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

Check out their entire line. They are all exceptional and use much the same technology. In addition the cabinet walls are thin,  they don't use all the cross bracing of tradition speakers so they tend to be smaller yet contain the same volume.

Speakers of a lifetime..You will not be disappointed 

My perspective.  My ear-brain path.  I did the same comparison, auditioning the same models as you are interested in, and chose Vivid, but the Giya G3 rather than the Kaya 45 and will explain why below. I was also able to find  a pre owned G3 for $12,000 and I see they still sell around this price, some sales lower and some higher.

I find your current D3s too forward in the presence region and a little hot in the treble region.  I think you are attempting to articulate this.  I find their dynamics and low end bloated or punchy.  Some members like this presentation but I find it unnaturally.  Staging is not deep.  

The Kaya still may be a little hot in the treble region but much less so than I find the D3.  Low end will be fast, tight and clean, but you may miss weight.  Staging will be wider and deeper, imaging pinpoint, air between images evident.  More clarity in general. 

 The A3 will have a smooth treble but, while I found it extended I found it boring detracting from me connecting to the music.  Dynamics are controlled and again, while above average but boring and not as good as the Kaya. Staging and imagining good but more defuse and centered between the speakers than the pinpoint, widest, deep Kaya … but better depth than the D3. Timbre/tone warmer than both the Kaya or D3.

The Vivid Giya G3, what I went with, improves SQ in all SQ categories.  Focus is on clarity, dynamics (micro and macro), natural tone/timbre, and natural treble.  Fast and powerful bass extending more into the room than the Kaya and more like your D3, but with more control, detail, and natural musicality.  This is the imaging and staging champ, images palpable, widest and deepest staging.

Either the Kaya or A3 should be an improvement in my opinion, but for transparency, I am not a fan of B&W or Magico in general.  If you can find a preowned G3 in budget, and can get past their eccentric design, I am sure you will find bliss.  But remember there is no right or wrong, and you must audition because your opinion may be different.  

Hope this summary of my auditioning notes help you in some way.

 

I forgot to mention when I chose the Vivid Giya G3 I almost was seduced by and purchased the Sonus Farber Amati.  The Amati presents with warmth and romance as opposed to the clarity and speed of the G3.  Images are dense but with diffuse edges compared to the sharp image separation of the G3.  I general, imaging more holographic with the G3 and staging wider and deeper even though image density better with the Amati.  The Amati beats the G3 in tone/timbre.  Here it is rich and warm while the G3 is lean but still natural.  In general the Amati presents with the romantic warmth of sitting in row 20 of Carnegie Hall while the G3 presents with the clarity and speed of sitting in row 5 of David Griffin Hall (Avery Fisher).  The Amati has more rounded bass and not as sharp of a leading transient edge at all frequencies.  Based on your goals, the Amati may be the ticket to the sound you are looking for.  It is more dear new and pre owned than the G3.  G3 does not do well on the pre owned marked because of its eccentric industrial design, where the Amati is traditionally gorgeous.  Also. if budget is a concern, a SF product below the Amati may also meet your goal. 

Sonus Fabers speakers always sounds good, often even with poorer recordings. I listened to the maxima amator en Il cremonese a few times on audio shows.

But I think I like the more direct, neutral sound of the Vivids. I am going to listen to the Kayas soon.

And I will keep an eye out for the G3 on the pre owned market