Audition suggestions please


just got finished auditioning the b&w 805, 705, and Reference MM Decapo i. while i wouldn't complain having any of these, i found the decapo's a better fit for me personally. any other similar bookshelf monitors i should audition? will be driven by a rotel ra-02 (60w). thanks.
mizrachi
Mizrachi,

If you like the DeCapo and it fits your budget, go for it! I own the DeCapo (non-i version) and it has been in my system longer than any other speaker in my modern Audiophile history. It is very easy to live with, with a smooth, non-fatiquing sound and it also has excellent bass response for a monitor. I actually own a hi-end subwoofer, but I never feel compelled to turn it on with the DeCapos.

However, what Rich said may be correct. You may be buying a speaker that far ourclasses your amp (I don't have any personal experience with the Rotel). But, the great thing about the R3A DeCapo is the fact that it can be driven by almost any amp in a moderate sized room. I currently use either a 3.5 w/ch SET tube amp or a 30 watt/channel p-p tube amp. Either will easily drive the DeCapo to "too loud" levels in my medium sized room. The beauty of this easy to drive speaker is that you will likely never have to change speakers to match your amp. And, there are some EXCELLENT inexpensive low-powered amps on the market today.

Enjoy,

TIC
thank you all for your helpful responses. i do think rich is right: my speakers will certainly outclass my amp. the 805's and de capo were auditioned with the rotel ra-02. however i do hope that i can hold on to my speakers for many years to come while the rotel amp, a nice little amp and 40 watts and not 60 as i previously mentioned, may be sold off in a year or two. this of course will lead to my next "which amp should i now get" question. but for the time being, i will look into the Revel M20s and the Harmonic Precision Caravelles. any other suggestions will be apppreciated as well! Miz
The posts above offer good advice and it's great that you're hearing from people who have actually heard the gear you're interested in.

I would add that from my personal experience in trying to find pieces that work well together and still fit within a limited budget, I've been happier tipping the balance a little more toward higher quality (read, 'more expensive') speakers and going with less expensive amplification than the other way around.

In other words, if you love the DeCapos and it takes buying the Rotel rather than something more expensive to stay within your budget, that's probably a good plan. That's not a knock on the Rotel, by the way, the new Rotel stuff I've heard performs way above its price,