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speaker upgrade from Magico A3

I'm hoping for some opinions and recommendations on a speaker upgrade. Thanks  in advance for any helpful, non judgmental advice or recommendations.

Current system is :  Aurender N200, T+A 200 DAC, T+A PA 3100 HV integrated, Magico A3 speakers, Pair REL S/510.

System is in a large room ( 30x35ft with 20 ft high pitched ceiling). Speakers 8ft apart 24" from front wall, subs next to speakers on outside. Very little to no opportunity for alternate positioning or room treatment.

Music prefs are 80% classical, 20% rock and techno.

I initially found the A3s to be lacking in base, so I added the subs which helped a lot.  At times the A3s boarder on bright sounding to me, but not to my wife whose ears are better. I do fit into the category of "old man whose hearing is deteriorating."  Just the same I would like to upgrade the speakers to something that would be an SQ upgrade and perhaps a better match to the room size. I can still appreciate musical nuances and although I may not have the ear I had 10 years ago, I am certain I could appreciate the upgraded SQ from a big jump in speakers.   My ideal budget is roughly $20K but have the means to go higher if it meant amazing SQ.

 If possible, I prefer to buy pre-owned, but have never purchased speakers out of state or had them shipped.  I now have an opportunity for out of state pre-owned SF Amati Traditions for $19K or out of state dealer demo Magico A5s for $19.5K.

Local dealer has demo SF Serafino G2s for $23K which I could home demo if wanted or Amati G5s for $34K, also available for home demo.

I know Magico and SF are totally different. I have heard SFs several times at dealers (never at home) but my only Magico experience is current A3s. Is it weird to say I like both and not certain about which I prefer?  

Intuition is telling me to go towards warmer and more musical which is why I've started to look at SFs.  I live very close to The Music Room, but am not seeing any current speaker offerings that are calling to me, They have a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 50s for $20K, but it would cost me a 5% restocking fee and a PIA to home demo them. I can't seem to find much online info regarding them.

 

In case its relevant:

My previous system in this room (sold to finance something else) consisted of B&W 802 D3 with Macintosh MC462 ,Simaudio Moon 740P preamp and MSB discrete dac..  I found I was missing hifi music and started again with a small system, consisting of pre-owned Hegel H390 and the A3 speakers. I eventually added the Aurender and T+A Dac. A few weeks ago I had a local opportunity to trade the H390 for the T+A PA 3100 (plus cash), so I took it. 

mintakax
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,863 posts
 

The local SF dealer near me carries the more affordable speakers and says the that the tweeter isn't as well integrated as what we would typically expect from the company. You do have a large room and the amount of reflecting surfaces will directly impact the sound. Is it safe to say you want to stay with well established brands? I would consider the Dynaudio Confidence 50's along with SF and even a pair of Usher be/td 20 dmd's as a place to start. Getting a feel for speakers sound in your room within your limited placement options will help figure out how to get the sound you want. 

From what I've read about the T+A  gear is tonally reserved(slightly) which may also affect tonal balance in your new system, idk but another consideration. 

When I tell shop owners what my stereo goals are, as truthfully as I can in the moment I'm nearly always impressed with the generosity they show regarding borrowing demo equipment and when they can compete with used prices. A good dealer will also know his gear and be able to save time finding the sound you want.

As long as you enjoy the process tho'

soix
10,372 posts
 

I forgot to also mention ProAc.  If you can find their K series somewhere they’d absolutely be worth a listen given what you’re looking for, and the K6 and K6 Signature in particular are in your price range. 

mintakax's avatar
mintakax OP
59 posts
 

A lot of great advice in these responses, thank you all for your considerations.

If I were younger I would consider less established brands, but at these prices I need to be aware of the resale opportunities when I'm not around to supervise :).

I'm going to make an excursion next week to dealers in my area (Boulder/Denver) and hear more varieties.

The decision to buy new or used is the biggest dilemma. I can get in home demos of SF, Focal, B&W, KEF maybe a couple more but then the cost is close to 90% MSRP and then tax..  Pre-owned is much more tolerable. The new vs pre-owned decision for speakers seems more stressful than for cars :).

dweller's avatar
dweller
3,868 posts
 

The AXPONA show is in a few weeks (Chicago area). Fly in and have a listen!

gdnrbob
4,508 posts
 

@mintakax ,

In addition to ProAc, I recommend Vandersteen. There are enough models to choose from, with respect to your budget. One thing the Vandies have over other speakers is a separately powered subwoofer (on the Quatro and up). Even using a Sub 3 will allow you to tune it to the room.

I have no experience with Magico, but I did audition the top models of Sonus Faber when I was in San Diego. I hate to say I was not impressed, in fact dissapointed.

If you are in the Northeast, Audioconnection would be the first place you should try to audition speakers. Johnny has ProAc and Vandersteen, and knows how to put a system together. I suggest you PM him (Audioconnection).

Bob

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