@vicdior – I couldn’t agree more. I’ve owned them too, and I still haven’t come across anything that matches their midrange engagement and vocal realism. They’re truly special in that regard.
I also had a chance to spend time with the Icon 12s recently. The pair I heard had minimal hours on them (maybe 24 at most), were powered by whatever was on hand for break-in, and hadn’t been properly positioned — so far from ideal conditions. Yet even in that rough state, it was clear: these are my next speakers.
They retain that horn-loaded magic found in the DeVilles, but the Icon 12s go significantly further — particularly in bass depth, texture, and overall body. That’s simply something a larger driver and cabinet can do. It’s not a knock on the DeVilles — they’re excellent speakers — but this isn’t really a fair comparison given the scale difference.
I also know a few folks who own both the 12s and the Verdande, and they’ve paired them with a wide range of amps. So far, the favorite match? First Watt SIT-5s — a pairing that brings out their full potential in terms of tone, nuance, and speed.