@prof I wanted to love them. I purposely saved them for last. I am drawn to their look and finish. Partially my fault, it wasn’t a great audition. I didn’t bring any music. I had been relying on Tidal to stream and this showroom was located where service was spotty. Also, I felt like I sat in the near field (not sure I used that term correctly), so everything was off. Without getting a good read on the them, I can’t really say. It would have been a tall order to surpass what I heard from the Sabrinas, but I was so hoping.
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@kcpellethead
You haven't mentioned yet: What did you think of your audition of the Devore speakers?
It's been a while since I heard the Magico S3, but having auditioned a bunch of speakers lately I personally preferred the Devore 0/96 and 0/93 to the Magico A3. (I found the Devore speakers richer sounding, yet very open and transparent on top, with an even more convincing presentation for drums than the A3).
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Several have asked about the Tekton Double Impact SE and while I don't feel qualified to answer this in the appropriate way, I'll just do what I can . . . . . I had a lot of anticipation to hear them, so I heard them first. They were paired with equipment that was moderately priced compared to the equipment used in the Magico, Wilson Audio, and even Devore Fidelity auditions. Even before hearing the other brands, the Tektons did not impress me more than my GoldenEar Triton Ones. The seemed a bit flat or two dimensional. They lacked something, but I cannot truly put my finger on what it was. In summary, they just weren't my taste.
I can see where someone might say the Magicos are analytical, but I'd say the Wilson Sabrinas are musical. I just drove 3 hours each way today to hear them again, in a different room, with different equipment, and so wanted them to sound different/worse, but they didn't. I have one more audition, the Vandersteen Quattro CTs again early next week. I don't want to be predisposed, but it's going to be really hard.
I can't say this enough. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to respond here. Your answers are all part of my learning process.
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I took a year or so, visiting all sorts of audio shops in my search for a new pair of speakers.
On one visit, before my listening, the salesman asked me of I preferred "analytic" or "musical" speakers, interesting way to put it. I thought for a moment and said I prefer "musical". Before auditioning a pair of Magico S5's he called them "analytic". I suspect the Wilson's would also be considered "analytic" by most. |
Interesting you chose the Magico S1, and S3. Both outstanding designs, but DO consider the A3 if you care for that voicing at all. I too really like the Sabrina. But wound up taking delivery on the A3. The A3 sells for quite abit less and has all of the beauty of the Sabrina IMHO. Either investment will be worth your while depending on room sizes, equipment upstream, and listening preferences. 7k will but quite a bit of software, or records. |
@kcpellethead As the other two posters, I am interested in your impressions of the Tekton DIs vs. the Sabrina.
Seems like you are taking this decision pretty seriously and weighing all your options as you should. You might be interested in hearing other highly regarded speakers such as: Revel Salon 2, B&W 803 D3, Dynaudio Confidence C4, and GE Triton Refs
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You owe it to yourself to check out Legacy Audio, their speakers will match up against any of the brands you have looked at...I won't go into how wonderful the Legacy are, but let's just say that there's a good reason that I own 3 pairs (Focus SE, and 2 pair of Studio HDs), and am looking to pick up a set of Calibre...Truely a wonderful speaker and great people at the factory to work with. Brice and Victoria are very helpful and will do anything to help.
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@Kcpellethead
You're considering Wilson Sabrinas and you're NOT an audiophile?? How do you figure?
Also, you didn't mention your impressions of the Tektons.
Just curious, although I think I can guess your response. |
I have to say, as a long term non Wilson fan, I loved the Sabrina when I heard them first and on several further occasions. I use an ARC ref 75SE and the Sabrina sound perfect with ARC amps, IMHO. I am still not a Magico fan, a defect in my character and ears, I'm sure. So if it were me and I could afford them, it would be Sabrina.
Having said all that, I still would'nt give up my Daedalus Audio DA-RMa speakers, others have mentioned the company on this thread. I'm going to be buried with them, or in them. There is no dealer network, but Lou has a large number of very happy users who are willing to demo them. Just contact Lou and ask if anyone near you can offer a demo. He really is a great man to deal with, very helpful and you'll save yourself a lot of cash too. |
I am just curious what you thought of the Tekton DI in comparison to the other speakers you listened to. You may want to consider Legacy speakers. They have a speaker for every price point |
May I add to the list a brand that lately seems to be forgotten, don't know why, specially in the US. They're imaging and capability of "disappear" are surreal.
They are cheaper than the Sabrinas, they probably don't have the slam of the Wilsons, but I'm very pleased with my pair of Avalon IDEA SE (black piano lacquer) driven by a Nagra Classic amp.
My room it's not very large, but the Avalon's, if matched carefully, punch way above its price point.
