Cremona Auditor M with Ref 110 impedance question?

[Bavarian05]

I have read numerous places that ARC can sound better when using the 8 ohm taps on a 4 ohm nominal speaker (specifically many of the Wilson's and a couple of the Sonus Faber models). Does anyone know which tap works best with my specific combo by chance? Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M's driven by ARC Ref 110 w/KT-120's. Any feedback, advice or experience is appreciated.

Also, does anyone know the actual impedance curve or the minimum impedance for the Cremona Auditor M?
I have looked through the SF manual and Google searched with no luck...

[jakegt3]

I would try both the 8 ohm and 4 ohm taps. I would not automatically assume one is better than the other without trying. I have not seen an impedance curve either.

With my Cremona M floorstanders, the 4 ohm tap on the VS115 is definitely better, but that might not apply to the Auditors.

[NOLG4EVR]

When I had ARC gear with both SF Cremona M and and later Futura's I found the 8ohm taps to be better in my room. Bigger soundstage, more depth. Lost maybe a bit of detail but overall SQ was better.
I don't know the impedance numbers but I suspect as with most SF speakers it will not be flat but will be all over the board.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by NOLG4EVR

When I had ARC gear with both SF Cremona M and and later Futura's I found the 8ohm taps to be better in my room. Bigger soundstage, more depth. Lost maybe a bit of detail but overall SQ was better. I don't know the impedance numbers but I suspect as with most SF speakers it will not be flat but will be all over the board.

I've now tried both the 4 and 8 ohm taps and neither sounds bad, however the 4 ohm tap sounds considerably more well controlled and "speaks as one voice". The 8 ohm tap seems to resolve the highs just a bit more, however the bass doesn't quite time as accurately and this is overstating it, but it sounds dis-jointed in comparison. The 4 ohm tap seems to be the correct choice in my room. Though they only have maybe 8 hours on them, so I'll probably give it another shot after 100 hours have passed.

[jakegt3]

The lower impedance amplifier taps usually have a lower internal resistance in series with the output. This generally allows the amplifier to exert better "control" on the speaker load, which may explain why the 4 ohm tap sounds "more well controlled". I find the same thing. My Cremona M floorstanders are rated as 4 ohm speakers but at some frequencies the impedance goes lower. Also, tube amplifiers often have lower distortion on the lower impedance output taps.

[lavi]

Sorry all, I cannot write a new post, so here is a question:

I am looking for a new integrated amplifier for my Cremona Auditors M (I actually have Naim and do not like it). My budget is around 3000 euros...what woudl you recommend I listen to?

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by lavi

Sorry all, I cannot write a new post, so here is a question: I am looking for a new integrated amplifier for my Cremona Auditors M (I actually have Naim and do not like it). My budget is around 3000 euros...what woudl you recommend I listen to?

Are you open to both tube or solid state?

[lavi]

i am open to both tube or solid state!

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by lavi

i am open to both tube or solid state!

I would look for a deal on an Ayre Integrated. They have spectacular power supplies and are pretty good value especially on used market. Not many tube integrated units that I would recommend. I certainly have not heard them all, but many lower priced are going to sound too midrange focused and not offer much extension at either end in that price point (generally speaking).

[gerzom]

Originally Posted by lavi

Sorry all, I cannot write a new post, so here is a question:

I am looking for a new integrated amplifier for my Cremona Auditors M (I actually have Naim and do not like it). My budget is around 3000 euros...what woudl you recommend I listen to?

Try to find a used Electrocompaniet ECI-5mkII and some Yter speaker cables. You'll be amazed