Magico A3 vs. Joseph Audio Perspective vs. Spendor D9

@skyscraper Your question of what constitutes "warmth" is an interesting one because I don't think there is one strict definition. @prof described his view on warmth and I agree with most of what he said. Some think of warmth as the system adding color to the music but I disagree. I think a system that is able to reproduce true-to-life, real sound is what I would call warm. I think of sitting in a low lit, intimate jazz bar as being warm because the sound of that sax, bass and piano just seems to float around you. You can feel the impact of each breathe and the pluck of the bass string. Saying all that, I don't know that I have heard many speakers that could reproduce that feeling and sound to my ears well. 

I also struggled with the choice of speakers for a while. I found it surprising that Seattle did not have many dealers for the speakers that I was looking at. I'm glad I was able to have extended listening sessions with the A3 and the Spendor D7's but I was not going to be able to listen to the Perspective. Despite the very strong and convincing thoughts on the Perspective, I thought it was going to be a risk that I did not want to take. After hearing the Spendor's, I thought it had a lot of the strengths of the A3 but sounded more laid back and "warm". Knowing that the D9's would have much better low end performance, I couldn't help but think that this speaker would be the best solution that sits directly in between my choices of the Magico A3 and the Joseph Audio Perspective. We shall see if they are :) 

The Magico A3's are wonderful speakers. You're going to enjoy yours for a very, very long time I reckon. It's ability to render music that is so cleared and detailed without being shrill or fatiguing is something quite special. I would not call the A3's warm however. These speakers have other strengths (which they are very strong in). With Hegel gear, I thought it sounded somewhat cold and almost over-indexed on being analytical. With a good tube amp, I found it really opened up and was much better to my ears. Ultimately it is up to your own preference and as long as you enjoy the music coming out of your system, that is all that matters at the end of the day. Musical preference is so subjective and no one person can decide what sounds good except yourself. 

Prof and freesole, thanks for taking your time to provide your thorough explanation of what "warmth" means. I understand better what that frequently mentioned expression means now.

Next time I’m up in Pennsylvania I’ll try and check out those Joseph Audio Perspectives, and if I visit family up on Long Island, there must be a dealer somewhere around NYC who has the Spendor D9’s to listen to. That will solidify my understanding of both your explanations, and provide a contrast with Magico A3’s sound.

I’ve read where some individuals have paired the Magico’s with tube amps to achieve a warmer sound. I heard them demoed with a couple of mono- blocks which I can’t recall the names of, not the Hegels they had on hand. They had a full rich sound I would have never thought to have described as over-indexed or overly analytical (another term I honestly don’t quite understand the use of either) or I might have been put off by them. I’m hoping the Luxman 507 MkII will approach the mono-blocks sound.

Shkong, I have looked at Mark of Silnote’s site previously. That’s a good suggestion to revisit it as he’s local, and to give him a call. I’ve read equally convincing opinions on various cables being the greatest thing since white bread, to their being nothing more than a hoax. If he could provide some loaners I could figure it out in a heartbeat. Thanks for the reminder of this local resource.

Mike

I've heard the A3s on Vac monoblocks at the LA Audio Show and me and two others found them dynamically restricted and kinda dead sounding.

I've heard the D7s numerous times including at a local dealer and find them far more musical sounding. They worked particularly well on a Jadis integrated.

I would also add the Devore Super 9 to your list.

Magico A3s are so bad they sold over 700 pairs people love restricted and dead.WOW DUDE!!!!!!