Devore Gibbon 3XLs: anyone have these?

I'll be building an all new 2 channel system, and I will be looking to drive these with either a Leben or Shindo setup, so, the recent posts have been very helpful. I have an old Marantz receiver and I've fallen for its sound, so I think I'd prefer something with tubes. And luckily, I'm not far from Pitch Perfect Audio, so I should be able to hear them all together when the time comes.

I'm also looking at the Soul Superfly, so thanks also for that rec, Bongo.

Bongfury - Like you, I have also heard the Finns, but never the Finns and 3XLs in a head to head comparison. Aside from the obviously deeper bass with the Finns, would you care to comment on the similarities and differences between the two speakers? And I agree about the wood fit and finish of John's speakers. His craftsman (Anthony from Box Furniture), who is a master carpenter, gives new meaning to the term master carpenter.

Finns cost twice as much but probably not twice the enjoyment. I would choose the Gibbons.

If price was key, I would probably look at active ATC 16s with a nice pre amp or the Zu Souls with tubes as legitimate contenders.

Thanks, Bongofury.

I have a pair of the Gibbon 3 speakers that are the predecessors to the 3XL. These are front ported speakers, which may have been either a special order or a limited production. They were again upgraded by DeVore in August of 2006. They sound fantastic. In addition to being extremely balanced, they are dynamic, sparkly and very full sounding... especially for their size.

I heard the later generation of the Gibbon 3s while in NYC. Great speakers! They are definitely keepers; I wouldn't think of getting rid of them, so there's testimony for you. I've listened to them in both small rooms as well as in larger rooms with a sub.

Taking proper care for placement with these speakers really pays off. I found when I get the speaker placement just right with these DeVore monitors, they simply disappear with a generous sweet spot. They are easy to drive, as well as they do sound better with some high current power.

I'm not sure if my speakers are the same animal as the 3XL, but this is my experience with the DeVore Gibbon 3 speakers. So, I can recommend them because I have a pair.