reference 3a MM decapo ia or magnepan 1.7?

I found the De capo's to sound their best with amps that emphasize clarity, speed and fine details. SET's, OTL's, and well refined gain clones or class A amps like the Pass Labs First Watts. Your big Kenwoods would serve the Maggies best if you have a medium sized room. If you are in a small room, the De capo's would probably be the safe choice.

Go for the Reference 3A.
It is amazing what that unit can do with top amps.

any thoughts decapo ia v. LSA 1 statements? imaging? filling medium sized living room?

Kingmacaw,

For what it's worth, I've owned the LSA1 Statements (twice!) and I currently run the Ref 3A Dulcets, little brother to the De Capo. There's a lot to like about the LSA's, but in my room with my equipment, even the teeny weenie Dulcets smoke the Statements. More solid bass foundation, great rhythmic sense, imaging to die for, huge soundstage, better build quality (IMHO) and a sense of musicality and coherence that make me smile on a regular basis. Some of this, of course, has to do with your priorities. I believe that a design goal of the Statement was non-fatiguing sound. That they do have in spades: that Aurum Cantus ribbon tweeter is very smooth and the LSA1 Statements have deservedly gotten a lot of great reviews. But the Dulcets (and, I'd venture, the De Capo's) just sound more like music to me.

good personal info on the LSA's tho i realize i haven't heard them or the decapos.

how about reference 3a's compared to emerald physics cs3 (w/or w/o sub) or cs 2.3's.

How do i find someone near the monterey bay area where i can listen to the reference &/or emerald physics speakers?