Take up @ronboco offer and listen to some Rockports… They may have some of their newer models at Axpona but they are all special.
speaker upgrade from Magico A3
I'm hoping for some opinions and recommendations on a speaker upgrade. Thanks in advance for any helpful, non judgmental advice or recommendations.
Current system is : Aurender N200, T+A 200 DAC, T+A PA 3100 HV integrated, Magico A3 speakers, Pair REL S/510.
System is in a large room ( 30x35ft with 20 ft high pitched ceiling). Speakers 8ft apart 24" from front wall, subs next to speakers on outside. Very little to no opportunity for alternate positioning or room treatment.
Music prefs are 80% classical, 20% rock and techno.
I initially found the A3s to be lacking in base, so I added the subs which helped a lot. At times the A3s boarder on bright sounding to me, but not to my wife whose ears are better. I do fit into the category of "old man whose hearing is deteriorating." Just the same I would like to upgrade the speakers to something that would be an SQ upgrade and perhaps a better match to the room size. I can still appreciate musical nuances and although I may not have the ear I had 10 years ago, I am certain I could appreciate the upgraded SQ from a big jump in speakers. My ideal budget is roughly $20K but have the means to go higher if it meant amazing SQ.
If possible, I prefer to buy pre-owned, but have never purchased speakers out of state or had them shipped. I now have an opportunity for out of state pre-owned SF Amati Traditions for $19K or out of state dealer demo Magico A5s for $19.5K.
Local dealer has demo SF Serafino G2s for $23K which I could home demo if wanted or Amati G5s for $34K, also available for home demo.
I know Magico and SF are totally different. I have heard SFs several times at dealers (never at home) but my only Magico experience is current A3s. Is it weird to say I like both and not certain about which I prefer?
Intuition is telling me to go towards warmer and more musical which is why I've started to look at SFs. I live very close to The Music Room, but am not seeing any current speaker offerings that are calling to me, They have a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 50s for $20K, but it would cost me a 5% restocking fee and a PIA to home demo them. I can't seem to find much online info regarding them.
In case its relevant:
My previous system in this room (sold to finance something else) consisted of B&W 802 D3 with Macintosh MC462 ,Simaudio Moon 740P preamp and MSB discrete dac.. I found I was missing hifi music and started again with a small system, consisting of pre-owned Hegel H390 and the A3 speakers. I eventually added the Aurender and T+A Dac. A few weeks ago I had a local opportunity to trade the H390 for the T+A PA 3100 (plus cash), so I took it.
- ...
- 44 posts total
I received your pm. My apologies for not being able to respond as I don’t have a payment method on file. We can communicate through this thread if you decide you would like to stop by for a listen. Which Listen up are you working with ? Boulder or Denver ? If it’s Boulder Andy Nizzoti is the person I dealt with for our home theatre. He is very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to work with. Ron |
Wow-- thanks again everyone. AFAIK, TMR doesn't do any auditioning at all, I've been there several times to drop off and pick up equipment. They are not a brick and mortar store. I'll be home auditioning some SF Serafinos next week followed by Amatis, at least that's the plan so far. Actually we're going into Denver to hear the Serafinos and if we like them the next step will be a home audition. Amatis will come later in the month. @jimmy2615 I have spoken to Bliss Hifi, very knowledgeable guy, he recommended Vivid Kaya 90s which he will be showing at AXPONA. Turns out I have a conflict and cannot go. |
I would also recommend going to Soundings Fine Audio in the tech center area. Ask for Jess. I really enjoyed his helpful advice and no pressure sales. That’s where I bought my 2 channel system. They no longer carry Rockport speakers but they have Acora and Magico if you are interested in either of those. |
I won't say that the SF Serafinos were disappointing, but I will say that it was immediately obvious that they would not be an upgrade to the current A3 system. Neither my wife or I connected with them and I suspect that the "SF sound" is not for us. I could list some specific details, but dont feel that would be especially pertinent. We did spend a fair bit of time listening to a pair of KEF Blade One Metas. For the past three months, my wife has been, at best indifferent, and at worst flat out "anti upgrading" our system. So, I was shocked to hear her say that she really like the sound and design of the Blades. I also gave them a big thumbs up. They were in a highly treated room and I can't say how they will sound at home, but we are arranging a home demo. I am concerned that a home demo is a commitment to buying from the dealer as opposed to buying pre-owned. TMR currently has two pair of pre-owned Blade One Metas and Audiogon lists three. Is that a red flag? @ronboco Funny you should mention Jess from Soundings. He is coming to our house in a few days to look at our system setup and room. Its a paid visit but I thought it would be helpful to have his expertise. |
- 44 posts total