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What amp to match with Spatial Audio M3 Sapphire open back speakers

Fellow audiogoners,
If all goes well, I will shortly be the proud owner of a lightly used pair of Spatial Audio M3 Sapphire open back speakers.
The trouble is that in making this acquisition, I will have expanded most of my intended "hobbies" budget,yet still need to purchase an amplifier that will make the speakers sing.
The rest of my modest setup consists of: Bluesound Node 2i streamer, SMSL SU-8 V2 DAC, ProJect Debut Carbon Esprit TT.
The listening room is our living/dining room (400 sqft), and our music ranges from classical to world, with a good dose of classic rock and jazz of all types. We also like to turn things up from time to time...to dance!
Sound characteristics I appreciate the most are: musicality, definition but not too clinical, wide and open sound stage, tight impactful bass, and most realistic vocals. 

I am thus calling on all Spatial Audio M3 owners and others to request your advice/guidance in helping me select an integrated amplifier at a budget of around $2500.
Thanks very much for your input and experiences, have a nice weekend and please stay safe!jlr261
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devilboy
1,176 posts
 
I had the M3 Turbo S for a long while and if I didn’t have to fund a purchase unrelated to audio they never would have left. Phenomenal speaker.
The integrated I drive them with was a Hegel Rost and anything, I mean ANYTHING I played sounded fantastic.
I listen to a lot of classical, jazz, EDM (specifically drum and bass/jungle), rock, flamenco, etc. They were a great pairing and one not often talked about in these forums.
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jlr261 OP
34 posts
 
Hi devilboy,Thanks for chiming in, I've read quite a few glowing reviews of the various HEGEL offerings over the past year, touting particularly how they are adept at driving very different types of speakers, bringing out the best of each ones' sound signature...So, thanks for your input...
I also now realize that really I need to try out as many amplifiers as possible as the Spatial Audio M3s seem to thrive under many different circumstances.
The plot thickens and the adventure continues...
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phillyb
403 posts
 
Honestly. Until you get the speakers in your own room should you even start to consider what the best amp might be? Not a living soul could tell you that. The M3 Sapphires are very efficient so really you need 50-60 watts, even less with tubes in the transformers are well made. I use a 400 watt, McIntosh, on mine set. The speakers are very open and unboxed like in every way. Fast as stats and very clean bass, no one note booming bass. Stand up bass sounds light and fast just like the real thing does, unlike a box speakers certain bass notes don't all of a sudden become loud or boomy. Every enjoyable, once you learn the speaker and take the time to set them upright, one of the easiest as far as balance left to right, like a box speakers pulling them out from the front wall, is a good thing, no different, 36" works fine, even several inch's less may be depending on your room. Toes in starts crossing you in front of them toe them back 1/2 inch at a time till you lock the image in and balance top to bottom. 
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jlr261 OP
34 posts
 
Hello Phillyb,
You are absolutely right!
As evidenced by the very large selection of amplifiers recommended by fellow goners, these speakers will apparently thrive with a variety of quite different amps.
Clearly, as you rightly point out, the best strategy will be to wait until I have them at home and then try as many amps as reasonably possible in my specific circumstances, as well as perhaps listening to existing setups if I can find any around me, and... COVID-19 permitting...
In any case,  I have yet to secure the speakers as the owner now hesitates to sell them, but am nevertheless pursuing my education and really do appreciate your input and advice. THANK YOU!
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jlr261 OP
34 posts
 
Dear All,
Unfortunately, my intended the acquisition of Spatial Audio M3 Sapphires fell through as the seller ended up accepting a higher offer for his speakers.
So I'm back to the drawing board and somewhat disappointed as I was really excited at the prospect of owning a pair these dream speakers.
I'll be starting the quest from scratch but wanted to thank all of you for your very useful input and advice. If anything, I have learned more about this wonderful hobby of ours.

Best regards to all and happy listening! jlr261
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