KEF R3 META or Dynaudio Special 40?


I am looking to replace my current office speakers (ML Motion 20i floorstander) with some standmounts. I like the ribbon tweeters on the MLs, especially for HT where I also have them, but I am looking for something with more sparkle for my office 2-channel rig. Amp is an Atoll in200 Sig integrated with a Node 2i for streaming and a Project Carbon Evo for vinyl. The office is small (10x10x9) and untreated (including the glass French doors). I will be treating in the future, but I mostly listen at low to medium volumes so it hasn't been a huge issue thus far. I am shopping the used market with a budget of ~$1500. Right now I am looking at two local options: new in box KEF R3 META ($1500) and Used Dynaudio Special 40 ($1400). The Dyns had a small dent in one tweeter that has been pulled out but you can still see an imperfection. Neither are available for demo. The Atoll has a warmer presentation. Have any of you AB’d the two with a similar amp? The tweeter imperfection in the Dynaudio is a bit concerning, but I wonder if there is any discernible effect. The tweeter can be replace for $350.

128x128rutlanda

Thanks for the reply! The Atoll is pretty stout with a true dual mono structure. I am trying to see if I can take my amp to demo the Dynaudios.

I am a big Dyna fan but I would stay away from the Special 40s. They never sounded special to me.

Get these Yamaha HS8 active monitors ($800/pair new, also found in white, grey) that have a lot of sparkle, clarity, resolution etc.. the other 2 options you were looking at are not very good at all.

https://shop.usa.yamaha.com/en/p/pro-audio/studio-monitors/hs8-studio-monitor-pair

Since they are active, you don’t need your amp. Get this Schiit Saga 2 class A preamp ($279) and run its balanced outputs to the monitors. Connect your analog and digital inputs to this preamp.

https://www.schiit.com/products/saga_2

Since they were new, you didn’t have to deal with some guy’s beat up junk. Tis a good day.

 

but I am looking for something with more sparkle for my office 2-channel rig.

Node 2i for streaming and a Project Carbon Evo for vinyl. The office is small (10x10x9)

Right now I am looking at two local options: new in box KEF R3 META ($1500) and Used Dynaudio Special 40 ($1400).

The Dyns had a small dent in one tweeter that has been pulled out but you can st