I live near Coffee and Crema, and believe they represent the best in the area by far. Never been to the higher end shops in Raleigh/Durham which is the next closest.

To me, what I pull on my Vivaldi S1, v2 with Major is equivalent. But, unfortunately my stomach just can't handle straight espresso - so I do caps. I was surprised that I could do as well with my Major, versus C&C better grinder, and better barista. I believe that the only reason I am able to come so close to their La Marzocco and better grinder is because I am vacumning out my grinder, and pulling the shot immediately after grinding, whereas there is a longer path in the macap, and there is more time between grinding at C&C and actually pulling the shot.

Note: one of the reasons I have stayed with the Major - it really throws coffee out - and seems to easily vacumn and remnants from the chute - there is likely build up under the burrs, but if it's gonna not come out with the vacumn, I'm not worried about it.

I have been using the Vivaldi S1 v2 while rewiring a 2003 cremina to 120 volts, and my 87 Cremina was waiting for me to lube the cylinder and seals.

I miss the lever Cremina - I personally prefer the lever. And so does my daughter in law, who used to manage a coffee shop - not of C&C quality.

My DIL says I have ruined her in terms of coffee. she no longer is happy with anything except from my kitchen or C&C.

In my house - wife and I, definitely with the daughter and law. Cremina all the way.

With a house full of guests, Vivaldi S1 V2 - the way to go.

Ken,

Same here. Most of the time I'm pulling on the Cremina. On rare occasions where I need to make many drinks I fire up the Vetrano. If I had to choose only one...Cremina all the way!

forgot to mention - that not only do I vacumn the chute and doser, I freeze my beans.

I've got the process down pretty good -

Beans roasted on Monday - I freeze them on Thurs.

Have roughly a days worth in the Major - maybe a day and a half.

Take out half a pound at a time. If you discount days frozen - they are hitting the portafilter roughly 5 to 7 days post roast - maybe eight or nine at the end of a half pound.

Note: I am using a plexiglas tube instead of a hopper. I made a post and pic somewhere on HB - with the tube, and markings on the tube it's pretty easy to tell where you are, in terms of how many shots in the pipeline.

As good as the really great shops are - if you pay attention to detail - you can match them or come damn close if you do everything to a full detail degree. Some may beg to differ, and in fact they may be right. My experience is somewhat limited. Without traveling a great deal, my experience is _going_ to be liimited. Even so, I enjoy delightful coffee at a high level.

Link to what I am doing with Acrylic tubing on the Major

Mazzer Major is Awesome

And finally a happy ending to the story.

Just finalized an order with Chris's Coffee for the La Spaz II. Thanks everyone!
gene

Congratulations!
don't forget to check the Vivaldi forums at s1cafe!

Thanks.
The Vivaldi forums at s1cafe is one reason I ordered the La Spaz yesterday. As reading oodles of reviews and customer reports. I can just about quote Dan Kehn verbatim. Another is I started bidding on yet another Cremina and have been sending Orphan Espresso numerous emails trying to get a price on a lever for a Cremina I was bidding on. Have failed to get a reply back from Barb and Doug.

In frustration ordered the La Spaziale. I really respect Ken and usfroadie and wanted a Cremina in the worst way. I still plan on having one one of these days.

What a trip and what an inexpensive hobby! My wife says, "inexpensive"? "Well, just sell a few of your kayaks, big boy"!

From flying, to Porsches, to racing motorcycles, to coaching cross-country for years, to mountain biking, to having seven whitewater kayaks with tons of paddles, helmets, pfds, dry tops and bottoms, to taking a playboat down a class five gorge for the past three years(and last week), while everyone else paddles the longer riverrunners and creekboats.....and finally hit the pinnacle----coffee roasters and now Vivaldi La Spaziales!
Hopefully, at 71, I'm at the crux of my journey to find nirvana. ha
Thanks again guys for helping us golden oldies!

Gene,

OE has a Cremina listed for $1275. Difference between it and the one listed on eBay is that coming from Barb and Doug it'll be perfect (and complete). The one you were bidding on on eBay was supposedly new, but man was that thing beat up for a machine that was never used. That story did not pass the giggle test, but a few people obviously thought it to be true and bid it up accordingly.

Congrats on the Vivaldi. Chris' is a first-class business, ensuring you the best customer service possible. You'll no doubt be happy. You honestly couldn't go wrong with either one.

joatmon wrote:Merle,

Well, there was ("it ain't there no more"), a Cremina at Orphan's. I looked everyday for months and had given up hope. Thanks for the heads up. I trust Ole Yeller will be a faithful companion.

joat

Congrats!! I wish I was there to see your face when it arrives. You have to open it up to look at the detail of their work "under the hood".

Also, I know what you mean about looking day after day and never seeing them. They disappear within days if not hours. I missed two before ending up with my little red machine. It was well worth the wait!!