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Magico A3 vs. Joseph Audio Perspective vs. Spendor D9

Hi All,

I have been doing some research over the past while and am currently in the midst of a search for my next floorstanding speaker that costs around ~$10k. My other thread that I posted in this forum gave me a lot to consider. Rather than post there, I figured a most focused thread would be a good idea. Now, I have distilled my choices to these 3 choices... I think.

Power: I will be powering the speakers with a SET amp (48W per channel).
Sources: Most of my sources are digital (Roon/Tidal). I mostly listen to jazz, classical and female vocals. I would appreciate a speaker that provides that good, snappy bass where I don't need a subwoofer.
Room: Large room (will be in the living room that opens up to the kitchen and then the dining room). Aesthetics do matter here.

I have received a ton of help through the forums already during my search and have now narrowed down my speaker choices to (in no particular order):

  • Magico A3 - No issues driving these speakers with my amp. Tested and they sounded wonderful. Very analytical and super clear details. Tight bass as well but maybe more weighted in the clarity/details than warmth, even with my tube amp.
  • Joseph Audio Perspective - No dealers in WA or OR so no way to test these but have heard wonderful things about these speakers. Sounds like imaging/sound stage is a strong suit along with clarity. I wonder how bass performance is though as these have smaller woofers compared to my other choices.
  • Spendor D9 - Have not heard these speakers yet but am trying to find a local dealer that has them in stock.
Another one that I am still thinking about is the Daedalus Argos but I would like to hear some feedback on the top 3 at this time.

Thanks!
freesole
desktopguy
381 posts
 
I'm enjoying this thread immensely. Audio really gets more interesting when people dwell on their subjective impressions/experiences of this or that speaker, as compared to spec-wars about them.

It's also quite amusing to see something play out here that I see on every audio board I've ever participated in: a bunch of people talking about sound, and somebody (or multiple somebodies) shows up to urinate all over the conversation w/dubious theoretical clams about science, specifications, whatever other constructs they use to avoid hearing & experiencing things IRL...

There must be factory somewhere that turns out these guys.
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@twoleftears Totally agree with your view that it all depends on the listener’s ears. I personally didn’t like the Harbeth 40.1’s that I heard paired with both Primaluna and then Naim gear. While the midrange was musical, details and clarity were lacking. Some love Sonus Faber Olympica’s and I found to be OK.

What makes this difficult is knowing that there are other potentials, such as the Perspective’s that I won’t be able to hear before buying. But, you can’t have everything :)
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@dantheman76 Awesome, another local. How are you liking your 805ia and the D7's? I have heard the D7's at Hawthorne but not with the LM obviously. They sounded fantastic and I can only imagine that the D9's are better all around. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
If you're in the Seattle area you can also audition Chapman, PMC.
otinkyad
23 posts
 
@prof  -- thanks for the additional info on your audition of the Revels -- much appreciated.
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