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Magico A3 vs. Joseph Audio Perspective vs. Spendor D9

Hi All,

I have been doing some research over the past while and am currently in the midst of a search for my next floorstanding speaker that costs around ~$10k. My other thread that I posted in this forum gave me a lot to consider. Rather than post there, I figured a most focused thread would be a good idea. Now, I have distilled my choices to these 3 choices... I think.

Power: I will be powering the speakers with a SET amp (48W per channel).
Sources: Most of my sources are digital (Roon/Tidal). I mostly listen to jazz, classical and female vocals. I would appreciate a speaker that provides that good, snappy bass where I don't need a subwoofer.
Room: Large room (will be in the living room that opens up to the kitchen and then the dining room). Aesthetics do matter here.

I have received a ton of help through the forums already during my search and have now narrowed down my speaker choices to (in no particular order):

  • Magico A3 - No issues driving these speakers with my amp. Tested and they sounded wonderful. Very analytical and super clear details. Tight bass as well but maybe more weighted in the clarity/details than warmth, even with my tube amp.
  • Joseph Audio Perspective - No dealers in WA or OR so no way to test these but have heard wonderful things about these speakers. Sounds like imaging/sound stage is a strong suit along with clarity. I wonder how bass performance is though as these have smaller woofers compared to my other choices.
  • Spendor D9 - Have not heard these speakers yet but am trying to find a local dealer that has them in stock.
Another one that I am still thinking about is the Daedalus Argos but I would like to hear some feedback on the top 3 at this time.

Thanks!
freesole

Showing 9 responses by drrsutliff

drrsutliff
884 posts
 
All three are excellent choices.  I purchased the Spendor D9s this year after a similar elimination process.  They will work very well with a 48 watt amp with their 90db efficiency and 8ohm nominal impediance. The bass extension to below 28hz is surprisingly musical and very enjoyable.  I find the Spendors to have an amazing midrange that shines on the music selection preferences you stated and we share.  The furniture finish presentation also adds to this package. 
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
I enjoy my D9s every day for extended listening sessions.  The highs are open and airy with excellent detail but are not harsh.  I do not use any subwoofer and the bass is excellent, extended, and when appropriate palpable.  The D9s performance is everything I was hoping for as I also was searching for a speaker smooth in the midrange and not strident in the highs.  The bass quality was a pleasant bonus.
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
The D7s employ a driver for bass and another that shares the bass/midrange.  With the D9s the midrange is a single isolated driver and there are two bass drivers that were designed for this speaker.  Compared to the D7 the D9s are more balanced and truly have bass output to and below the 28hz specification.  More important to me the bass was expressive and tuneful. The tweeter is shared and the high end similarity is present between them.  I agree it is not as precise as the A3 but I choose the entire balance of the Spendor to fit my system goals better.
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
I agree the A3s have a special presentation.  I decided for myself I was more interested in moving away from the analytical presentation toward what I defined as slightly more musical for my long term enjoyment.  Were you able to try either the A3s or D7s on your SET amp?
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
I have to agree with Prof on this one.  The measurements you refer to as their objective performance did not appear in my objective listening of them in the past.  I have listened to all three of freesole’s well researched and thoughtfully chosen selections and each have traits that I love.  The Spendors happened to work for me a little better than the others in my system. Your choice is one between three outstanding choices. 
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
I do not think you will be disappointed. Please update us on their arrival. Which finish did you select?  Breakin was about 50 hours but they sounded very good from the moment they were connected.  
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
I have seen the Walnut in a D1 and it was very nice.  I choose the basic Cherry as it works with my cherry trimmed rack and other wood in the room.  Enjoy.  Make sure to get some sleep after they arrive...
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
Congratulations on receiving your D9s. They will sound good out of the box but get better after a few hundred hours.  Mine even sounded a little worse around 50 hours but that could have been my over analysis.  They respond to room placement and some experimentation is recommended after they are more broken in.  I listen to mine daily and am never disappointed.  They only down side is they encouraged me to continue upgrading some of my source equipment as they only perform3d better with each positive change.   Look forward to your impressions as time passes.
Rick
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
I own the Spendor D9 and have listened to the D9.2  The new version has a little different crossover to address the originals tendency to be a little to “revealing” in the highs. I found this trait to actually being the original D9 able to reproduce any “issues” that exist upstream in the signal path.  Correct those issues and the speaker performs exceedingly well and allows you to hear every system improvement.  The second change was removing the grill pegs and having them totally magneticfor a cleaner look when the grills are off.  I like the D9.2 but there is not near enough difference to consider a change. Mine current VAC preamp and Ayre power amp show no issues with the original D9 except to much time spent sitting in front of them...
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