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Dynaudio Contour C60 or Magico A3 or Vandersteen Treo CT

Hi everyone. My first post on Audiogon so bear with me please. Trying to decide on a new set of speakers and struggling to pull the trigger on one of the 3 in the title of the post (Dynaudio Contour C60 or Magico A3 or Vandersteen Treo CT).  I understand that the best way to try and decide is to listen to them but I would have to drive up and down the east cost to find retailers and the auditioning would be with 3 different component set ups so that presents a challenge.  I would appreciate any help members can provide, especially those who may have listened to all 3 speakers.  I listen to mostly acoustic jazz/human voice (~70%) and rock/alternative.  I have an upgraded (spring 2017) McCormack DNA 0.5 power amp and upgraded McCormack TCL1 preamp.  VPI Prime Scout TT, Moon CD player and JL sub.  Currently using  20y.o. Totem 1s and I'm ready for a floor standing speaker.  Room is relatively large with plenty of space on either side and behind the speakers and I can be flexible with the distance between the speakers and seating distance.  Thanks for any help you can provide.
mahlijanian
yyzsantabarbara
5,008 posts
 
Dynaudio introduced new drivers for the Contour line (I think it was this one) in the 2018 Munich show. These speakers may not be available yet but if I were in the market for Dynaudio I would want to check out those new drivers, since people were posting good things about them from the show.

I am going to check out the Magico A3 (2-3 hours) tomorrow and then also go to another store a few miles away where Richard Vandersteen will demo some gear. This is all in Southern California.
mahlijanian OP
17 posts
 
Thanks yyz. Will be interesting to hear your impressions of the Vandersteen vs. Magicos.  I think the new drivers for the Contour line may be associated with a price bump.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
I auditioned the Contour 60s a few weeks ago.  It's an imposing speaker (height).  It's also highly competent, in a mainstream modern-speaker-design sort of a way, but it didn't do anything for me.  My litmus test is whether I want to stuff them in the back in the station wagon and drive away that very afternoon...
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
You may also ask if you can bring your own electronics to the different places in order to hear the speakers with your own gear. That may help minimize differences in setups, if you are willing to drive to the different locations to audition.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I have heard all three.  I owned the Treo's and LOVED them.  I sold them to an AG member who also loves them. I upgraded to the Quatro as I wanted the bass control and more powerful bass for my room.  The steen's are just so clear. Micro and macro detail in spades as they have no smearing.  They are one of the best I've ever heard in regards to tonality.  I listen to a lot of live music and feel the Steen's are as close in their price ranges as you can get.  The other speakers are very nice and I can see how you came to look at these three.  I agree with Tomic IRT Johny Rutan or Alan Jones.  Also the Vandersteen Treo CT's can be set within 12" of the back wall if needed.  
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