Xenithon,
For heaven's sake, slow down. Please enjoy your audio upgrade journey and stop second-guessing yourself and introducing unknown variables to your upgrade. Please excuse my bluntness but it only comes from a good place. The reason why you chose the Reference III in the first place is due to the inherent warmth of the ECI-3 Integrated Amp. Many people would love to trade place with you and own this amp. You are taking your eyes off the upgrade ball.
There's always a good sale around the corner if you're patient. Don't jump at the CAV-151 because you may get a good deal. Get the Reference III and enjoy them with the ECI-3 for awhile before you make your next decision. What happens with you bought the CAV-151 to use with the Reference III and ended hating the combination? How would you know which is the culprit? The 70W of the ECI-3 are more than sufficient to drive the mids and tweeter of the Reference III especially in light of your plan to get the Reference 3-SA.
For heaven's sake, slow down. Please enjoy your audio upgrade journey and stop second-guessing yourself and introducing unknown variables to your upgrade. Please excuse my bluntness but it only comes from a good place. The reason why you chose the Reference III in the first place is due to the inherent warmth of the ECI-3 Integrated Amp. Many people would love to trade place with you and own this amp. You are taking your eyes off the upgrade ball.
There's always a good sale around the corner if you're patient. Don't jump at the CAV-151 because you may get a good deal. Get the Reference III and enjoy them with the ECI-3 for awhile before you make your next decision. What happens with you bought the CAV-151 to use with the Reference III and ended hating the combination? How would you know which is the culprit? The 70W of the ECI-3 are more than sufficient to drive the mids and tweeter of the Reference III especially in light of your plan to get the Reference 3-SA.