Reference 3a Dulcet vs. MM Da Capo i

Hello Rebbi! I have spent about three weeks with them so far, and they are sounding great! I just updated my virtual system, and you can find a more detailed explanation about the Episodes there.

Are you thinking about replacing your Merlins with the Dulcet or De Capo? The Merlins are fine sounding monitors at about the same price point. The De Capo's would have a bit deeper bass, and be a bit more efficient than the Merlins, but your monoblocks have more than enough power for either. By looking at your system images, I would think your next move should be to purchase or make some room treatments. With those wood floors and bare walls, spending just a few hundred bucks on treatments should pay off in a HUGE way compared to changing speakers. You will be shocked at just how much more focus and image depth you would get by doing so. Purchase a nice area rug to cover the bare floor in front of your speakers, and some affordable 2' x 4' x 1.5" diffusion panels for the reflection points on your walls.

You're welcome! Glad to hear that you have been able to work on your room acoustics since your last system update. It should help quite a bit. I don't think you will have any problems at all with the de Capo's overwhelming your room with bass unless you have some issues due to too much liveliness in the room. If so, a few bass traps in the corners should take care of it. The de Capo's low frequency response is quite accurate as stated, and rolls off pretty quickly below 42 hz. I have an even smaller room than yours that is well treated, and they sound quite well balanced in the bass on most well recorded music. I am actually going to be trying a pair of Reference 3A Episodes in place of the De Capo's this weekend. I certainly won't need a sub with them in my room! This is my third pair of De Capo's I have owned over the past 15 years, and I have tried dozens of other well regarded speakers during that time. I love the clarity, texture and immediacy I hear through them out of their full-range driver. They are an easy load for any amp you might want to try, and have excellent tonal balance. I am looking forward to hearing the Episodes to see what their "supertweeter" and added bass brings to the synergy of my system. I'll let you know my thoughts after they get settled in.