Update!
First of all thanks to everyone here! This thread was so helpful and I appreciate the generosity and advice from y'all. I ended up purchasing a pair of MoFi Sourcepoint 8’s. They are bringing everything I was missing with the Vandersteens, detail, clarity, neutrality…air…all those buzzwords. I’m supplementing the loss in lower frequencies with a Velodyne subwoofer. But! The biggest leap forward in sound was the addition of a dedicated preamp into the chain, so thank you @soix and others for that invaluable suggestion! Looking for synergy with the ARC D300 solid state amp, I went with an ARC SP-16 tube pre with HT bypass, and I must say…it’s wonderful!!! So open and transparent, the veil is been lifted as it were! I can’t believe I went for so long using that damn AVR as a preamp! I It’s night and day…game changer…all those expressions are apt! Even the Vandersteens sound better!
I’m having an issue on the digital side of things however. When streaming through the blusound and external Topping D90, everything sounds bloated and bass boomy. I should mention that when listening to the Sourcepoint 8’s The Velodyne subwoofer is ported with on board crossover and volume controls. The Vandys being more full range, I run without the sub. Anyway, with the ARC SP-16 now in the chain, I honestly prefer the system sound better when using the internal DAC of the blusound node over node + topping D90. This seems crazy to me though given how much “better” the D90 is as a DAC. I run the D90 in DAC mode only (not the default preamp mode), I have also experimented with different signal options, coax, optical etc. But again, I’m finding that with the D90 in the chain, everything sounds bloated, and boomy…I have to turn the sub volume way down, almost to zero! Overall volume and gain seems to be boosted with the D90 in the mix as well. When I take the D90 out and just use the internal DAC of the node going directly into the line stage of the ARC SP 16, everything seems to improve…more focus, air, clarity etc…less bloat…the subwoofer and low frequencies are much easier to tame, dial in etc. Again, given the supposed differences in the quality of these respective DACs, I’m truly perplexed by this…is this a case of perhaps too many components in the chain?? I know it’s tough to access without hearing in person or seeing my system up close but does anyone have any theoretical thoughts?
Anyway, it’s an ok problem to have…given that everything sounds SO MUCH better with the dedicated preamp, so again, thanks to all for that advice! :)
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@soix,
whew Nelly! David Lewis Audio! That’s some high end stuff! I have an appointment with them on Monday 😬…will definitely audition Joseph Audio and ProAc…thanks for the rec @soix, and all the advice in general. I just hope I don’t fall in love with a pair of $6,000 speakers!!
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I owned Revel Salon1 ($20k) long ago and loved it. However, the sound I am getting in a small room with the $999 Magnepan LRS+ and KEF KC62 sub is better to my ears (LRS+ needs a lot of power). The Revels were in a perfect room and the LRS+ needs help since the room is small. The Maggie is pretty special if you put enough power behind it.
My speaker cables cost 4x more than the LRS+ , but it made a big difference. You will hear each upstream improvement.
So my suggestion for the OP is to look for a bigger Maggie and give it a very strong amp. I use a Sanders Magtech.
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As you’re in the Philly area I highly recommend, if you haven’t already, going to David Lewis Audio and listen to some Joseph Audio and ProAc speakers. They both have excellent detail but don’t throw it at you and present it in a very natural way, and they both disappear and throw off incredible 3D imaging and soundstage — especially the Joseph Audio speakers. You may well find yourself mesmerized by both.
As for integrating preamps without a HT bypass it’s doable and very easy. I won’t go into details here but it’s not a big deal to make it work.
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They are all very good. You have to decide which are best for you.