Just my two cents. |
@helomech - Chicago and just east of St. Louis in Illinois. It was a road trip with some audio adventure mixed in. |
@helomech - nobody in KC has those brands. I traveled to hear them May I ask where? I live within driving distance of KC, so I'm curious how far these dealers are. I don't mind driving 3 or 4 hours to audition some gear. |
Thanks jafant. They communicate, that’s for sure. Love what they do or don’t do may be a better way to describe.
System:Joseph Audio Pearl 3’sAllot of different amps.
Right now it is the Accuphase P-250 amp (Many Moons Audio upgraded/restored)Sansui CA-F1 Preamp (MMA upgraded/restored)Totaldac Twelve 4 box with Server Totaldac Gigafilter
Totaldac Ethernet Cable/FilterWyWires Power CablesAntipodes cablesZenwave Audio cablesDedicated room with DIY diffusers and panels |
What did you think of the Tekton Double Impact SE? I am also thinking of these but cannot find anywhere to audition these in Florida? |
Vandersteen fan here, own 3 pair.....agree on subjective nature of both audiophile and music lover approach to choosing gear...
Richard Vandersteen has been at this for 37 years, built to last I guess....
anyway, enjoy your search !!!!!
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+1 on Daedalus should it strike your fancy to explore Lou's speakers as an option; own the Argos V2s |
@kcpellethead Your approach is solid--finding the right speakers is the most important part of putting together a system that you will enjoy over the long term. Working backwards from the speakers, making selections that compliment the transducers, will get you where you want to go. I would encourage you to take your time and, where possible, audition equipment in your own listening room (admittedly hard to do with speakers but easily done with a helpful manufacturer/dealer once you get to the electronics). There are many good speakers at your price point--it really comes down to finding the "flavor" you like best. Magico, Wilson, Vandersteen are well known and offer distinct sonic approaches. I've listened to many different models from these designers over the years and have found aspects of their sonic profile compelling, but on the whole unsatisfying.
I would encourage you to explore lesser known brands where you may find significantly greater "bang for the buck". For example, I've been a big fan of Daedalus Audio for many years. I just ordered a pair of Apollo's, which are the best speakers Lou has produced over a 25 year career arc. Daedalus speakers are very unique in design, build and sonic profile. To me they are much more compelling transducers than anything else I have heard, regardless of price. There are other, smaller manufacturers that deal direct that you may want to explore as well, but I would encourage you to start with Daedalus and see where your journey leads. Best of luck!
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Thank you all for your responses. Scheduled an audition to hear the Vandersteen Quattro CTs again. The dealer also has the Joseph Audio Perspectives, and encouraged me to hear them as well. Also going to make another trip to hear the Sabrina’s again, but in a different showroom with different equipment, which should be a good test to confirm what I heard was not the equipment nor the room. If I am correct, I’ll inquire about a home audiction. I appreciate all of you taking the time to weigh in.
@helomech - nobody in KC has those brands. I traveled to hear them.
@paul79 - thank you for your very gracious offer. What I’ve read about the Joseph Audio Pearl 3s tells me it’s a world class loudspeaker. Unfortunately, it’s not in my budget at this time. Even used, it’s a bit more than I want to spend this time for,this system. |
I would not buy any of those speakers new from a dealer without a home audition. No matter how it sounds in the store, you need to hear it at home to know if it works in your room. If you're buying used, that's another story. You're paying half price and you can afford to take a chance. Any dealer who sells those brands should arrange a home demo if you are truly serious about a purchase. Good luck. I like the smaller Wilsons much more than the big ones personally. |
paul79
you are a lucky soul to own those Pearl 3 loudspeakers. In fact, you are the only one across multiple Audio forums that I have read about owning this model. Same can be reported about the Pearl/Pearl 2, not many owners out there. What other gear is in your system?
Happy Listening! |
Go for the best! The Ilumnia magister (ilumnia.be). Sound’s very natural. Pure detail,a beautifull surround, because the driver is floating on a magnetic field. I’ve hearded a lot of speakers,but this one is “the top”: voices, Instruments,the balance between high,mid, and low , is superb verry holographic ( 3-D). I’ve put them on the esoteric f-05. : you don’t stop listening. A friend used the Ear monoblocks: just greath!!!
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Who in KC sells the Wilsons and Devores? |
If you want to make a trip near Tulsa, you can hear a pair of Joseph Audio Pearl 3's. Be happy to host.
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I'm also a big believer that when you hear the right speaker for you, you just know. Given your words about the Sabrina it sounds like you may indeed have found your boy. That said, there's nothing wrong with hearing some other candidates just to be sure, and now that you have the Sabrina as your benchmark you'll know very quickly whether a speaker "does it" for you or not. I second the Quatro suggestion, and I'll add the Joseph Audio Perspective as another well worth hearing if you can. ProAc would also be very worth a listen if you have a dealer within reach as would Verity Audio, although I think the latter has relatively few dealers. Anyway, best of luck.
