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Reference 3a mm de capo vs. ProAc Response 2

So here's the conundrum. I've got a Fisher 500c- 35 watts of vintage tube power (with several mods done to it-namely updated power supply and signal path) and currently have a pair of Vandersteen 2ce's. Not the best match, due to the Vandy's moderate efficiency, though still nice. Not especially dynamic and a bit congested on the frequency extremes.
So in search of a better speaker to match the Fisher, I've done lots of research on Reference 3A's and Proacs, which I'm told both work well with tubes.

So please, have any of you listened to both of the speakers in the title? If so, how would you characterize their strengths and weaknesses? Which did YOU prefer and why?
As for my tastes, I enjoy old school R&B, 50s-60s jazz, classic rock, some pop, bluegrass, reggae, folk. Not really concerned about classical. And my source is an Eastern Electric MiniMax CDP. No vinyl (yet).

Thanks a bunch for your valued opinions! Lincoln

PS- yes I'm working hard to arrange a listen to both of them myself, but Tucson, AZ, is a bit removed from lesser known brands. :)
lincnabby
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Lincoln,

I'm using (primarily) Ohm 100 omnis with DRC subwoofers. This is a full bandwidth (my main issue with both the ProAC and deCapo), though highly inneficent speaker system. Definitely not what you're looking for.

I also use the Merlin VSM which loves tubes, meets your sensitivity requirements, and has a small footprint (it is a floorstander, however). Tonally, it's response is pretty similar to the R2 through the range that they share, but the VSM is much better balanced IMHO due to its extended bass response. However, I'm pretty sure that a decent used pair (even an early version) would be over budget. Merlin also makes a monitor version (TSM) of the design that might be viable for you, but I honestly don't know that product at all and I mention it only because the VSM is such a goofd fit for you on all fronts but (alas) price.

Marty
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
For the record, Lincnabby, I've run my Gallo Ref 3s for the last 5+ years with 12 wpc SET monoblock amps.
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Marty and Dave,
Very interesting. I must say I would LOVE the Merlin VSM's or the Gallo Ref. 3's. Marty, you're right in thinking that the Merlins are out of my budget. But as you suggested, I have looked seriously at the TSM monitors. Still a bit concerned about power issues. Some reviews seem to suggest they need more than 35 watts of push-pull power. Am I confused?
And Dave- wow! I always heard that the Gallo Ref 3's only sounded their best with 100 watts + of SS power. I've heard nothing but great stuff about them. Do you think my Fisher could drive them with reasonable volume and dynamics? And honestly, I don't completely understand the pros/cons of SET vs. push/pull tube amps. Any basic explanation would be much appreciated. And again thank you gents!
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Lincnabby, I'm almost as puzzled by this as you are. A good friend designed and built my SET amps (845 output tube, EL34/KT77 driver tube, 6N7/ECC31 input tube, solid state rectification) and swears the output is 12 wpc. They sound very powerful, though, probably due largely to the huge transformers he used (no, he's no longer building them). I have a pretty large room, 18 x 40' with an "L" off one of the 40' sides. And as far as I know I've never clipped the amps. BTW, they replaced Conrad Johnson Premier 12s (140 wpc) because they sound much more open, dynamic and detailed than the CJs did.

As to whether your Fisher would handle the Gallos, I think so, but I can't say for sure.
lincnabby OP
56 posts
 
Very interesting, Dopogue.
I've encountered another strange twist. John Ruttan, suggested I try out a Vandersteen X2 50k high pass filter capacitor. It plugs directly into my amp's input between it and the CDP, and will limit bass output some, but he says it will dramatically increase transient response and take some of the load off of the Fisher. It's a $60 experiment, so I figure what the heck?! Perhaps that and a matching Vandersteen sub (again John Ruttan's suggestion) will take me to the promised land. We'll see. I'd still love to audition ProAcs or Ref 3A's, but so far the opportunity has eluded me. If anyone out there in Audiogon land knows someone in Southern Arizona who owns either of the above speakers, please let me know! I'll be happy to supply them with scotch, wine, beer, whatever, for their hospitality!
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