Mini Monitors: Sonus Faber Cremona or Micro Utopia


I currently have Reference 3A Dulcet mini monitors and I'm looking to upgrade. I like the Dulcets a lot (I've also had the DeCapos and Royal Masters), but they sound a little thin to me. I'd like a little more bass and fullness without sacrificing detail and wonderful highs. Does anyone have a sense of how the Sonus Faber Cremona M's or JM Labs (original, not with the BE tweeter) compare to one another or to the Dulcets? I've been thinking about those two seriously. I'd like to hear them, but I don't have a lot of opportunities where I live.

I have a small listening room, about 8 x 10, and listen to LPs exclusively (VPI Aries original turntable). I have different amps available, from 30w solid state (Nelson Pass) to 100w solid state (Rowland) to an integrated tube amp (15w, E.A.R.). I listen to lots of different kinds of music, including soul, reggae, classic rock, jazz, funk, indie rock, rap, ska, etc.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. And I know it all depends on your own ears, the other gear in the system, etc., but I'd like to hear some opinions nevertheless. I know no one has the definitive answer. Also, if there are other mini monitors that you think should be on my short list, do let me know.

Thanks!
128x128klein_rogge

Showing 1 response by jp1208

The Utopia with LP's and Tubes are pretty good but the BE tweeter can soar to a different level. Not to the point of a top line RAAL tweeter but close enough. You have to work at it to get the Utopia's to sound full like a Sonus Faber. The Utopia will be a little more forward compared to Cremona and the Cremona is more forgiving. Both are very spacious and musical. For a wide veriety of music I would be leaning towards the Cremona. If you see a used pair of Vapor Audio Cirrus at a good price you may want to consider them. This is my current speaker which is great to listen to but wouldn't buy them new again. Joseph Audio Pulsars should be on that short list too!