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Reference 3A Grand Veena's

Oh no, here it comes again, the dreaded "audiophile nervosa"...

I have a pair of perfectly fine Piega P10s that I've lived with and enjoyed for several years now, and yet I've grown curious about what else is out there. I stumbled upon a thread in which the Grand Veenas were being discussed with some enthusiasm by several who had heard them at shows, in dealer showrooms, or in their own living rooms, and now I'm thinking of driving to Atlanta to hear a pair for myself.

Before I do, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share further impressions? In particular, I am wondering how they compare to other speakers in the 6-12K price range? For those who bought them, what did you have previously, and what about the Grand Veenas made you take the leap?

I appreciate all input, and understand that there is no substitute for hearing them with my own ears. Be assured, I won't be buying without hearing them first, and I doubt the Piegas will go down without a fight. But still...

Thanks in advance for any and all impressions.
waltersalas
dgarretson
2,609 posts
 
I heard them at a local audiophile meet in which the manufacturer had control over every component in the chain except for CDP and room-- which was too large for these speakers. Notwithstanding the mid-range CDP that was used for this demo, the Grand Veenas did not not measure up to all the hype, particularly in LF-- which was pale and underwhelming.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
For someone who knows music, there can be only one speaker for you...Magnepan! I almost went for the 3A's but was convinced by an audition and a little faith, that the 3.6R's would deliver a more natural sound. They are so evenly balanced and effortlessly natural while casting a large dynamic soundstage, that thoughtsof any box speaker ever entering my home was over for good.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Walter
I'm more then happy with my Reference Grand Veena's.
Iv'e been a long time owner of Magnapan and Quad speakers, still have the Quads, going on 26 years.

It was simply by chance I came across the Veena's while shopping for new speakers.
Anyway I bought them.

Amplifiers that I have heard at the dealer and in my home driving them were the Ayer monos, Atma-Sphere M60s and the ASR Emitter Exclusive.
Three differant flavours with any one of these brand of amplifiers make for a superb match with these speakers.

I really don't know what to make of Mr Garretson comment's the speakers to be pale and underwhelming other then that's what he heard.
dgarretson
2,609 posts
 
I'll qualify my comments by adding that treble and midrange are superlative. There is some discontinuousness between the midrange and bass drivers(which I believe has also been noted by pro reviewers), and LF lacks the impact and grip that I'm accustomed to with my modded Merlins. However, there is no doubt that at $8K the Grand Veenas are an excellent value.
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
I haven't heard the Veenas, so good luck with that. As for the recommendation for the 3.6s, you would not be happy after living with the P-10s.

As a P-10 owner myself, when you find something that bests them, please share. I am thinking anything that I can afford would be a lateral move at best.....

Shakey
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