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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
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
mapman and I were at the same show.  Call Fritz up and ask about minimum recommended wattage.  Printed specs tell only a fraction of the whole story.  For years I drove ProAc Response 2.5's with a 14watt Cary 300b, and those speakers were never listed in the usual places as SET-friendly, but they definitely were.
jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick OP
138 posts
 
Ok, I contacted Fritz.  : )
aricaudio's avatar
aricaudio
273 posts
 
@jgoldrick the Unlimited can use multiple signal tubes all all different Mu, so having too much gain can easily be remedied. What tubes are you using in the signal slots (ex: 12AU7, 12AT7, 12AY7, 12AT7, 5751, etc.?
jackd
1,068 posts
 
If you restricted to a placement that close to the wall then you might want to look at a front ported transmission line bookshelf like the Reynaud Bliss Jubilee. Call Bob Neill the US distributor and proprietor of Amherst Audio and see if he thinks they will work in your situation.  I own the Fritz Carrera's and they will work with the XA-25 with no problem but the bass may be a bit much that close to the wall.  But like others have said a phone call to Fritz is worth it to get his opinion. 
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