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Reference 3a mm de capo vs. ProAc Response 2

So here's the conundrum. I've got a Fisher 500c- 35 watts of vintage tube power (with several mods done to it-namely updated power supply and signal path) and currently have a pair of Vandersteen 2ce's. Not the best match, due to the Vandy's moderate efficiency, though still nice. Not especially dynamic and a bit congested on the frequency extremes.
So in search of a better speaker to match the Fisher, I've done lots of research on Reference 3A's and Proacs, which I'm told both work well with tubes.

So please, have any of you listened to both of the speakers in the title? If so, how would you characterize their strengths and weaknesses? Which did YOU prefer and why?
As for my tastes, I enjoy old school R&B, 50s-60s jazz, classic rock, some pop, bluegrass, reggae, folk. Not really concerned about classical. And my source is an Eastern Electric MiniMax CDP. No vinyl (yet).

Thanks a bunch for your valued opinions! Lincoln

PS- yes I'm working hard to arrange a listen to both of them myself, but Tucson, AZ, is a bit removed from lesser known brands. :)
lincnabby

Showing 2 responses by martykl

martykl
3,578 posts
 
As different as you can get.

I previously have owned deCapos and a former colleague owned R2s at the same time. We spent a lot of time working together in front of my speakers or his. Both of us were using primarily vinyl and lowish powered tube amps.

The deCapo has a "laid back" or "polite" tonal balance. Some will find it wonderfully transparent, revealing and musical. Others will find it dull.

The ProAc is more forward and dynamic. Much more energy from the presence region through the high end. Exciting or edgy, depending on who is doing the evaluation.

I don't want to overstate it, because both are good speakers, but they do - IMHO - occupy opposite ends of the "reasonably neutral" tonal spectrum for monitors.

My guess is that most people will strongly prefer one or the other. At the end of the day, I'd personally go with the ProAcs, but they're really not my long term cup of tea, either.

Good Luck

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Lincoln,

I'm using (primarily) Ohm 100 omnis with DRC subwoofers. This is a full bandwidth (my main issue with both the ProAC and deCapo), though highly inneficent speaker system. Definitely not what you're looking for.

I also use the Merlin VSM which loves tubes, meets your sensitivity requirements, and has a small footprint (it is a floorstander, however). Tonally, it's response is pretty similar to the R2 through the range that they share, but the VSM is much better balanced IMHO due to its extended bass response. However, I'm pretty sure that a decent used pair (even an early version) would be over budget. Merlin also makes a monitor version (TSM) of the design that might be viable for you, but I honestly don't know that product at all and I mention it only because the VSM is such a goofd fit for you on all fronts but (alas) price.

Marty
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