SF Guarneri Homage or SF Extrema?

I had the same choice to make last year, you need to factor in ultra high current amplification for the Extrema as they are super power hungry! If you are going solid state they truly need 400 wpc high current design to sing! I tried Classe CA-301 and they sounded dry and lifeless, it was only when i purchased my CAT JL-1 monoblocks that they truly sing! As long as their power needs are met you will not thirst for a sub!

I owned the Extremas and heard the Guarneri on several occassions. Both speakers are excellent, with the Extrema speaking with a richer, fuller tone and the Guarneri a little brighter amd more transparent. The Extrema sounds "big", can play much louder, has explosive dynamics and great extension on the bottom. With the right amp it can produce quite some "punch", something that the Guarneri cannot do (Guarneri's bass is quite articulate but doesn't reach near as low). Both speakers have very refined and luxurious treble and they both image very well.

I can see Guarneri excel with small scale jazz and classical and the Extrema with rock and large scale orchestral music (although it can sound pretty refined with small scale music too).
The Guarner is easier to drive, whereas with the Extrema you'll need at least 200 watts of solid state or 100 watts of good tube amplification. Your Ayre amp is great, but it may not be enough.

Guarneri much better look than Extrema. Also easier to place. Own short coming is to have a music subwoofer to fill the inadequate bass.