feedback wanted Reference 3A speakers???

Nyaudio,

To clarify my earlier post:

I believe that EVERY small (or smallish) speaker must make trade-offs. I'd argue that it's a matter of physics; AFAIK, proper reproduction of the bottom octave + cannot be achieved from a small box. I actually like the decision that Ref 3a made, but it's still IMHO a compromise.

Ref 3a (in my view, wisely, as I stated in my OP) decided to optimize octave to octave balance. Even though the deCapo has better bass extension than most stand mounts, the bottom octave is MIA (as in virtually all small speakers). To offset that, the energy in the presence range and upper octaves of the deCapo is - to my ear - gently diminished. I believe that that's the key to the speaker's unusually neutral tonal balance.

Others may certainly disagree, but - to my ear - that benefit comes at a cost.

To my ear, a speaker's macro-dynamics ("jump factor") is largely determined by its energy through the presence region. In the deCapo, that's part of the region that is gently rolled to offset the missing bottom octave. It works tonally, but IMHO Ref 3a's design decision becomes a double edged sword: the speaker sounds very neutral, but dynamically polite.

Some may consider the deCapo perfect, but I don't. To the extent that reads as a criticism of the product, I'd only note that it's probably a gentler criticism than I'd make of virtually any other speaker of similar dimesions.

Marty

Count me a believer. I have the latest De Capo model before they went to Nextel covering (sitting four post Sound Anchors). The entire line features tons of tweaks for the money, and the extension/air when combined with the solid bass is simply unbeatable as far as I can determine. Holographic, too. I have no idea why they sell so cheap here on the used market. Try them. Your risk of disappointment is VERY low.

Here is a review I wrote comparing the R3A MM deCapo i to the Fritz Carbon 7 in Audio Circle:

I was lucky to have the Carbon 7's on loan from Fritz for about 4 weeks recently. They replaced my Reference 3A MM deCapo-i's on the same 26" stands. Initially I had them hooked up to my 15WPC Cary 300B monoblocs but the Carbon 7's need much more power so I did the bulk of my listening with a very old Bryston 2B.

I must say that all the reviews of the Carbon 7 are spot on. Simply an amazing speaker with the right amp. Open, detailed, coherent from top to bottom, dynamic and just plain fun to listen to. They have a fullness of sound that is rare among small monitors where they often sound thin and compressed with wimpy bass. Many speaker companies try to impress potential buyers with in your face detail in the highs. The Carbon 7's have as much or more detail and micro dynamics as I have heard in other high end designs but it is presented naturally without that ear bleed that often follows after extended listening

The bass from these small speakers is really astonishing with usable lows in the low 30Hz range, I would guess. Soundstage depth, width and height is first rate with these speakers. They totally disappear 100% of the time and image specificity is as good as you will find. Performers had an "in the room" quality that was almost spooky.

It was a sad day when Fritz came over to take the carbon 7's back. Just for fun, we did some back and forth between the Reference 3A's and the Carbon 7's playing the same tracks. The Reference 3A's were up on AudioGon the next morning.

For $2K, the Carbon 7 is a steal! Especially true when you consider the build quality, top notch drivers from Scanspeak, unique crossover design, and hand made in Redondo Beach, CA. What's not to like?

Any reviews or opinions on the 3A line with the new beryllium tweeter?

This thread needs a bump..great info