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What amp to match with Spatial Audio M3 Sapphire open back speakers

Fellow audiogoners,
If all goes well, I will shortly be the proud owner of a lightly used pair of Spatial Audio M3 Sapphire open back speakers.
The trouble is that in making this acquisition, I will have expanded most of my intended "hobbies" budget,yet still need to purchase an amplifier that will make the speakers sing.
The rest of my modest setup consists of: Bluesound Node 2i streamer, SMSL SU-8 V2 DAC, ProJect Debut Carbon Esprit TT.
The listening room is our living/dining room (400 sqft), and our music ranges from classical to world, with a good dose of classic rock and jazz of all types. We also like to turn things up from time to time...to dance!
Sound characteristics I appreciate the most are: musicality, definition but not too clinical, wide and open sound stage, tight impactful bass, and most realistic vocals. 

I am thus calling on all Spatial Audio M3 owners and others to request your advice/guidance in helping me select an integrated amplifier at a budget of around $2500.
Thanks very much for your input and experiences, have a nice weekend and please stay safe!jlr261
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yakbob
449 posts
 
I owned the M3 turbo s for about a year. My best pairing with that speaker was the Bob Latino ST-70 (tubes4hifi.com). It is a glorious sounding tube amp with more than enough grunt to power the Spatials.

Available with a volume pot, a built unit with KT-66 power tubes is below your budget at around $1400. Add some NOS Mullard drivers/ phase splitter tubes for another 300 and you’re still under budget. Its an amp worth looking into if you have a single source.

tms0425
67 posts
 
Take a look at the Digital Amp Company Maraschino (Cherry) amps. Several Spatial owners are using these and are very happy with them.  He regularly has very good demo pricing if you call or email him, well within your budget. There is a detailed YouTube review by a fellow who uses the desktop monoblocks with the X3's, just do a search.
jlr261's avatar
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jlr261 OP
34 posts
 
Dear Yakbob and tms0425,
Thanks very much for your useful input, I will certainly look into your suggestions, and I really like their being below intended budget as well...

Yakbob, may I ask why you only kept your M3 Turbos for a year? Can you share a little more about your setup and circumstances? Thanks

Tms0425, I've read good things about Maraschino and shall look into it, thanks! I'd love to learn about your setup as well.

Has either of you any experience or knowledge about Black Ice Audio F11/22/35 integrated tube amps? This is apparently the new name for JOLIDA... and their Fusion 360 preamp is getting great reviews. 

Thanks again and have a great weekend!!
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twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
You'll find useful threads and recommendations over on AudioCircle.
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