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  #11  
Old 02-20-2019, 10:38 PM
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80B 80B is offline
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Good luck with finding AFs in black/graphite. They probably don't sound as good as red ones, but you'll still like it.
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Sources: Vinyl: Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable with 9" Universal tonearm, Da Vinci V2 cartridge, Stillpoints SS & Stillpoints clamp, McIntosh MVP 901, Apple Mac mini via Benchmark DAC 1, Aurender N100C via Schiit Yggdrasil
Control: McIntosh C1100, Mcintosh MX151
Power: Mcintosh MC2301s (front), McIntosh MC501 (center), Mcintosh MC402 (rear)
Speakers: Sonus Faber Amati Futura (front and back), SF Vox center
Power/connections: PS Audio Power Port receptacles, RGPC 400 pro (2) WireWorld interconnects and speaker cable
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  #12  
Old 02-21-2019, 04:39 AM
RLF RLF is offline
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Originally Posted by TakeFive View Post
I listened to the Serafino Tradition and was not a fan of the new line. Thanks in advance.
Specifically what is it that you don’t like about the Tradition? Thanks.
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  #13  
Old 02-21-2019, 05:52 AM
bigblue bigblue is offline
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Originally Posted by TakeFive View Post
Nice! I'm assuming your Graphite pair has the chrome nickel top?
They do. As you mention the chrome top comes with a bi monthly chore to keep them shiny. But when you look and listen to them - it's well worth it IMO.
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  #14  
Old 02-21-2019, 09:39 AM
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W9TR W9TR is offline
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Default Amati Futura - Piano Black

My Vox Center has black anodized end caps and my mains have the polished tops. No issues with either but if I had a choice I’d prefer the black anodized ones.
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  #15  
Old 02-21-2019, 10:54 AM
Mille162 Mille162 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigblue View Post
They do. As you mention the chrome top comes with a bi monthly chore to keep them shiny. But when you look and listen to them - it's well worth it IMO.


A little out of the box, but if the chrome finish or fear of tarnishing bothers you, you can have an autobody shop wrap the chrome portion in 3m vinyl color (and finish) of your choice. My friend had each if his Ferrari’s wrapped and several times had the chrome trim blacked out. If they can accurately cover the 3-D prancing horse, your speaker trim should be no problem. Its thin enough to mot affect speaker performance, withstands engine heat, UV light, rain and wind with no problem, and can be removed later with no damage to the vehicle paint or surface. Solid colors, metallic colors, various levels of clear/tints...possibilities are endless. I’d expect to pay $100-$200 total including their time and travel to your house...they can even print on it so maybe get crazy and customize with your family crest in the center, lol
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  #16  
Old 02-21-2019, 11:44 AM
TakeFive TakeFive is offline
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Originally Posted by RLF View Post
Specifically what is it that you don’t like about the Tradition? Thanks.
The top end end was a little bright for my tastes. Also, the lush rich midrange of the prior models has been reduced in favor of greater transparency and extension on both the bottom and top ends. It isn't major, but it noticeable. Still thinking about my options and which direction to go. I'd have to go with a used Amati Futura vs. a new Serafino Tradition, since they are similar in price. I couldn't afford a new Amati Tradition unfortunately.

