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Magico A3 vs. Focal Kanta 2

I have around 10k to play with for a new set of speakers. 
My current equipment: MC452 C2600 MCD550 Vienna Acoustics Mozart grand speakers, REL S5. 
My options include  Magico A3,  Focal Kanta 2 or used Sonus Faber Elipsa SE for around 10K.  These choices are based on on aesthetics (approved by wife) and reviews, I have not heard any of them yet.  I am not willing to change my amp/pre. My choice of music is 95% classical (symphony, solo piano, piano concertos) about 5% Jazz. Auditioning speakers would probably not be possible. I need to make a decision based purely on expert recommendation. If there are any other speakers in this price range with similar attributes I may also consider, but I would prefer to pick one from above. Also, would any of the above give a massive improvement in sound reproduction? Is SF Elipsa outdated  when compared to current Focal and Magico?  Thanks. 


ei001h

Showing 5 responses by ei001h

ei001h OP
275 posts
 
I feel my electronics are far superior to my speakers and I'm not getting their full potential. VA Mozart seem too small, laid back, lack of detail at the top, do not accurately reproduce massive orchestral works or piano works. 

Paradigm persona doesn't look good to me. 

@jackd: Why would you pick Elipsa specifically ? 

@stereo5: Are you familiar with VA Mozart sound? Do you think it is unwise to upgrade and expect a markedly improved sound? 
ei001h OP
275 posts
 
Does anyone know when SF Elipsa was discontinued? The one I'm looking at is at least 5 years old. How much wear is acceptable in those speakers? Which parts have the shortest half life in SF? This set was driven by Mastersound PF100 playing mostly Jazz, classical and opera. 
How would one test the speaker for mechanical integrity before buying? 

As far as Kanta 2 and Sopra 2, it seems they have a reputation for being too bright due to their beryllium tweeters. Is that accurate? 

Unfortunately Nola, Verity, Revel, Vandersteen, carver, aerial etc.  are not approved for my home. I need to stick to the aforementioned 3. 
ei001h OP
275 posts
 
I haven't ruled out A3 or Kanta  but leaning towards Elipsa. Is there a way to know if a speaker has been abused just by listening? Perhaps a test CD? Or is it strictly done by faith on a used market? Yes Im looking at Elipsa from the Bronx, they look nice cosmetically and have been paired to nice equipment reportedly. 
ei001h OP
275 posts
 
Thank you everyone for feedback. I got the Elipsa In graphite. They sounded sublime
with mastersound amps. Can’t wait to set them up with mc452 and c2600, though probably won’t get the same level of performance with my gear. Immense improvement over my Vienna acoustics Mozart. 
ei001h OP
275 posts
 
jimman2 

they're certainly bigger than I expected but incredibly beautiful and fit nicely in my living room. I have an exposed concrete wall and mid century modern decor with 10 foot ceiling, so they fit perfectly. They look like modern art pieces. Tektons seem much larger. 

jackd

Would need a high current tube amp, and the one I heard is 50k mastersound. Probably could never afford that. 

melbguyone

What do you mean you prefer a more full range speaker? I thought Elipsa was full range. I've Never heard a sealed box design. 
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