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I really appreciate all the feedback from everyone! I’ve been reading these forums for years, and it really feels like a community, and as a relative newcomer / rookie to hifi, I’m really grateful for the support! I used to talk with my dad about all this stuff, but since his passing, I just inherited his gear and not as much of his wisdom as I would have liked. Anyway, wish I could take y’all out for a beer or coffee and really pick your brain(s) more!! This thread has me convinced on a two-pronged attack...I feel that upgrading the Vandys is definitely in order, but the suggestion to go with a dedicated separate preamp is well taken and also now part of the plan. Based on recommendations here, I am really interested in the Focal Electra line with the beryllium tweater. I’m in Philadelphia, and there are a few options on the used market within a 3-4 hour drive...the 1028 towers as well as the 1007 and 1008 bookshelves (which would surely prompt me to go dual sub). Additionally, I have a lead on a pair of Focal Aria 936 that are less than a year old and meticulously cared for with an asking price of $1800...I have seen and heard those in person, and they are mint. There’s also a set of Revel f206 in my area, which are also in mint condition for $1600...also seems like a bargain. The Sourcepoints are still under consideration based sheerly on store auditions alone...not sure I love the form factor of those though, they seem to be stuck between bookshelf and small floor stander....and they're also still so new that they're hard to find for under $3500 a pair. Anyway, options...On the preamp front, I am inclined toward older, 'analog' options, AR certainly being top of the list for synergy with the D300...to that end, PASS LABS units are out of my price range, but I'm intrigued by the Nakamichi CA-5 (version one) as it's a Nelson Pass design...additionally, the Topping Pre90 interests me due to it's simplicity and potential synergy with the D90 DAC...but being that I’m also running HT through the system, I’m cognizant of the bypass options or lack there of, and reluctant to go down the road of unity gain or gain matching etc. Anyone have any experience with integrating older preamps (w/o HT bypass) into HT systems via unity gain of the like? Again, thanks to everyone for your thoughtful and generous responses. cheers.
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If you haven't had the opportunity to experience the Vivid Audio Kaya series loudspeakers you're in for a treat. But don't listen in haste - the longer you listen the more you become completely enthralled. The Kaya series possess the qualities which you appear to desire most: extremely wide off axis linear response, big soundstage (the biggest, but with focus), instrumental texture (w/breathtaking detail and transparency), and excitement (assisted by remarkable dynamic contrasts between micro and macro dynamics). The Vivids may be at the upper end of your price range, but you must experience them (S12 - $6,900, K25 - $11,000).
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Several years ago, after extensive auditioning of multiple varying brands of speakers, I ended up with a pair of Revel Salon 2 speakers, and let me tell you something, I honestly don't believe I'll ever let these bad boys go. They're just absolutely phenomenal speakers in every way!!! After all these years, they still outclass most of the newer, insanely priced speakers that I've heard (especially for the $$$$). The Revel Salon 2 speakers were just incredibly and brilliantly designed and imagined speakers from the very start, and still compare very favorably with some of the very best speakers on the market today, which is quite an achievement considering how long they've been around. My Revel Salon 2s are everything I ever dreamed a speaker should be, and they've made me one extremely happy Audiophile, and that's what this wonderful passion of a hobby is all about.
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I have the Aria 926 and I have compared them head to head in my listening room with Sonus Faber Sonetto III, Quad S series and Now going head to head with Quad Z-4. Finally I think i might like the Z-4s a little better but I still love the "Big Open Sound Stage" the Focal produce. I swear I think the flax driver gets better over time.
I also know a person here in Denver who has a pair of Aria 948s for sale for $3.4K locally. If your interested I could ask if he would ship. But your proly look at high $3k range by time you get them in your home.
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I had the F36. In my room they were awful. I have vintage McIntosh MC2155. It’s warmer rather than neutral. They were so forward and scooped out in the midrange . I could never get them to settle down. I had to move them for .50 after 6 months.
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+mostly everyone- listen for yourself
Otherwise, I’m a huge fan of speaker guru Andrew Jones. His MoFi Sourcepoint 10 was the result of larger budget and iirc 3yrs of creation. I’ve heard the Sourcepoint 10 on several occasions and it sounded great. I believe it’s a sonic bargain. I’ll probably end up with a pair eventually even though I don’t need them.
The Sourcepoint 8 is less expensive and is cut from the same sonic cloth as the 10. This may serve the OPs need or maybe wait for a used 10
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I agree. Room dynamics are key. I’ll always side with low dollar into amps, and high dollar into speaker efficiency without distortion. A good SET 300B, low WPC, and some Klipsch out of the Heritage series. Put some life into the music!
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All you can do is listen, listen, listen, and then, listen some more. Then, make a decision. The end.
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Go for the the one the produces the sound you enjoy! Leave the analysis aside do you enjoy what you hear! After all this is about enjoyment!
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Agree with those advising home audition. You never know how a speaker will drive (or fail to drive) your room until you try it; and what sounded good at your dealer's room may not work at all in your real life living space.
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The Xovers in anything stock under $15 k is at best average or less .
sadly you see you taiwan or China Xover parts ,and the xover is the ♥️
of the Audio system which controls everything. Having rebuilt Xover for years
a $1500 upgrade is better then a speaker $5k or more which most people don’t know what components are even in their speakers , and even your speak terminals most use Cheap gold over brass which is a poor conductor 3x less
vs Copper that’s why I use or look for WBT connectors . If they don’t list or show you the Xover ,then that tells you it’s nothing to brag about .