Have you heard the Tradition series? What are your thoughts? I'm somewhat impartial to the aesthetics, as both the Futura and Tradition are very nice looking, though I like the Futura a little more.
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  #17  
Old 02-21-2019, 04:02 PM
IM3CPO IM3CPO is offline
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I have Amati Futuras in graphite and chrome top and wanted to chime in about the tarnish issue you raised. I have one of the very first Futuras and I did indeed have some tarnishing of the chrome/nickel. Having said this, its extremely easy to return back to "new" simply by using a micro fiber cloth and a light application of carnauba wax. Its rather amazing; the wax makes the tarnish come off immediately almost like wiping off water. Just wanted to throw this out there so you knew there was no reason to avoid the chrome nickel finish.
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  #18  
Old 02-21-2019, 08:16 PM
TakeFive TakeFive is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IM3CPO View Post
I have Amati Futuras in graphite and chrome top and wanted to chime in about the tarnish issue you raised. I have one of the very first Futuras and I did indeed have some tarnishing of the chrome/nickel. Having said this, its extremely easy to return back to "new" simply by using a micro fiber cloth and a light application of carnauba wax. Its rather amazing; the wax makes the tarnish come off immediately almost like wiping off water. Just wanted to throw this out there so you knew there was no reason to avoid the chrome nickel finish.
Thanks for the tip. I may look into a pair of Graphite/Chrome Futuras then as well. Deciding between a used pair of Futuras vs. a new pair of Serafinos, which are in the same price range. The Serafinos are easier to drive and easier to place in medium sized rooms, but the aesthetics of the Futuras are stunning. Also, the Serafinos are more musically balanced top to bottom, while the Futuras have a greater midrange emphasis and more rolled off top end. Decisions, decisions.
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  #19  
Old 02-21-2019, 09:28 PM
RLF RLF is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TakeFive View Post
The top end end was a little bright for my tastes. Also, the lush rich midrange of the prior models has been reduced in favor of greater transparency and extension on both the bottom and top ends. It isn't major, but it noticeable. Still thinking about my options and which direction to go. I'd have to go with a used Amati Futura vs. a new Serafino Tradition, since they are similar in price. I couldn't afford a new Amati Tradition unfortunately.

Have you heard the Tradition series? What are your thoughts? I'm somewhat impartial to the aesthetics, as both the Futura and Tradition are very nice looking, though I like the Futura a little more.
Yes, did hear the Tradition Serafino on only one occasion when my dealer was hosting an event put on by ARC, Sonus Faber, and Shunyata Research. The main demo was the Sonus Faber IL Cremonese driven by the ARC Reference M 160 monoblocks. After the main event, they had a Serafino Tradition driven by an integrated ARC amp playing in another room. On that occasion that day, the music in all rooms tended to sound on the bright side. I wasn’t the only one that thought so. Not sure what the brightness was due too, but it can’t necessarily be blamed on the speakers. Maybe the setups or perhaps the streaming of the music that was being played simultaneously in all the rooms? Hard to know, but if I was in the market for a model in Tradition series, I would like to hear it again with a different setup. As you know, not only the gear, but the setup is so important to get the best out of a speaker.

Have you listened to the Tradition on numerous occasions with different gear and in different rooms with your own music to come to the conclusion that you did?
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  #20  
Old 02-21-2019, 10:02 PM
TakeFive TakeFive is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RLF View Post
Yes, did hear the Tradition Serafino on only one occasion when my dealer was hosting an event put on by ARC, Sonus Faber, and Shunyata Research. The main demo was the Sonus Faber IL Cremonese driven by the ARC Reference M 160 monoblocks. After the main event, they had a Serafino Tradition driven by an integrated ARC amp playing in another room. On that occasion that day, the music in all rooms tended to sound on the bright side. I wasn’t the only one that thought so. Not sure what the brightness was due too, but it can’t necessarily be blamed on the speakers. Maybe the setups or perhaps the streaming of the music that was being played simultaneously in all the rooms? Hard to know, but if I was in the market for a model in Tradition series, I would like to hear it again with a different setup. As you know, not only the gear, but the setup is so important to get the best out of a speaker.

Have you listened to the Tradition on numerous occasions with different gear and in different rooms with your own music to come to the conclusion that you did?
I've listened only to the Serafino (not the Amati Tradition, not the IL Cremonese). I listened to it in 3 different systems, and found it bright in 2 of the 3 systems. The only I didn't find it bright was with the McIntosh 275 amp. The other 2 systems were the Audio Research Ref 150 SE amp with LS28 preamp, and the McIntosh MC450 solid state amp with Mcintosh tube preamp. All with Mcintosh SACD/CD player. All was with Cardas cabling. Never got to listen to any vinyl. Not sure how many more systems I'll be able to listen to it with. Has anyone else heard the Tradition series (Serafino or Amati) with any gear? Did it sound bright?
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