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Old 12-02-2009, 10:01 PM
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jdandy jdandy is offline
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Default SF Guarneri Memento Arrived




Hallelujah. The Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers arrived safe and sound this afternoon. The rain let up just before the UPS truck arrived, so I was able to move them under the house at the entrance of the studio, and get them unpacked without getting anything wet. I have to hand it to Sonus Faber, they really know how to pack speakers, legs and bases. The best I have every seen. The wooden crate for the speakers is a fine piece of work in its own right.

It didn't take long to get everything unpacked, assembled, and ready for music. For starters, I placed the GMs in the exact same locations where the Cremona Auditors had been. It turns out to be the perfect spot for the Momento's, although the toe-in is not quite the same. After listening to various tracks of music, and making fine tuning adjustments to their position, I have settled on a toe-in angle that crosses the axis of the tweeter behind my head about 12 inches. This arrangement produces a phenomenal sound stage that exceeds the Auditors, very broad both inside and outside the actual speaker locations. Just amazing.

Once I achieved a quality location, I began to give some serious attention to the Guarneri Memento's sound. I turned the McIntosh XLS112 subwoofer off, because I wanted to hear what the GM's are capable of at the bottom end of the audio spectrum, and was not disappointed. The GM's are able to couple and load the dimensions of my 11.5' x 15' studio room with ease, and produce a pleasing and semi-deep bottom end without difficulty. Acoustic bass notes were authentic, although the addition of the XLS112 helped add the additional depth and timber, creating total realism. The GM's do go lower on their own than do the Cremona Auditors.

I began with a very good SACD from Doc Powell - 97th and Columbus. It is a Hybrid multichannel and stereo disc from Heads Up. I have a number of Heads Up SACD's, and I can say that this label is producing some excellent recordings. Check them out, if you haven't already.

The first track on Doc Powell's SACD features Doc on electric classical guitar and keyboards, Harvey Mason on drums, and Marcus Miller on electric bass. The GM's came to life like a live performance, with Doc's classical guitar floating rock solid in the middle of the room, Harvey's drums clearly behind Doc, but filling the entire sound stage, and Marcus' electric bass creating a solid rhythmic bottom. Wow, I'm in heaven.

I had previously energized the XLS112 subwoofer, and dialed it into perfect harmony with the lowest output of the Mementos, changing the crossover point from 65 Hz, where it had best suited the Auditors, to 50 Hz, where it seamlessly blends with the start of the low end rolloff on the GM's woofers. With the greater low frequency output of the GM's, I was able to reduce the XLS112's gain control to a lower output, and ultimately found the spot where it reinforces the deepest, lowest frequencies, while essentially remaining invisible. The overall sonic signature of the GM's and the XLS112 is a thing of beauty.

On track 8 of Doc Powell - 97th and Columbus, "Ode to Chet", Doc plays a Chet Atkins style slow tune with the sound of wind drifting through the sounds of guitar, bass, and percussion instruments. I was held spellbound by the purity of all the sounds, and awestruck by the realism of the wind sounds. Fantastic presentation by the Momento's.

I decided to see what the GM's could do with Big Phat Band - XXL. This very tight big band deserves some volume, so I put it to them. Track 11 is a nice big band arrangement of a blues tune, "What Sammy Said". The entire band jumped into the center of my studio, and I was extremely impressed with the GM's ability to reproduce a satisfyingly loud performace without blurring or smearing any of the instruments. You could clearly hear the various different horns, the piano, drums and bass as though it were a live performance. The Memento's ability to be dynamic and clear is astonishing. The 150 watts on each channel from the mono MC275 amplifiers make the GM's get up and sing. I was not longing for additional power in the slightest.

I moved to track 12 on the Big Phat Band - XXL CD, "Let The Good Tmes Roll", featuring Johnny Mathis. This is a rip roaring rendition of this tune, with the big band in full swing. The Guarneri Memento's were strutting their stuff. Johnny's voice was front and center, with the Big Phat Band filling a wide sound stage from left to right. Horns were blasting, bass was thumping, Johnny's voice right on top, nothing was murky, glossed over, or smeared. The studio was rocking, the band was in full swing, and I was grinning from ear to ear.

From my memory of the Cremona Auditor's sound, I feel the GM's offer a tighter, and deeper bass response, a midrange clarity that seems to be more dynamic and open, and a crystal clear top end that has enough air to create perfectly believable cymbals, wind chimes, and the rich aura of subtle sensory stimulus that is all consuming and so thrilling. Overall, the incredible luminous aural radiation delivered by the Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento's is nothing short of extraordinary, bordering on miraculously phenomenal. These speakers are absolute keepers.