I recently spent $1600 in parts in my older Dynaudio contour speakers transformed
them parts far better then stock ,which were not bad it’s betters now $10k speakers
for a $4000 total investment ,with SVS 4000 SB subs a very coherent speaker .
try looking at Dynaudio , they are much better built then revels of comparable price.
Go to safe and sound audio , they always have deals and save $$ $ 1,000s.
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Those are all good options. Your choice! I’d want one of each.
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I also found there was nothing I could connect to make me like the older 3A...loved them for a few months and then not...though some do love them...
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If you get a chance, may want to see if you can have a listen to a pair of Paradigm Founder series. I heard the F80 and really liked them. Up the series I believe there’s some powered low end options.
Also listened to some Golden Ear models. They were sure open and airy with nice mids.
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REVEL f206, and almost new ones are avail at a great price. Only thing they don't do is low bass, which is irrelevant. buy a pristine pair. and add a $1500-2000 sub like REL or JL audio..... and your jaw will drop. this combo compares well with $10k speaker systems. Imaging is fantastic. Midrange awesome and the top end is NOT hot unless you use cheap electronics.
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@soix Which is why I recommended auditioning, rather than buying a preamp - to see if it made an appreciable difference.
People are recommending +$10,000 speakers.
A $1,000 - $3,000 preamp may give the OP the sound that a) he can live with, and b) he can afford.
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I always recommend focusing on the weakest link in the audio chain. Your Vandersteen’s are definitely not your weakest link.
@nordicnorm Although I agree with your basic strategy I have to disagree in this specific situation. While the older 3As are certainly well-regarded classic speakers and for good reason, their characteristic rolled-off treble is clearly not to the OP’s liking and won’t be fixed by adding a new preamp. Plus, that lack of treble detail will be a disadvantage when evaluating stereo preamps as they will mask important information precisely in the area where the OP has issues. He’s clearly gonna upgrade the speakers, which is why, although not optimal, I suggested upgrading speakers first in his system as it is and then use them to choose the preamp that synergizes best with both the new speakers and his specific tastes. Could be wrong, but that’s definitely the way I’d approach it in this specific situation.
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It is straightforward to assess whether the AVR used as a preamp is a weak link, as many have commented. Simply compare it to a direct connection of your DAC with the AR D300, both using XLR and SE connections, and you’ll know immediately.
Finding a preamp that pairs well with your D90 and D300 in terms of impedance is not a problem since both have decent low output impedance and high input impedance. However, finding one with good synergy will take time and effort, but it will be worthwhile. You could start by experimenting with an AR preamp, as preamps often have better synergy with power amps from the same brand. My little gem Parasound Zpre2 pairs very well with two parasound amplifiers I currently have. The sonic quality is improved over the direct connection with airier treble, greater dynamics, and more expansive soundstages.
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I always recommend focusing on the weakest link in the audio chain. Your Vandersteen’s are definitely not your weakest link.
See if you can borrow a decent preamp (that falls within your budget) to plug into your system first before getting rid of your current speakers.
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Focal are made in France 100%, the other two, China, if that matters.
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@jetter I am going against the flow here, but I have a friend with an older Denon AVR and I am always amazed at how good it sounds. I have always thought Denon makes very nice sounding gear for its price points.
I believe the issue lies in using an AVR as a preamp. I have personally experienced this when using the Cambridge Azur 851A integrated amp as a preamp through its pre-out. While the Azur 851A sounds wonderful by itself as an integrated amp, the sound fidelity from its preamp section via the pre-out is poor, constrained, and heavily attenuated for some reason. It’s better to connect directly to the amplifier. If someone has had a similar experience, they may chime in to share their insights.
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@mattsaunders2000 the speakers you are referencing are somewhat starkly different from one another. This indicates, to me, that you were heavily influenced by the artifacts of the different sound rooms you were in, and the different source components used. As ghdprentice advised at the outset, try listening with your ears; not your eyes (i.e. speaker specs). Among all the specs for all the hardware I can think of, speaker specs are the most unreliable and virtually least helpful. What you power your speakers with matters a great deal more but not as much as your sound room dimensions, its acoustic properties and other source components. Your lash-up power source (i.e. amp & pre-amp) is a real wild card here. I doubt any of the shops you were in were able to replicate this or even come close; not to mention the sound room and other variables. It would be good if you could audition speakers in your home, with your equipment.
