Vule,
I have actually done a back to back audition of those two speakers - both set up in the same room, both driven by the same Devialet 220. The room was small and not a proper listening room.
The two overwhelming impressions was that the S1 had much more pleasant treble. Less sharp, just clear, clean, and more relaxed.
The A3 however just felt like a much more complete product - which of course makes sense as it’s a full-range speaker. While the treble was a bit sharp for me, the mids were nicer in the A3, and the bass was outrageously strong (in that small room anyway). I was blown away.
While I was very impressed by the A3s but personally could never justify the expense of the s1 as I’d also need a sub. I just don’t understand the logic behind the pricing structure in this case. That extra bit of smoothness in the highs is not worth it IMO.
Side note - It was during that audition thought that made me realize how much I like the sound of ribbon tweeters. Im very very seriously considering purchasing the A3s - I sure did love the low-end punch the A3s offered. But there’s a nagging voice in the back of my head telling me maybe a beryllium dome tweeter won’t give me the kind of sound I’m after.
I have actually done a back to back audition of those two speakers - both set up in the same room, both driven by the same Devialet 220. The room was small and not a proper listening room.
The two overwhelming impressions was that the S1 had much more pleasant treble. Less sharp, just clear, clean, and more relaxed.
The A3 however just felt like a much more complete product - which of course makes sense as it’s a full-range speaker. While the treble was a bit sharp for me, the mids were nicer in the A3, and the bass was outrageously strong (in that small room anyway). I was blown away.
While I was very impressed by the A3s but personally could never justify the expense of the s1 as I’d also need a sub. I just don’t understand the logic behind the pricing structure in this case. That extra bit of smoothness in the highs is not worth it IMO.
Side note - It was during that audition thought that made me realize how much I like the sound of ribbon tweeters. Im very very seriously considering purchasing the A3s - I sure did love the low-end punch the A3s offered. But there’s a nagging voice in the back of my head telling me maybe a beryllium dome tweeter won’t give me the kind of sound I’m after.