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Can you tell me why I didn't like the Reference 3a MM's?

So I recently asked about a new amp on the Amplifier forum.  I got a lot of good advice and ended up with a Pass XA25.  I really like this amp and the sound.  I have been told by Reno Hi Fi, Pass Labs and B&W, all of whom I contacted, that the XA25 is under-powered for my B&W 705S2 speakers.  But it sounds very good.  However a little flat when the volume is low.

So I am looking for some more efficient speakers.  I tried a used set of Reference 3a deCapo MM's, but they did not have the clarity of the B&W's and sounded a bit muddy at times.

I am looking at Omega Super Alnico HO's.  But I am wondering if the full range driver sound is what I didn't like.  

Am I wrong in thinking more efficient speakers will sound somewhat better at a lower volume?  Can you possibly tell my why I didn't like the MM's?  Something about their design or build?

Any thoughts on the Super Alnico HO's?  I don't want to move down the speaker sound chain.

Thanks much!  Any other speaker suggestions welcome!  But not horns.  I am not a Klipsch fan.
128x128jgoldrick
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
The high, tight corner placement is likely problematic with the Ref 3A's.  I sold mine because my wife finally insisted that I put them back very close to the wall in our living room, and that was not enough for the rear porting to work.  The upper bass and lower mid's were kind of congested in this setting.  I would look for forward ported speakers or sealed enclosures, if that placement is truly fixed.

Regarding the favorable comments on Fritz speakers, I have only heard them at the shows, but they have consistently sounded quite good to me, too.  They might be worth investigating.
geof3
1,129 posts
 
Jgoldrick, while it may not be practice given your listening environment, the single best thing you can do for your system is move your speakers. Some how, some way. If even temporarily to ascertain if your “issue” is actually the speaker. I’m going to go out on a limb (not a very long one) and suggest that is most of your issue listening-wise. Give it a shot if at all possible. I would argue, in that placement, very few, if any, speakers will sound truly great.
jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick OP
138 posts
 
You know jbrrp, between you and almarg, I think you have both nailed it.  Lower sensitivity and speaker placement.  Makes sense.

geof3, I would love to put my speakers in a better position.  But if I do I will always be unhappy with where they are.  

So I am taking some advice and seeing if Omega and possibly Fritz can come up with a solution to my speaker placement.  See what they say.  Thanks all!
grinnell
1,097 posts
 
I use my de Capos with a 4 watt Decware Mini Torii in a 12 x 22 with the speakers at the back of the 22ft

plenty loud not concert loud but good full rich sound detailed life like sound with voices
jdal
159 posts
 
I am getting excellent results driving my Bache Audio Tribeca speakers with both my Pass XA25 and my First Watt SIT-3. Very smooth midrange with detail and no fatigue, huge soundstage, and tight bass. 
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