Reference 3A line updated

Rebbi,

I think I'm disappointed in 3A. I just looked on their website. Their speakers are ugly now. Do not want prison grey! I was seriously considering buying a pair of the Dulcets in high gloss red maple.

But besides the ugly concrete grey I am also very skeptical of the new tweeter. There was no reason to upgrade as they were getting rave reviews the way they were.

I have a feeling 3A is going for more definition and clarity like everyone else in the industry seems to be doing these days. Chasing that elusive goal of trying to give us more. Usually in this process it just means a brighter and more fatiguing sound for us.

I think I'll try to grab a pair of the old Dulcets before they're gone.

Mezzanine,
I think they are convinced that the Nextel really does something for the sound and they decided to go with that conviction for the whole line.
Yeah, if you can get a pair of the Dulcets in one of the wood finishes, go for it. Maybe Reference 3A still has some of those cabinets in stock. I when I had mine they were gloss black and looked gorgeous.
As for the BE tweeter, I'm curious to see how they sound. Wish I could get to Vegas for THE Show, but I just can't.

I was lucky enough to grab a used pair of De Capo i in high gloss red cherry from a member here on Audiogon. According to the seller, who owned them for less than 6 months told me they were of a late production, 2010/2011?
When I unpacked them, I was quite taken by the lustrous finish, the black drivers and brass screws gives out a nice contrast against the high gloss finish.
I'm also curious to hear any feedbacks from anyone attending THe Show!

After months of research for efficient bookshelf speakers, I was ready to pull the trigger on the DeCapos. That is until I saw the new line. The tweeter and extra bracing are nice upgrades. Far more important than the exterior coating. Curious why they decided not to incorporate the tweeter lens like the Nefes speaker. For me, the Nextel gray aesthetic is a deal breaker. There is no way I would put those ugly gray speakers in my living room. Maybe in a studio, but IMO the gray is truly ugly. If they offered them in other colors - maybe. I prefer veneers or better cabinet material not just a one color exterior coating. I'll guess I'll have to pay more attention to used.

I wonder why the Veena, GV and Episode are the only speakers that aren't offered in that finish. It is ugly to be sure, but the performance of the 3A speakers is beyond reproach.

Shakey