SF and Home Theater

[Uberbrown]

I know that Sonus Faber has in their classic series a Center Channel speaker that goes perfectly with their Classic Line of speakers (Elipsa, Cremona, Auditor). But for those who would like to move up to the Homage line, specifically the Amatis, for their L/R speakers (when the system is used for 2 channel) or Mains (when the system is used for 5.1/7.1 applications) what option is there?

First, allow me to muse and wax concerning the reasons one would want to move up from the Sonus Faber Classic line of speakers to the Homage line (specifically the Amatis). As I consider the topic, I am immediately struck with the impression that the reasons for such a move are twofold: 1) The Amatis reportedly have a greater dynamic ability than do the Cremonas (perhaps not more then the Elipsas, but I have not read anything concerning their dynamic abilities); and 2) A move from a Cremona to an Amati can be likened unto a move from a Cremona Auditor to a Guarneri. That is there is an improvment in the sound quality of the speakers. So the reasons for a move from the Classic to the Homage (specifically the Cremona to the Amati) in my mind are both quantity and quality. Thus the dilemma; there is no Center Channel in the Homage line.

One could conceivably purchase 3 Amatis, but then (for my application) any screen would be higher off the ground than desired, not to mention the fact that it is hard to find a single Amati (be it Homage or Anniversario) for sale. Additionally, a Guarneri probably would not like the demands (dynamic) that a Center channel faces, otherwise it could be used as a Center. Thus what does one do?

Should Sonus Faber construct some sort of Center Channel for their Homage line? Before we answer we need to remember that other companies of similar repute certinally do. Does not Hansen have a Center to compliment their Prince, or Eggelston to compliment their Andrea III, Wilson to compliment their W/P & Sophia II, McIntosh to their XRT 1K & 2K, and B&W to compliment their 800D & 802D?

Given the fact that systems have to pull a double duty in todays age, Sonus Faber should design a 3 way Homage center. But if they do not do so (which it is likely they will not) then what option is there if one wanted Amatis as mains in a theater / dedicated room? Thoughts?

[PHC1]

Uberbrown, welcome to AA. As a previous owner of the Cremona Auditors and then the Guarneri Homage and having heard just about everything in their line over the past 3 years, IMHO, if you are trying to achieve an HT with SF, I would suggest that you seriously consider the Elipsa and a matching center.

My opinion on this is that the Amati, while a great speaker in it's own right is overshadowed by the Strads which in my opinion is the way to go with the Homage line. Having said that, the Elipsa has quite the dynamic range and if not exactly as refined and colorful as the Strad, it is a bit more neutral sounding but quite forgiving still. Having heard the Elipsa driven by a Krell 402 amp which has the current and control to drive them to satisfaction, my dealer has the Elipsa in an HT environment with the matching center. The combination is an excellent compromise, matched tonality across all the speakers and musical enough to be enjoyable in 2 ch as well as being great for movies/music concerts.

I've often compared the Elipsa to the Strads and if it was my system that was 50/50 music/movies I would go with the Elipsa. For strictly 2 ch, I would give the nod to the Strads.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Uberbrown, welcome to AA. As a previous owner of the Cremona Auditors and then the Guarneri Homage and having heard just about everything in their line over the past 3 years, IMHO, if you are trying to achieve an HT with SF, I would suggest that you seriously consider the Elipsa and a matching center.

My opinion on this is that the Amati, while a great speaker in it's own right is overshadowed by the Strads which in my opinion is the way to go with the Homage line. Having said that, the Elipsa has quite the dynamic range and if not exactly as refined and colorful as the Strad, it is a bit more neutral sounding but quite forgiving still. Having heard the Elipsa driven by a Krell 402 amp which has the current and control to drive them to satisfaction, my dealer has the Elipsa in an HT environment with the matching center. The combination is an excellent compromise, matched tonality across all the speakers and musical enough to be enjoyable in 2 ch as well as being great for movies/music concerts.

I've often compared the Elipsa to the Strads and if it was my system that was 50/50 music/movies I would go with the Elipsa. For strictly 2 ch, I would give the nod to the Strads.

I agree with Serge. Since the speakers need to be close to the wall in your set up consider a pair of Elipsa up front and the cremona center speaker. Consider the auditor elipsa in the back channels with a couple of subs.

[jdandy]

Uberbrown.......Welcome. Glad you found us. Lots of SF fans here.

[Uberbrown]

Good to find everyone...again. I was on a different (unnamed) forum earlier, but when I found his place, I knew I had to subscribe!

[KMC45]

If I were to build a HT system with Sonus Faber it would be with four Cremona M's and the Cremona CC. I believe in matching speakers all around and this would be the best chance in the SF line to do so.

I once heard this system with older Cremona's and five MC501's, it was pretty impressive.

[Uberbrown]

So do you (being all of you) think that HomeT & SonusF might not be a good mix? That it can be done, but for the $$ could be done better with brand X (Wilson, B&W)?

[jdandy]

Uberbrown.......Is it the aesthetics or the sound of the SF line that piques your interest?

[Uberbrown]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Uberbrown.......Is it the aesthetics or the sound of the SF line that piques your interest?

Yes and Yes. Speaking of the Cremona, I love the tweeter, and the midrange. The bass is a tad light, but the extension is impressive. I guess I would call the bass supple. My only concern is that sometimes I get the feeling that when I use a VERY smooth speaker (SF) with a VERY smooth amp (Mc) and a VERY smooth processor (Mc) What I get is VERY VERY VERY smooth. And sometimes I get the impression that such smoothness becomes darkness.

Also, sometimes I think that there is a little less dynamics with the Cremonas than I would like with mooooovies, but when I put in a CD, there is plenty for me. So I am not sure if I have a problem, or just have an itch. AsI said to others, perhaps I should just sit back, quit thinking so much.

I love the look of SF too. Bella Bella!

[PHC1]

What are you using to drive the Cremona right now that the bass is light?