Another Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento story

[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.

[PMCH]

Mike, your speakers look beautiful. Not the cages, but you did solve the problem. When you turn down the lights I am sure you will just be hearing wonderful music and not notice the cages.

[mgard]

Thank you Paul. I have wheels on the cages so I can easily pull them away from the speakers. The new rule is no cats in the basement but they are fast and sneaky so better safe than sorry.

~Mike

[jdandy]

Mike.......Looking real good.

After you have had some time with the Guarneri Memento's and begin to think of integrating subwoofers you might want to consider the Bryston 10B Sub active crossover. When I owned the Guarneri Memento's I had great success integrating the active crossover with subwoofers. You might enjoy reading my review of the http://www.audioaficionado.org/bryst...tml#post114587 .

[mgard]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......Looking real good.

After you have had some time with the Guarneri Memento's and begin to think of integrating subwoofers you might want to consider the Bryston 10B Sub active crossover. When I owned the Guarneri Memento's I had great success integrating the active crossover with subwoofers. You might enjoy reading my review of the http://www.audioaficionado.org/bryst...tml#post114587 .

Thank you Dan. Yes I have read that review several times but it might be time for a refresher!

~Mike

[Elberoth]

I think I would get a dog instead

[miner]

Mike - my all-end speaker that I hope to own someday. Love the Blown Away picture - I have the same in my listening room. What component cabinet is that? Great setup BTW. Jim Smith would be proud.

[mgard]

Originally Posted by miner

Mike - my all-end speaker that I hope to won someday. Love the Blown Away picture - I have the same in my listening room. What component cabinet is that? Great setup BTW. Jim Smith would be proud.

Hi miner,

Thank you for your comments. The cabinet is a Salamander Designs Sonoma 337 in American Cherry finish. I have the extended rear panels to give to extra room for the MC601's. They are vented so that helps with cooling (not that the 601's put out much heat) and helps keep the dust bunnies out too.

~Mike

[mgard]

Dan,

Thank you for bumping up the size of my photo. I need to start practicing with Photo Bucket and try to do that. I still can't believe I own those speakers.

~Mike

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by mgard

Dan,

Thank you for bumping up the size of my photo. I need to start practicing with Photo Bucket and try to do that. I still can't believe I own those speakers.

Mike.......You are welcome.

The SF Guarneri Memento's are wonderful speakers and true magicians at disappearing in a room. I am happy for you.