber line that has extremely low coloration is the Guarneri Homage.

In other words, establish what sort of sound you are looking for, whether you would like to settle for the warm, nice and laidback sound of the Sonus Fabers or a less-colored/neutral speaker with the correct tonality which will exhibit a more natural sound. No matter what amps that are used to match the speakers in "skewing" the tonality to the desired configuration, the house sound would be more or less retained with the inherent characteristics of the speaker itself.

The impressive build quality in the lute-shape form and a combination of solid and laminated maple wood used for the cabinet construction does provide a classy appearance and fashion statement to the speakers. The Cremona M may be the ticket for those seeking for a pair of nice-sounding and equally beautiful speakers with fine Italian craftmanship.

Take it from me that the M's are a lot less colored and warm than the old model was. They are still on the warm(ish) side, but nowhere near as before. It's the laidback character that I have trouble with. I just like a more up front speaker I guess.

I second Ryder and Hulskof - good description of the Sonus Faber sound.

Thanks Hulskof for your very useful viewpoints. What you have said is also my worries, I am not sure paying so much more for the change over is justified as there are still things the Thiels can do better. I am thinking of using the money to buy an older or smaller model like the Auditors and use as a 2nd speaker would gain more than a direct replacement.