In my last speaker upgrade, I actually purchased a pair of one of the speakers you are presently considering. This was after a lengthy quest of scheduled, structured critical listening sessions in several high-end audio shops involving A/B shoot-outs of approximately 18 or 19 different brands. I spent several hours, in fact, with 2 of your contenders. I was fortunate enough to hear the final 3 contenders on an amplification source identical to mine and with some other source components identical or very similar to mine, as well. Of course, the sound room was different, mostly in acoustic properties but the dimensions were similar. I was and am pleasantly surprised that the speakers I came home with actually sound noticeably better in my home than they did at the audio shop, most notably in further reaching or lower bass response. Telling you which speakers I chose would be pointless. The important thing is what sounds best to your ears; not mine or anyone else's. Be that as it may, judging from what information you've provided, you might want to add PSB, GoldenEar, Monitor Audio and Martin Logan to your explorations.
Good Luck!
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On the Revel side, consider the F208 also. Lower bass and bi-wireable along with the ability to adjust tweeter output and bass to fit your room. Also on Focal, their 948 may provide similar benefits and both should be well within budget on the used market. Both great brands with solid reputations for support and resale.
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I do own the source point 10s and am very impressed. After months of research with no in-home auditioning, I went with the 10s. I mainly compared them to the kef ref 1, metas also. One of the last reviews I read compared them with the Fleetwoods which are 30,000$. The reviewer felt that they were very comparable. I mainly listen to vinyl on my p10/apheta 3 and the ss is deep and extends well beyond the speakers position. Am driving them with a pair of ps audio m1200s. I have adjusted my SVS sb3000 as the bass was too much when I inserted the mofis. I think that you will find that the mofis will handle future upgrades and will not be the weak link.
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I'm a vandersteen guy but I will admit that older models can definitely sound rolled off in the highs. All the speakers you're looking at are great but I'd add a couple pairs of newer vandersteen in there too. For your budget, you can get a pair of their VLR CT bookshelfs, or a pair new pair of iOS. The new IIs are vastly different than the old ones. Carbon tweeter and highly detailed.
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I am going against the flow here, but I have a friend with an older Denon AVR and I am always amazed at how good it sounds. I have always thought Denon makes very nice sounding gear for its price points.
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At this point, forget the measurements and use your ears. Except for the MoFi, the designs are all fairly similar, and it should come down to preference.
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I love my F36 but they do benefit from a subwoofer.
I have Focal 706 in a bedroom set up and they sound good too.
Hard to go wrong with any of the ones you are considering. |
Preamp with pass through. What is your digital source? Do you listen primarily to vinyl? I bet the vinyl sounds vastly different to the digital. I have experience with 3A's and the D90.
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I agree with everyone that using the Denon is spoiling the experience, but adding a preamp with HT bypass is the wrong approach in that you will be powering your two channel with the Denon power amp.
@tony1954 Yeah that’d be a total mismatch, but if you look at his equipment list in the original post he’s using a solid Audio Research D300 amp for the front L/R so he’s ok there.
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I have both Vandersteen VLR CT and Focal 1007Be in different systems. I love them both. I think used Focal Electra 1028 and 1038 are likely to be a very good investment, though I have heard neither. I am in love with 2 way speakers as they disappear and image well.
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@soix
I have to say you are rocking it !!!
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Yeah Focal knows how to make a good sounding speaker. I think many brands can sound good with the right pairing of electronics. I have Vandersteen speakers in one stereo setup and Tekton with tubes in another audio system. I am spoiled in that I have two audio systems. The Focal BE speakers are outside of my budget, but upon hearing the BE speakers years ago, I really admired and enjoyed the sound.
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@2psyop ,
I’ve kept my lowly Focal 836w for over 2 years now. They are far from the perfect speaker but are detailed as hell and dynamic as all get out within their means. Stupid good for the 600 I paid for them. Just something about Focal. Got me thinkin even more about making that round trip to get those Electras! Lol. The Arias have a completely different sound signature and for my taste worse.
I sold off my Pioneer (Tad) S1ex to Tharbamer YouTube guy (he has a video of them 😃) and kept the Focals. Tried real hard to like them. Don’t miss them. poor dynamics and didn’t rock at All.
