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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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ronsbass's avatar
ronsbass
12 posts
 
Commonsense Audio Single Ended Integrated Tube Amp at $999 will drive the incredibly sensitive Spatials well.

tweak1
3,563 posts
 
Well crap. After posting this I see you didn't score them. Not to worry as EPs come up. I saw a pair of 2.7s just the other day for $2000, or EP 3.0s for $1200 

First, great choice going Open BAFFLE instead of cabinet compromised monkey coffins. I own Emerald Physics 3.4s OB with single 12" drivers and 1" polyester concentric tweeters

Looking at the review (link below) there are several things I did to my 3.4s that I recommend doing with the M3s

* get the XOs completely off the bases, and isolate from the floor (I use Machina Dynamica springs- inexpensive and work great
* Upgrade the jumpers (I use WireWorld OCC) and if possible the wiring to the drivers also. I am unable to do this, as the 3.4s wire is inside the baffles (Why, I have no clue)

As to amplifier: Depends on your room size and musical tastes. Large scale music requires a potent amp. Mine is an EVS 1200 ( Ice Edge heavily moded class D, using 2 AS 1200 modules, which is 600/1200 wpc, which I need as my room is volumetrically quite large.

If you’re on a tight budget check out the GaN based Premium amp @ $699
https://premium-audio.com/gan-audio-amplifiers.html

OR, Underwood HiFi is said to be introducing their much more sophisticated Voyager GaN amp at $3000 (scroll down near the bottom) https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/lsa-electronics


Spatial Audio Lab M3 Sapphire Loudspeaker | REVIEW | Part-Time Audiophile (parttimeaudiophile.com)

hth
jlr261's avatar
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jlr261 OP
34 posts
 
Hello Ronsbass and Tweak1! 

Thanks very much for your input, while the intended acquisition of a mint pair of Spatial Audio M3 Sapphires fell through, I must say that exchanging with much more experienced audiophiles such as yourselves has been a real pleasure and learning experience for me.

I have decided to wait until we are fully relocated in the Washington D.C area to resume my quest for a new audio setup, at which time, I'll take the time to listen to as many different components and combinations as possible. 

The only thing I've set at this point is the overall budget, which I've determined to be 10k, for speakers, an integrated amplifier, a good DAC, and appropriate accessories (cables, room acoustics, etc.).

I will mostly stream from a Node 2i I still have and that is just so convenient to use, as well as my ProJect Debut Carbon Expression turntable.

Once again, thanks very much for all the very useful information, I'll be sure to let you guys know how things evolve from here on!

Have a great family Memorial Day!! 
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