Dynaudio Contour C60 or Magico A3 or Vandersteen Treo CT


Hi everyone. My first post on Audiogon so bear with me please. Trying to decide on a new set of speakers and struggling to pull the trigger on one of the 3 in the title of the post (Dynaudio Contour C60 or Magico A3 or Vandersteen Treo CT).  I understand that the best way to try and decide is to listen to them but I would have to drive up and down the east cost to find retailers and the auditioning would be with 3 different component set ups so that presents a challenge.  I would appreciate any help members can provide, especially those who may have listened to all 3 speakers.  I listen to mostly acoustic jazz/human voice (~70%) and rock/alternative.  I have an upgraded (spring 2017) McCormack DNA 0.5 power amp and upgraded McCormack TCL1 preamp.  VPI Prime Scout TT, Moon CD player and JL sub.  Currently using  20y.o. Totem 1s and I'm ready for a floor standing speaker.  Room is relatively large with plenty of space on either side and behind the speakers and I can be flexible with the distance between the speakers and seating distance.  Thanks for any help you can provide.
mahlijanian

Showing 2 responses by twoleftears

Each of these speakers is highly competent and in fact highly rated by many.  What you're going to get, in large part, is a sequence of posts from people who favor one over the other two; few of them will have had the opportunity to hear all three, and those that have, have arrived at their own preference based on their own set of ears.  That's the problem with this kind of thread.  You could run a simple poll, but different forums have members with different preferences.  Based on my observation of the 'gon, you'll receive most votes for Vandersteen, followed closely by Magico, with Dynaudio trailing somewhat.  From what you say, I assume you're arrived at this shortlist based on reviews, etc., rather than direct listening.  The problem is of course that there are probably makes and models out there that you would prefer over all three if you had the opportunity to hear them.
I auditioned the Contour 60s a few weeks ago.  It's an imposing speaker (height).  It's also highly competent, in a mainstream modern-speaker-design sort of a way, but it didn't do anything for me.  My litmus test is whether I want to stuff them in the back in the station wagon and drive away that very afternoon...