Feedback on the current Reference 3a changes ?

Hi Bojack,

Yes, I will agree.... I am a bit on the "bonkers" side. But not near as bad as the folks at Ref.3a that made the decision to turn the (once good looking) speaker line into the color of old battleships. They are good, if not great, speakers, but some people still prefer the to look at good cabinet work. What if Spendor and Harbeth were to suddenly decide to change their cabinet work to "only" slate grey ? I will be the first to agree that the Nextel finish is arguably superior (with regards to defraction)... but at least give the consumer the option. The thrust of my ranting, bad spelling (and perhaps a bit of Russian folklore) is that if Ref. 3a doesn't address it's cosmetics, they may find themselves in the soup line along with the likes of Apogee.

Cheers!
Tubeears

I have a pair of MM De Capo iA's (the ones with the Surreal Acoustic Lens in the center of the Main Driver) in Dark Cherry finish. I updated to the BE tweeter about a 6 weeks ago... still breaking it in. I was concerned myself about the reputation of metallic dome tweeters for harshness, but Tash Goka of Reference 3A assured me on the phone that the acoustic characteristics of Beryllium are significantly different than say, Aluminum or Titanium. I am going to post a full review (as I did for my Dulcets) but I can assure you that the new tweeters are anything but irritating or bright.

The original 3As were so hyped at the time with over the top glowing reviews that I bought a pair. I hated them, and sold the as quickly as possible. A change might well be an improvement.

Rebbi,

You have a very nice set up. Since I am seriously considering a pair of DeCapo's, I am very curious as to your findings on the new tweeter. My experience with BE tweets have not been good, but I am open to change. I am (once again) going back to tubes. I am a big fan of the EL34 and the DeCapos should work very well with them. I would also like to try one of the DecWare amps as well. I feel that a good SET amp is probably the way to go with the DeCapos and shove tubes in at every possible point in the front end. I lost contact with reality a while back and went totally to Solid State. Do to medical problems I was forced to sell all but my cabling and a few other things. I'm back on step now but have to be a bit cautious with over spending. I was real interested in the Focal 1007s (with the al/mag tweets) from Music Direct, but I have always liked the DeCapos.. especially in the gloss finish. I have a shot at a pair and I think that it is a done deal. I am using a Jolida 202 (EL34 based) amp in the interim until I decide on the DecWare amp. Front end is also Jolida ... A 100a CD player and also their new tube dac. I've got them all stuffed with Gold Lions and new Mullards so it all sounds.... Well.. "Tube like". My speakers now are some relics that I hung onto after the sale of all of my other stuff. They are Cary SP3's. Designed by Peter Norbeck (of PBN Montana) they are identical to PBN's first speaker .. the SP. They sound ok, but look like crap.
Again, I am interested to know more about the BE tweets.

Cheers,
Tubeears

"The original 3As were so hyped at the time with over the top glowing reviews that I bought a pair. I hated them, and sold the as quickly as possible. A change might well be an improvement."

Very curious statement. Out of the thirty some odd speakers I have owned, the Grand Veenas are one of the very best at any price I have paid.

Shakey