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Considering Vandersteen 3a Signatures

I have Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S which I enjoy but was recently considering trying the Vandersteen 3a Signatures.  I love the soundstage and the holographic feel of the Spatial's but I'm seeking greater clarity in the treble and more detail in the mids.  I am driving these speakers with a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum with KT120 tubes.  The source is mostly analog via VPI Prime, Dynavector Karat and Parasound Halo JC3+.  Also digital via Auirender N100 and Schiit Gumby.  I listen to a wide spectrum of music, but mostly in the rock and jazz genre.

Should I expect a major difference in sound?  Any other ideas for speakers that would fit the bill?
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Showing 2 responses by helomech

helomech
1,525 posts
 
I agree that you won't get any worthwhile improvement in clarity/detail. The Vandy tweeter is a bit sibilant compared to the Spatial's compression driver IME. Where the Vandys excel, and panels/open baffles are lacking, is in pinpoint imaging.

The Spatials also play much louder than Vandys before compression kicks in. You're really going to have a hard time beating the Spatials at that price point. You might look into their new X5 speaker.
helomech
1,525 posts
 
I have Vandy 3A Sigs.  Would never think to call the tweeter sibilant, but I suppose there's plenty of room for subjectivity in that call.
I just noted a bit of grain and spit with some recordings that I don't hear in some other speakers. It's plenty detailed but not the most refined metal dome I've encountered. It reminded me of Monitor Audio's aluminum dome tweeters in that regard. Anyhow, the Spatial compression tweeter/mid is more refined - sounds similar to beryllium tweeters.
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