Another Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento story

[1KW]

Originally Posted by mgard

After months of waiting, last night was the first listening session of my new Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers and it was a mesmerizing success! I will be tweaking them a little bit more of course. Currently they are about 4 foot out from the back wall and 7 ½ foot apart. The MC601 amps were pushing out 45 to 60 watts which really gave the “you are there feeling”. I listen to Allison Krauss’s Paper Airplane CD, Jennifer Warne’s Blue Raincoat CD, Tommy Schneider & Friends plan-b3, Eric Clapton Unplugged, Bill Frisoll All we are saying and the Wailin’ Jennys 40 Days. I was a little worried that they wouldn’t come close to the level sound of my Maggie 3.7i’s convey but they sound beautiful with a personality all their own. The female vocals have a wonderful warmth to them that gives the feeling you could reach out and touch them. The sound stage was well beyond the width of the Memento’s. The acoustic guitar, mandolin, and fiddle sound awesome! I may have them wider apart and farther out from the wall than they need to be. I do have lots of space that I can move them around in. Attached are pictures so you can see them in their protective cages. I got that idea from watching Rhonda Rousey in the Octagon. Just kidding… My daughter married a year and a half ago and her 2 cats didn’t figure in the package deal. I acquired the speakers from fellow AA’er and friend Thedo. I promised him that I would take good care of his speakers and keep them in the pristine condition that he had them in. When he found out that I have two cats he had visions of the string being torn off and the finished scratched. I assured him that would never happen. Just as I protect my Maggies, I would figure out a way to keep the Memento’s safe from sweaty little kitty paws. So in the picture you will see the solution I came up with. How would your wife like those parked in your/her living room?? Don’t you think the treated pine and chicken wire looks nice for the rustic look? Luckily I have a basement where they are out of sight. The speakers assembled without any issues. Thedo sent detailed step by step instructions. I had my white cotton gloves on while handling the speakers. Thedo suggested I give the Momento’s a week or so to get dialed in and to get accustom to the sound before getting sub-woofer happy. Well on the last song, I cheated and turn on one of the Fathom F110 subs. I know for a fact that if anything is missing in the lower octaves with the pair of F110’s that will not be a problem. I see why owners of Sonus Faber Guarneri hang on to them for so long. I am happy to finally be a part of the Sonus Faber Franco Serblin legacy.

Mike G.

You must really like that cat to put up with having to cover such nice looking speakers with those cages. I personally would never let a animal rule my life; I would get rid of the cat.

[mgard]

Originally Posted by 1KW

You must really like that cat to put up with having to cover such nice looking speakers with those cages. I personally would never let a animal rule my life; I would get rid of the cat.

David,

I agree with you. The time it takes to uncover everything and then cover it back up is a real pain. I'm hoping my daughter will take them to her house sooner rather than later. You haven't seen the full extent of it either. My corner base traps have boxes in front of them and my audio cabinet has a big piece of cardboard on top of it. Time to get tough, yep...

[pete6737]

Cat- the other white meat.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by pete6737

Cat- the other white meat.

[Thedo]

Originally Posted by mgard

After months of waiting, last night was the first listening session of my new Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers and it was a mesmerizing success! I will be tweaking them a little bit more of course. Currently they are about 4 foot out from the back wall and 7 ½ foot apart. The MC601 amps were pushing out 45 to 60 watts which really gave the “you are there feeling”. I listen to Allison Krauss’s Paper Airplane CD, Jennifer Warne’s Blue Raincoat CD, Tommy Schneider & Friends plan-b3, Eric Clapton Unplugged, Bill Frisoll All we are saying and the Wailin’ Jennys 40 Days. I was a little worried that they wouldn’t come close to the level sound of my Maggie 3.7i’s convey but they sound beautiful with a personality all their own. The female vocals have a wonderful warmth to them that gives the feeling you could reach out and touch them. The sound stage was well beyond the width of the Memento’s. The acoustic guitar, mandolin, and fiddle sound awesome! I may have them wider apart and farther out from the wall than they need to be. I do have lots of space that I can move them around in. Attached are pictures so you can see them in their protective cages. I got that idea from watching Rhonda Rousey in the Octagon. Just kidding… My daughter married a year and a half ago and her 2 cats didn’t figure in the package deal. I acquired the speakers from fellow AA’er and friend Thedo. I promised him that I would take good care of his speakers and keep them in the pristine condition that he had them in. When he found out that I have two cats he had visions of the string being torn off and the finished scratched. I assured him that would never happen. Just as I protect my Maggies, I would figure out a way to keep the Memento’s safe from sweaty little kitty paws. So in the picture you will see the solution I came up with. How would your wife like those parked in your/her living room?? Don’t you think the treated pine and chicken wire looks nice for the rustic look? Luckily I have a basement where they are out of sight. The speakers assembled without any issues. Thedo sent detailed step by step instructions. I had my white cotton gloves on while handling the speakers. Thedo suggested I give the Momento’s a week or so to get dialed in and to get accustom to the sound before getting sub-woofer happy. Well on the last song, I cheated and turn on one of the Fathom F110 subs. I know for a fact that if anything is missing in the lower octaves with the pair of F110’s that will not be a problem. I see why owners of Sonus Faber Guarneri hang on to them for so long. I am happy to finally be a part of the Sonus Faber Franco Serblin legacy.

Mike G.

I am very glad that the Mementos find a good home. There was a time I thought I would never let go of those beauties. It was a pleasure to know you, Mike, a real gentleman and a good man. Happy listening.

[mgard]

Henry,
I was worried the whole time that you would change your mind and decide to keep them. It was a pleasure corresponding with you and tapping your experience. I was giving my wife a close up view of the beautiful maple wood and I pointed out the granite bases from the Italian stone quarries. The Sonus Faber’s display beauty and luxury from every angle. I used my laser alignment device last night to dial them in even better. With the big Maggie 3.7i’s you expect great sound to come out them due to their size. One is really blown away with the little Guarneri’s how well the musicians are placed on the stage. To get an idea of the bass, I played Brian Brombers’ “Wood” CD which was ripped to my Bryston BDP-1 (yes only version 1). Very impressive! The pluck of each sting had a nice fast attack and solid thump. I could feel the resonance of the wood in upright bass. I also played Neil Young’s “ Live at Massey Hall” CD. His guitar/voice and the room ambiance never sounded better. It was large and alive with depth and clarity. So if you get a chance to buy a pair, I would snap them up.

~Mike