Legacy Focus SE or Magico A3

I’m with Audiotroy in that if you were planning on keeping your current amps, I would steer toward the Legacy Audio speakers (which are also more efficient than the A3’s). However, if you’re prepared to do some more upgrading down the road, based on the qualities you’re looking for my pick would be the A3’s. However the Magico’s will expose the weak points in your system, being your amplification and Rotel cdp. But that’s ok. You could start with the A3’s, then save up for a good integrated amp such as a Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary, Audia Flight FLS-10 or Vitus RI-101 later on. You’ve already got a very good analogue front end.

In terms of other speakers which meet your requirement " to get better clarity on the vocals and more separation on the individual instruments" for rock & blues music, you could look at the Joseph Audio Profile ($9.8k). The Profiles only dig down to 39Hz, but you would be crossing over to your sub around 70Hz anyway. Another speaker you could consider as a mint, pre-loved option is the Devore Fidelity Gibbon X. The Gibbons have spikes, but no outriggers. But providing you don’t have young kids running around or an over-active dog, they’re fine. Msrp is around $16k, but they can be found used in minty condition circa $10-$11k if you’re patient. The benefit of those speakers is they’re both efficient and give you more amplification options, including tubes.

@bigkidz I agree with your first comment, and somewhat with your second. However to be fair, the OP did say in an earlier post -“..but as for my amp the Anthem P2 that is staying the MRX is in the process of being replaced with a dedicated preamp“.

@david_ten Thanks for your generous words, though I have to respectfully disagree with your suggestion to spend the budget on amplification in lieu of speakers for a couple of reasons. Firstly as I eluded to in my previous post, the OP has plans to add a dedicated preamp in the near future. And secondly, I agree with Paul Mcgowan’s approach to system building, and that is to “Build around your speakers”

I subscribe to the view that since loudspeakers have the greatest influence on the sound of your system imho, you should generally spend more on speakers than your amplification, them look for an amp/amps which has good synergy with your speakers, followed by front end, cables etc over time. it’s all about synergy!

Now here’s the thing; the OP expressed that he is unhappy with his current Paradigm speakers, noting “I am trying to get better clarity on the vocals and more separation on the individual instruments”. Could you get that through better amplification and/or a different CD player? Maybe. But I would suggest starting with the speakers, then the OP can evaluate how his upgraded amp setup sounds before considering any other changes.

@jafant It is an very well designed & immaculately built amp with plenty of power on tap. Though personally I think the Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary is the better looker and equally nicely put together.

I haven't listened to the FLS-10 in my system, though I got to hear it recently in my friend's system. I've also heard the flagship Strumento amps in a familiar room which sound great at their respective price points. The FLS-10 gives you a taste of the Strumento's sound at a fraction of the price, and is has enough power to drive all but the most demanding load (eg: Magico Q5, Apogee Scintilla 1 ohm). The FLS-10 sounds a bit like the Classe CA-2200 (ie: clean, smooth, detailed), but also has a bit of the warmth, richness and flow of the Strumento amps. If you need a lot of power, it is an easy recommendation.

@zephyr24069 Yeah the A3’s have impressive bass output for thier size, but there are limits. It’s pure physics that a speaker with 2 x 7” mid bass drivers and 2 x 12” bass drivers is going to move more air than a small floorstander with 2 x 7” bass units. The Focus SE is a very good speaker btw. My friend replaced his Inifinity Renaissance 90’s with a pair of SE’s upgraded with Aeris AMT drivers & was very happy. That said, I think he’s moved on from the Legacy speakers since.