Feedback on the current Reference 3a changes ?

Shakey,

This is indeed a brutal hobby. Perhaps a bloodsport..... How I have lasted over 50 years of crawling around empty boxes and peanuts, I will never know. It seems as though there is always another speaker lurking in a back alley whispering my name, asking me to be it's friend and wanting to look at my wallet. So many times I have snuck into that back ally.. only to hear the sound of hissing snakes, bloated bass and low impedance. I stand here now (tattered and scared) with my new friends, the DeCapo's, wondering "what is next" ?
Got to run, I hear that K-Mart has a new monitor.

Tony
BTW: Your GV's look great ! Which alley did you stumble into ? ;-)

"I would sure like to pull some other Philes into giving the Ref. 3a's a try."

You know something Tony, I'm not so sure all audiophiles are going to be enamoured of them as some are. When I listen to some systems I realize how differently some hear or value certain aspects. I have been struck at how natural some systems sound with some music and how most absolutely fall apart with others, few have it all. If one has eclectic tastes you really want it all and not distracted by the artifacts that ALL too often rears its head over sustained listening. The majority of speakers sound at best "nice" on a range of music they just don't communicate across the board. I like long marriages and am less likely to change frequently which means EVERYTHING has to be re-evaluated.

On my too brief audition of the deCapos....actually went to audition a different speaker and they were an afterthought, they seemingly walked that tightrope of providing the magic of music, regardless of genre at a really reasonable price. The last one to do this for me at at a show was the 2-way floorstanding YG Carmel at 18K, at least something that will work in my space.

The audition had to be cut short as the dealer had another engagement, I could have stayed and listened for hours I'm sure, I didn't want it to end and I DIDN'T hear everything I wanted to. How satisfying are they in my space with large symphonic music? That will be the deciding point for me as to whether they are keepers. I am going to be doing a head to head with another Canadian Monitor recommended to me by someone I trust who also has great admiration for the Ref 3 line. In any event I find it hard to imagine that the deCapo is going to be "outclassed" by too many monitors or any speaker for that matter. They are just so superb as communicators.

Tony,

I have stumbled down many alleys and am not proud to admit it, but admit it I will. And I won't go out on a limb and say there won't be another to lure me away, but all is bliss for the moment.

Seriously though, these are excellent speakers and quite a bargain for what they cost. I have heard an earlier version of the decapos, but have not heard the Dulcets. I am sure they are excellent.

Shakey

Something told me that this was going to get a bit deep. It seem as though many manufactures have there own ways of communication. Not all are bad and some are respectively good. A few years ago, my old system was a pathetic attempt at forcing that communication into my listing area. It was all great gear with great reviews and looked to be synergistic. There is still a picture of it all under my list for "system"(Genesis APM's, Edge amps and some other trendy garb). Do you know those people that stand right up into your face to communicate with you (?)... Well... "That" is what my last system was like. I had to sell it all due to major medical problems for both my wife and I. We are better now and I am on the road to redoing the whole stereo. I too, am tired of the "flash in the pan" system. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to listen to different pieces of equipment, so it all depends on me using what is left of my rather small brain to come up with the communication that I should have had dozens of systems ago. Many years ago, I had a good marriage with a pair of Gale GS 401a's. They were power hungry, but as close to Quads as I have had in a dynamic system. The Apogees treated me well, but they need too much room. The same goes for about all planers. That's why .. this time, I decided on small monitors that hopefully were not a "one trick pony". I took a big chance and bought the DeCapos, mostly based on the judgment of what I have read here on A'gon and my own feelings about the design. I was lucky. It is indeed a pleasure to have a speaker to relax with and feel like each note is being carried to you by the musician. Yes, I feel that there is finally a communication between the performers and myself. Interestingly they also seem to be telling me that my little Jolida is a good amp, but just not quite enough. Hopefully the Audio Analogue amp will make the DeCapo's happy... And us too.
I'm hungry ... Bye

Tony

"Do you know those people that stand right up into your face to communicate with you (?)..."

Yeah, I know that type, the high pressure, belly to belly ones that won't take NO for an answer. "Look at me, but most certainly not a kitten up a tree" kind. The industry is full of em.