Attached Images
File Type: jpg SF GM 1.jpg (54.9 KB, 212 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 2.jpg (84.3 KB, 216 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 3.jpg (52.8 KB, 196 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 4.jpg (57.2 KB, 207 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 5.jpg (96.4 KB, 218 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 6.jpg (96.5 KB, 359 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 7.jpg (96.4 KB, 232 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 8.jpg (96.4 KB, 252 views)
File Type: jpg SF GM 9.jpg (91.1 KB, 374 views)
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Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A

Last edited by jdandy; 07-28-2017 at 09:54 PM.
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Old 12-02-2009, 10:06 PM
PHC1 PHC1 is offline
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Dan, congrats on the GM's. It really feels good knowing my beloved GMs will be in the hands of one of our finest AA members. Enjoy them for many years to come.
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  #3  
Old 12-03-2009, 12:38 AM
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jdandy jdandy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PHC1 View Post
Dan, congrats on the GM's. It really feels good knowing my beloved GMs will be in the hands of one of our finest AA members. Enjoy them for many years to come.
Serge.......Thank you so much for letting me know about these wondeful speakers, and for taking such great care of them while in your possession. I will do the same for a long, long time. The GM's are magnificent speakers.
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
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  #4  
Old 12-03-2009, 12:58 AM
PHC1 PHC1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
Serge.......Thank you so much for letting me know about these wondeful speakers, and for taking such great care of them while in your possession. I will do the same for a long, long time. The GM's are magnificent speakers.
Dan, I am happy for you that you took the advice and decided to invest in the pristine condition pair of GM's. They brought me countless hours of listening pleasure. They will be a part of my "great gear" memories for sure. There is much satisfaction in owning a pair of speakers from the Sonus Faber "Homage" line. They are not only gorgeous to look at but they have a quality of sound about them that can be down right intoxicating. You'll know what I mean as you spend a few days listening to them. You will often come across recordings that will bring out their very best virtues. I suggest you start digging up some acoustic instrument recordings to get familiar with their qualities. Once you hear cello, violins, acoustic guitars on them, you will be in for a suprise. I am sure you will pick up on the fact that they are more refined sounding and able to convey the natural harmonic richness of instruments a bit more.

In terms of their condition, I always try to take great care of my audio gear since it is the one hobby that keeps me occupied for many hours and enjoyed daily. I am sure they will do the same for you. Enjoy!

Last edited by PHC1; 12-03-2009 at 01:12 AM.
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Old 12-02-2009, 10:08 PM
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Vintage Pete Vintage Pete is offline
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Dan....an exemplary review, as per usual. The Guarneri's look sweet indeed! I was wondering....where is your XLS112 located? I don't seem to see it in the pictures.

Your Studio/HT setup is very impressive indeed. I look forward to seeing and hearing all of your gear in person! Congratulations and enjoy your latest acqusition, as I am sure you will.....


Pete
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No. 35


Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop
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Old 12-03-2009, 12:49 AM
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jdandy jdandy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vintage Pete View Post
Dan....an exemplary review, as per usual. The Guarneri's look sweet indeed! I was wondering....where is your XLS112 located? I don't seem to see it in the pictures.

Your Studio/HT setup is very impressive indeed. I look forward to seeing and hearing all of your gear in person! Congratulations and enjoy your latest acqusition, as I am sure you will.....


Pete
Pete.......Thank you. I think when you've had the opportunity to hear these systems you will understand what great synergy has been created from the joining of these seperate components. All the big and little details come together in a most commendable way.
__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
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Old 12-03-2009, 12:53 AM
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Vintage Pete Vintage Pete is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
Pete.......Thank you. I think when you've had the opportunity to hear these systems you will understand what great synergy has been created from the joining of these seperate components. All the big and little details come together in a most commendable way.
Dan...I have no doubt, and I am looking forward to it!!

Pete
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No. 35


Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop
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  #8  
Old 12-03-2009, 12:43 PM
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jdandy jdandy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vintage Pete View Post
Dan....I was wondering....where is your XLS112 located? I don't seem to see it in the pictures.


Pete
Pete.......The McIntosh XLS112 subwoofer is on the right hand side of the room, closer to the rear wall than the front wall. Surprisingly, there is no localization from it's location. The bass all appears in the sound stage.
__________________
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
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Old 12-02-2009, 10:10 PM
PHC1 PHC1 is offline
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Overall, the incredible luminous aural radiation delivered by the Sonus Faber Guarneri Momento's is nothing short of extraordinary, and bordering on miraculously phenomenal. These speakers are absolute keepers.
I think that means you were impressed.
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Old 12-02-2009, 10:14 PM
1KW 1KW is offline
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Dan,

Congrats. you now have 3 very fine systems, I am very happy for you . I knew you were going to absolutely love the SF GM. I was impressed when I heard them as well. I am sure you will have the GM for a long time. Now aren't you a tad curious about hearing the other SF homage speakers

Last edited by 1KW; 12-02-2009 at 10:17 PM.
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