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I wanna rock -- with monitors on stands

I am currently running 2012 Reference 3A MM de Capo i's sitting on 26 inch four post Sound Anchors. My front end is a VPI Classic 3 with a Lyra Delos cartridge (a marriage made in heaven, by the way). I have a McIntosh C50 preamp and a McIntosh MC275 mk. 6 amp.

I listen almost exclusively to 70's and 80's rock, new wave, and punk. The Reference 3A's have been awesome. I much prefer them to the ProAc Response D2's I replaced. (Better imaging, more air, better bass, more efficient). Is there more of that? Can I trade up to even more air, imaging and bass? An even more lively sound? Floor standers are out the question. My budget for new used speakers cannot exceed $4500. Your thoughts appreciated.
clockmeister714

Showing 1 response by tls49

tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
No doubt that with large, high sensitivity speakers, and enough power, you will rock. But with stand mounted monitors, it does get more difficult. As far as I can tell, your Reference 3A’s have a higher sensitivity than any of the monitors recommended, yes, even the Legacy Audio Studio HD, listed as 93db Room sensitivity, which is 2-3db higher than anechoic chamber, so that puts it at about 90. Knowing that 3db is a double or half of power, the 85db monitors will need at least 300 watts to have the same relationship you currently have. If you must add power, then add to your current speaker.

Adding a sub could help, but adds more problems to achieve a coherent sound, and that is one of the strong qualities of the 3A’s.

Just curious as to what cables you are using, and if the MC275 still has stock tubes.
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