I’ve owned Tektons, Dynaudios, Revel, KEF reference, Paradigm sig, Golden ear, Merlin, and some more I’m not thinkin of. All did different things well but only miss the Tektons. They were just a complete speaker and were super dynamic. Looks and sh..Ty cabinets bothered me. Looking for another pair to compare with my Focals.
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Most dealers understand the need to listen in your own room. I'd definitely try to get your leading candidate or two in your room.
I'd be tempted to upgrade the preamp before doing anything....you may gain a new appreciation for you have.
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Yeah I agree with mofojo those 1027BE's look very tempting. But also I would keep looking, keep listening. LOTS of fish in the sea. I took my time when I got my speakers....
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Hi @mattsaunders2000 , you are getting good advice @soix @ghdprentice are as usual spot on. I myself had the 3As with top Denon AVR. Then I got a fairly nice Classe amp and thought I had arrived. I upgraded my DAC, but indeed the AVR even as preamp only was the problem. My first nice pre was the Audionet Pre1 G3. Even as their entry preamp it was so revealing what good sound could be had.
Then I went speaker shopping /auditioning. I heard new Focals, Sonus Faber Amatis, Proac D48 and K ?8, and KEF reference. I did love the Proacs, but the bass was a little bloated sounding (never a port lover). Then last was a visit to a private sale of Revel Salon2’s. I bought them and love them. As you said, they fill the room and do have good off axis dispersion. Mine are in a family room that connects through eat in and in to open kitchen, the whole width of the house, and they sound amazing. I now run them with Audionet Max amps and Mola Mola Makua w onboard Tambaqui, and the Grimm mu1 streamer. But the speakers have stayed through all these upgrades. You still see the Salon 2’s used for 10k ish and they are a steal at that price. So much better than the newer Revel offerings in my opinion. The Salon 2’s are revealing without fatigue, full spectrum, and can fill a large space. They are tall, but that works well in a large combined area. I did take them downstairs where I listen much closer. They were too tall for an intimate setting.
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Not sure where you are located but there are a pair of Focal Electra 1027BE for under your budget in the on Audiogon. They are in Chicago and have been on there a few weeks now. I’ve been eying them but can’t don’t the time to take 3 hour drive each way. The Arias are nice but the Electras will be faster, more detailed and more exciting IMO with a superior driver set.
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When I listened to Vandy’s I came with the same impression as @soix. I was just wondering what you were trying to fix. I traveled the same path some time ago and ended up with almost two different systems in the same room. It can be a slippery slope. I also agree starting with speakers is the best way to start. Just keep in mind what’s driving the speakers in the showroom. DACs may become your next question. Good luck on your journey. Keep us posted. Sounds like you are taking the correct steps!!!
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but in my system, they sound quite veiled and choked...which is a criticism those speakers have earned over the years...but yes, maybe I should try preamp upgrade first!
Completely agree on your impressions of the 3As, at least the older versions — haven’t heard the newer ones but Vandy speakers have definitely upped the treble detail with their newer models. I heard the 3As many years ago (so maybe same version you have) with some good Quicksilver electronics and with my reference recordings, which I’d heard on many, many systems in addition to my own (and several that cost well north of $100k), and the 3A’s top end sounded rolled off and dull/lacking energy or life — kinda like someone threw a thin cloth over the tweeter if that makes sense.
If I were you I’d upgrade the speakers first because the 3As may not have enough upper-octave detail to completely reveal a preamp’s capabilities or character in that area whereas the speakers you’re looking at now will likely very clearly expose differences and which pre is right for you. Plus, those are the speakers you’ll ultimately be using with the preamp so it’ll be very good to know there’s synergy between them that works for your system and tastes. I think you’re totally on the right track here and that your system is about to take a monstrous step forward and that all your effort is going to be hugely rewarded. Keep us posted if you could.
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Testrun, I don’t dislike the 3A’s per se...they have a good soundstage, and the midrange is awesome...and I have a lot of sentimental attachment to them because they were my dad’s and he got me into hifi. It’s just that they have a very narrow sweet spot where they sound best and soundstage is good...and with my open floorpan, I’m curious to hear something that has a better off axis horizontal response. Also as mentioned, the 3As sound a bit veiled and lack the ’sparkle’ that I’ve heard in some newer speakers (the ones I’ve been auditioning). All that said, I’m really taking the preamp upgrade suggestion to heart, and will maybe start there first.
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What don’t you like about the 3A’s? I like many suggest looking for a good pre with an ht bypass. May be look at a used Modwright or something similar. Listen to the 3A’s with and without the subs. You might be surprised.
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