Magico V2 vs. Sonus Faber Cremona M

Hi guys, many thanks for your responses. It's a great feeling to have when one gets such prompt responses :o)

I do intend to listen to them personally. Just wanted some feedback in case I can't make up my mind between the two. Then there's the Thiel CS3.7 to consider as well.

It seems that most are in favour of the Magico V2, which I am also more inclined towards.

My current set-up consists of Primare I30 amp + CD31 cdp combo and PMC FB1i floorstanders. I intend to lug my Primares, i/c and speaker cables along to audition the speakers. After I got the speakers, then I'll change the amp and finally the source. Is this the correct route to take?

Speaking of amps, which amp would bring out the best from the Magico V2? That said, I favour integrated amps. I know integrated amps are looked upon with disdain by some audiophiles but I just love the convenience of a one-boxer. I also get to save on interconnects and power cords. I have a few in mind - Plinius 9200 (200W into 8 ohms), Pass Labs INT-150 (150W into 8 ohms), Boulder 865.

What do you guys think?

Hulskof, I know my Primares won't be up to the task. That's why I mentioned I intend to upgrade the amp and source after getting the speakers. I'm only using the Primares to audition them since I'm familiar with the sound. This way I can tell which speakers I prefer. Not a good way? Should I get my amp first then?

Rtn1 and Cmalak, I live in Malaysia. Most, if not all, hifi stuff are sold in KL, the capital city. I live in another city which is 200km away. The reason I'm narrowing down to 2 choices is it's very inconvenient and tiring to audition equipment in my country because different brands are sold by different dealers. I will have to visit 2 different dealers to listen to the Magico V2 and SF Cremona M. Another dealer yet again if I want to listen to Thiel as well. I will probably need to take a week off and stay in KL to properly audition all of them.

I arrived at these 2 choices based on what is said in reviews that I think might give me the sound I'm looking for.

I think Rockport and Devore Fidelity are not available in Malaysia.

Thanks Brian, that's comforting. Any other besides Luxman and the ones I named?

Hey guys, yesterday I dropped by a local dealer in my town and listened to a pair of Avantgarde-Acoustic Uno G2 horn speakers. It was driven by Audionote Meishu valve amp (9wpc) and the source was an Esoteric SA-60. The Uno G2's sensitivity is 104dB and has active woofers so the amp's 9watts of pure Class A was enough to drive them.

After listening for 30 mins, it was enough to make me want to take my whole CD collection to the dealer's place and listen to them one by one. It gave me the kind of sound I'm looking for except that the soundstage seems rather narrow.

The MRSP for the speakers is $27,800.00. Has anyone heard these speakers before? If you have, I'd like to know what you think. I should now audition a pair of Magico V3 which retails for $27k.

Thanks guys for the invaluable advice. Will keep them in mind when auditioning.

In reply to Onhwy61, yes, my current system is a decent one but it's just not putting a big wide silly grin on my face. I find that I'm trying very hard to enjoy it instead of just enjoying it.

Here's the kind of sound I'm looking for: big-open-airy-holographic-3D soundstage, natural and palpable vocals (which Class A amps are good for), jaw-dropping transparency and clarity, sweet highs and deep and well-defined bass, very low noise-floor and distortion and crisp, coherent and precise timing and rhythm.

Hang on...I almost forgot to ask the most important question - would the Cremona Ms or the Magico V2 give me a significant sonic improvement over my PMC FB1i?

Someone (whom I respect in the hifi circle) told me that it ain't gonna get much better than my current system due to the law of diminishing returns. If this is true, I might as well not waste my time driving 200km to audition.

Verity Audio dealer in KL? Not that I know of. And that goes for Quad, Maggies, Martin Logan and Soundlab. So you see....my choices are pretty limited :(