Considering Sonus Faber Liuto, Revel F52, JM labs

Usher Mini Dancer 2 Diamond

Pkelly,
How much difference did you hear between the Liuto and the Cremora M? and what about the 1038 did you not like compared to the Cremora?

The Cremora M was on a higher level, not even close. I am not great in audiophile terminology however I would call it much fuller & detailed. I auditioned them 4x prior to purchasing bringing my wife and friend on different occasions and we all agreed. The sales rep really was pushing other speakers but even he agreed after listening. He was really stunned! It was no contest.

The 1038 was in a different store so i could not listen side by side with The Cremona. I auditioned against the B&W 802 D and to our ears was the superior speaker. The 1038 was awesome. I could be happy with either speaker however The Cremona was a great deal $3000 less than the 1038 and that sealed the deal.

In my opinion you can't go wrong with either.

manitunc, you've got an enviable shortlist. my $.002:
1. the revels are outstanding (i have the lesser f32s)--transparent, huge soundstage, wholly non-fatiguiging--but need a ton of high-quality power, so make sure your amp is sufficient
2. the psb synch and paradigm s8 are also outstanding and sound very similar to me--extremely detailed, neutral; perhaps the s-8 is more forward in the treble and has more oomph. you'd be very happy with either
i personally don't like the focal electra series as much as the lower-price chorus, which sounded better balanced to me. haven't heard the sf.

My reasoning for picking these speakers is that reviews indicate that they are similar to my PSB Golds but perhaps a bit more open. I dont want to give up the richness of the Golds. I listen to mostly 60s and 70s Classic Rock, Blues and Early Jazz. No Classical, Grunge, Electronica, Thrash Metal or Rap. I want power and quickness, with a full sound and not etched or strident in the highs. Tonal balance is more important than pinpoint imaging. Dont have to go into the 20hz range, but should sound effortless above the mid 30s. No booming,muddy bass.