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Magico A3 vs. Joseph Audio Perspective vs. Spendor D9

Hi All,

I have been doing some research over the past while and am currently in the midst of a search for my next floorstanding speaker that costs around ~$10k. My other thread that I posted in this forum gave me a lot to consider. Rather than post there, I figured a most focused thread would be a good idea. Now, I have distilled my choices to these 3 choices... I think.

Power: I will be powering the speakers with a SET amp (48W per channel).
Sources: Most of my sources are digital (Roon/Tidal). I mostly listen to jazz, classical and female vocals. I would appreciate a speaker that provides that good, snappy bass where I don't need a subwoofer.
Room: Large room (will be in the living room that opens up to the kitchen and then the dining room). Aesthetics do matter here.

I have received a ton of help through the forums already during my search and have now narrowed down my speaker choices to (in no particular order):

  • Magico A3 - No issues driving these speakers with my amp. Tested and they sounded wonderful. Very analytical and super clear details. Tight bass as well but maybe more weighted in the clarity/details than warmth, even with my tube amp.
  • Joseph Audio Perspective - No dealers in WA or OR so no way to test these but have heard wonderful things about these speakers. Sounds like imaging/sound stage is a strong suit along with clarity. I wonder how bass performance is though as these have smaller woofers compared to my other choices.
  • Spendor D9 - Have not heard these speakers yet but am trying to find a local dealer that has them in stock.
Another one that I am still thinking about is the Daedalus Argos but I would like to hear some feedback on the top 3 at this time.

Thanks!
freesole
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@drrsutliff Agreed with your impressions on the highs and midrange as on the D7's. I do hope and can only imagine that the D9's would be much better in the low end. Were you able to listen to the D7's for a comparison prior to your purchase?
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@soix I see another used pair much closer to me for the same price. I am thinking about it... The dealer had them powered on a 40W Naim Uniti Atom and there was no issue with dynamics. Sounded great. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drrsutliff
836 posts
 
The D7s employ a driver for bass and another that shares the bass/midrange.  With the D9s the midrange is a single isolated driver and there are two bass drivers that were designed for this speaker.  Compared to the D7 the D9s are more balanced and truly have bass output to and below the 28hz specification.  More important to me the bass was expressive and tuneful. The tweeter is shared and the high end similarity is present between them.  I agree it is not as precise as the A3 but I choose the entire balance of the Spendor to fit my system goals better.
prof
3,450 posts
 

I auditioned the Magico A3s,  have listened to the Perspectives numerous times including in my home, and have only heard the Spendors at an audio show (where they frankly shocked me how good they sounded).

They are certainly different sounding speakers.  Perhaps the Spendors sound more like the Magicos than the Joseph speakers.

The Magicos give a heck of a lot for the money. Probably the most "detailed/transparent" sounding, and almost full range! 


The Joseph speakers, for me, are about a magical tone - even more free of grain, more pure sounding overall, than the Magicos.  If you like that special thing the JA speakers do well, it's hard to forget it, and I much prefer the Perspectives over the Magicos.  The Perspectives have excellent, deep, quick bass for their size and do sound punchy.   But I'd be wary about driving them with a lower powered tube amp.  Though the impedance etc does supposedly make them tube amp friendly, I think they need some juice to make them get up and go.   Though in the crazy world of amps/speakers, it could be that your amp would work.

Sounds like maybe the Magicos are your ticket, though, especially since you heard and liked them.


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