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Vivid kaya 45 or Magico A3

I am looking for a new speaker to replace my 803d3’s. I don’t need the lowest frequencies in my 14 x 19 ft room. And i want a slightly quieter, more honest sound. So, what would be a good replacement?

Can someone tell me about differences in sound?

- vivid kaya 45

- Magico A3

My amps are: pass labs xp12, Bryston 14bsst2

cd: simaudio 650d, Bryston bcd3.

 

thanks in advance!

 

 

 

audiogek
alexatpos
1,286 posts
 

First let me be clear that I am not fan of Magico, so you may take my comment with grain of salt. My local brick and mortar dealer has Magico, among other brands, so often I have chance to listen their models for longer periods of time. That being said I found A3 to be very uneven speaker, good in bass, recessed in mids and somewhat closed on highs, despite its tweeter. It was connected on BHK pre and 250 amp. Magico A5, the larger model is better, but probably too big for your room and still I think that there are better speakers for the money. My advice would be to listen the speakers you are interested for in relaxed settings with plenty of time for decision. I believe that my impressions might be obvious to you as well, as some of audiophile friends share them too. Also, not less important, Bryston and Sim audio are not the devices (regarding their sound signature) that I would connect to Magico. Have not listened to Vivid. Best of luck in your search 

soix
11,230 posts
 

Yes, a more neutral sound. That is what I am looking for.

What about the 803s isn’t neutral — what specific improvements are you looking for?  The more specific you can be the better the recommendations you’ll get here.  “More neutral” is too vague and could mean many things. 

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,781 posts
 

What about the 803s isn’t neutral — what specific improvements are you looking for?

Visible here.  Note that the FR anomalies are consistent at all listening angles.

https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/Bowers%20&%20Wilkins%20803%20D3/Bowers%20&%20Wilkins/index_vendor.html

incorrigable
199 posts
 

Try Yamaha NS-5000. Bigger company with more resources. You may need a more powerful amp.

rsf507
2,574 posts
 

I find the 803d3’s a bit edgy and bright with good bass (depending on amplifier). To my own ears the A3 is very neutral to the negative, has no life and boring YMMV. Now the Vivids are a different animal, yes warmer, has more detail but to my ears are the far more musical. Again depending on what's behind the speakers. To me I'd be able to listen for hours to the Vivids where the A3's maybe an hour or two at most. Just another perspective

 

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