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You will not find anything to match the Sabrinas. And they are stunning with just a Rogue Cronus Magnum II driving them! |
@kcpellethead,
I am going to echo @milpai advise, Trust your ears. I have heard Sabrinas and they are on my short list of speakers to try at home.
The LS28 and VT80 punches way above their price point. I own this combo since last year and very pleased with their fabulous sound. My speakers are B&W 804D2’s.
Aurender A10 is a good startup choice but I would work towards N10 in near future once you’re settled. Good luck with your search, I am sure you will end with a great system.
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On a vacation to the Pacific Northwest two years ago, I auditioned audio gear while my wife and daughters shopped. I heard the Magico S1s at one store and the Wilson Sabrinas at another. The Sabrinas really impressed me, driven by a relatively modest Naim integrated. The Magicos not so much (limited bass for one). My personal takeaway was I much preferred the Sabrinas. I’ve recently purchased a Lyngdorf 3400 and i think it would be sublime with the Sabrinas. |
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kcpellethead IMHO, you should be smitten! The Sabrina is a very very good value and was my favorite speaker for a number of years. I’ve heard them with the ARC GSi 75 integrated (now discontinued), LS 28/VT 80 combo, D’Agostino separates, Nagra (very special), Arcam integrated, T+A top of the line integrated + SACD player (very good too), and maybe other electronics as well. The LS 28/VT 80 combo is very very good with the Sabrina and only the Nagra Classic line gear was better (with Aurender W20 + dCS Debussy), but at twice the cost. I’ve heard the Magico’s including the A3 and to me they just don’t provide that snap and sparkle or convey emotion like the Sabrina. In my IMHO, the A3 is nowhere near the same camp as the Sabrina and I don’t remember being at all intrigued with the other Magico’s I’ve heard. I’ve also heard the step up from the Devore Orangutan 0/96, the Gibbon X, and to me they also lack that intimacy and they were played with Sugden Class A gear – the speaker seems to lack good bass integration. I’ve no experience with Tekton. I live in SoCal and I’ve had the opportunity to hear a diversity of gear. For me, and in my price range, the Sabrina and the TAD E1 (also CE1, ME1) are the speakers I feel check all the boxes. I’m in the middle of working out a deal with the E1 including the Evolution Series electronics and an Aurender N10 (it is very much worth the difference between the A10/N10 delta). If I’d not have heard the TAD speakers, I’d be on track to purchase the Sabrina. They are a very lovely looking and sounding speaker. I don’t see, or hear, how you could go wrong. Have fun in your search. |
@kcpellethead,Trust your ears. They heard the music and they belong to you. Your seem to prefer warmth over neutral or cool. This is PERFECTLY fine. If you liked the same speaker twice over the Magicos, then go for them. Don't force yourself to like a speaker.
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@cedargrover - Vandersteen are one of the few brands that I can hear here in Kansas City. Listened to the Quatro CT very early on in this process. You're right, I need to hear them again now that I better know what I think I am seeking. Great suggestion.
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Martin - you nailed it with the S1 bass response. We stepped up to the S3 to get something closer in response to the Sabrina. I am not an audiophile, nor will I probably ever be, but the Sabrinas were warmer, richer, and fuller, yet more defined. There were just so musical regardless of what we threw at them. The Magico dealer expects the A3s in late August, but assured me they were a step down from the S1.
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Suggest you listen to a pair of Vandersteen Quatro CT. A bit lower in price than the Wilsons, plus you get powered bass (giving you more flexibility in choosing an amp). I'm a firm believer in subjectivism in audio so I am not saying anything is "better" than the other. But one thing I will say is that Vandersteen's approach is a bit different, so if it agrees with you, better that you hear it before dropping $15K+. :)
Enjoy!
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My first post here, I was in a slimier situation; I am a recording musician, I needed a tool to hear my work, but as an audiophile, albeit a modest one, I also wanted to have a speaker I can enjoy listening to when I am not critical at the recording. I spent over a year listening to as many speakers as I could, my budget was up to 20K Euro.
In the end, it came down to the Wilson Sabrina vs. the Magico A3 (I can't afford the S3 and the S1 limited bass output was an issue for me). Although the Sabrina were very enjoyable, they lack the resolution the A3 has. Ultimately, the A3 won in both categories, and I now believe you can have it both, resolution and musicality.
You may want to isolate what you think you like, it can very well be the electronics, and not the speakers.
Martin |
