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Demo'd a few sets of speakers over the past 2 weeks...

Today I heard the Magnapan 1.7s at my local Hi-Fi. I was interested in hearing the new Maggie LRS, but this is the closest they had. It was good but didn't wow me. Big sound stage, but didn't have the punch and dynamics and bass extension I want. Don't think I will pursue the Maggies any further...
I also heard the KEF LS50s. I think they sounded more Dynamic than the Maggies, big sound stage and good imaging for such a small speaker. Great speaker for what it is, but again, didn't wow me.
These speakers were connected to an anthem tube amp and a rogue audio tube pre-amp with built in phono stage (same electronics as with the Maggies). I think this could be a nice pair for a computer desk for near field listening, but just a tad bright for me. Again fantastic for what they are.
Last week demo'd the Golden Ear Reference Towers (about 10K for the pair) and McIntosh electronics in the neighborhood of 15k total. I found it to be musical, but something seemed off tonally couldn't put my finger on it. I was left wanting more.
Lastly, I demo'd the Klipch RP600M as those had been getting rave reviews (folks saying the brightness had been tamed in this model). I still found the treble too bright and fatiguing so I will not be pursuing these any further either. Too bad, as I was hyping these up in my head.

I'll keep looking, but the current set in my living room are still my favorites (Vandersteen 2Cs from 1989). These speakers can still wow me, but want to see if I can do better for not a high cost.
Next, I would like to hear a pair of 3A sigs and Tekton DI. The later my be extremely hard to get a demo without buying them and doing an in-home trial.
bstatmeister
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello statmeister,

     No, I'm not AKA hikmer.  I was just having a little fun and messing with you.
     But I was struck by how quickly exactly what you were looking for suddenly appeared for sale and at under your expected price, almost like you had a guardian audio angel.  It really is a great deal at $2,800 and you have the travel costs leverage to get it for even less. 
     It seems a shame to let a fortunate coincidence like that just slip away.
I know if you really want the speakers, you'll figure it out and make it happen somehow.  You could always fly out and rent a nice SUV for the ride back.  Take your wife on a small vacation to Newport Beach for a short stay at the Newporter hotel.   Live a little and have some fun!


Best wishes,
     Tim
    
sonicjoy
146 posts
 
Hi bstatmeister, I have the 3a sig, pair of 2wq subs and m5hpb ("b" for balanced xlr version) high pass filter combo that I put together over time. I can tell you that the 3a sigs are full range without the subs, rated down to 26 hz I believe. They sound great on their own. The subs with m5hpb crossovers not only adds the last bit of deep bass but because of the way they are implemented with the crossover between the preamp and amp/s they improve the sound of the main speakers by removing the bass load starting at the amp/s, in fact as mentioned this combo gives about 90% of what the 5a has and can be assembled as funds allow. You can even add one sub at a time. The 5a’s are more elegant solution with 2 boxes instead of 4 however. The 5a’s are basically 3a sigs 2wq’s combined in one box.

Personally I’m sold on the time and phase correct concept. I wish more company’s would pay attention to it.

And ya that listing for the whole package is a fantastic deal! Good luck with your choice.
sonicjoy
146 posts
 
Oh and as far as I know there are no newer versions of the 3a sigs. The signature version was an update to the 3a.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
The 3a signature and Magnepan 3.7i are in the same price range.........
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,016 posts
 
You really need to listen to the SALK Song3 Encore's at $6,000/pair.  They will simply blow your mind.  And no.....I do not represent or sell SALK speakers.
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