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 michaelkingdom

I have the Micros and have owned the SF Auditor M twice. VERY different speakers. I stayed with the Focals because the tweeter is a masterpiece. The SF uses the Scanspeak ring radiator which is also amazing but the Focal tweeter is reason enough to pick them. I have had the Dynaudio C1 MK2, B&W 805D2, Merlin TSM MMI, Usher Tiny Dancer - all of which have been sold and I kept the Focal.

I wrote this review of the Dyn/Focal/Harbeth that was pretty long: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1360980222&openmine&zzMichaelkingdom&4&5#Michaelkingdom