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Can you tell me why I didn't like the Reference 3a MM's?

So I recently asked about a new amp on the Amplifier forum.  I got a lot of good advice and ended up with a Pass XA25.  I really like this amp and the sound.  I have been told by Reno Hi Fi, Pass Labs and B&W, all of whom I contacted, that the XA25 is under-powered for my B&W 705S2 speakers.  But it sounds very good.  However a little flat when the volume is low.

So I am looking for some more efficient speakers.  I tried a used set of Reference 3a deCapo MM's, but they did not have the clarity of the B&W's and sounded a bit muddy at times.

I am looking at Omega Super Alnico HO's.  But I am wondering if the full range driver sound is what I didn't like.  

Am I wrong in thinking more efficient speakers will sound somewhat better at a lower volume?  Can you possibly tell my why I didn't like the MM's?  Something about their design or build?

Any thoughts on the Super Alnico HO's?  I don't want to move down the speaker sound chain.

Thanks much!  Any other speaker suggestions welcome!  But not horns.  I am not a Klipsch fan.
128x128jgoldrick
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,251 posts
 
How about the speakers from ZU Audio?  They are very efficient and just may be the ticket to happiness. 
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I have no experience with the de Capo MMs or with Omega speakers, but it may be relevant that according to measurements of the BE version of the de Capo performed by the National Research Council of Canada their sensitivity (86.7 db/2.83 volts/1 meter) is considerably lower than their 92 db specification, and is only about 1 db greater than the sensitivity the same organization measured for your B&W speakers ( 85.4 db/2.83 volts/1 meter).

B&W 705 S2 measurements

Reference 3A MM de Capo BE measurements

In any event, congratulations and good luck with your purchase of the excellent XA25!

Regards,

-- Al

jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick OP
138 posts
 
Thanks almarg,

From what I have learned, that makes some sense to me.  Which is good, I am learning.  It's also why the MM's didn't sound any louder and perhaps even a bit less.
I have looked at the Zu's as possibility.  What about the 12 ohms impedance?  Is that an impedance to good sound with my amp?
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
Reference 3a seems to not always provide useful sensitivity specs. 

Small speakers with good bass extension Tend to always not be very efficient. It’s just the law of physics that you need a lot more power to get good extended bass out of a smaller package. Some do it better than others though.

Other than that I have read only good things about ref 3a speakers.
erik_squires
15,662 posts
 
The character of the B&W speakers is pretty unique and colorful.

The amps less so. Those are more neutral.

If you like the sound as is, keep what you have. Remember that good room acoustics can make your speakers sound louder and taught.

If they won’t play loudly enough, change your amp, and consider class D solutions.

Best,

E
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