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Magico A3 vs. Focal Kanta 2

I have around 10k to play with for a new set of speakers. 
My current equipment: MC452 C2600 MCD550 Vienna Acoustics Mozart grand speakers, REL S5. 
My options include  Magico A3,  Focal Kanta 2 or used Sonus Faber Elipsa SE for around 10K.  These choices are based on on aesthetics (approved by wife) and reviews, I have not heard any of them yet.  I am not willing to change my amp/pre. My choice of music is 95% classical (symphony, solo piano, piano concertos) about 5% Jazz. Auditioning speakers would probably not be possible. I need to make a decision based purely on expert recommendation. If there are any other speakers in this price range with similar attributes I may also consider, but I would prefer to pick one from above. Also, would any of the above give a massive improvement in sound reproduction? Is SF Elipsa outdated  when compared to current Focal and Magico?  Thanks. 


ei001h
ricred1
1,412 posts
 
I had Aerial 7Ts for over a year and listened to A3s on two different occasions. Speakers are about preferences. To my ears the A3s are at the next level of detail, openness, and realism. Not night and day, but next level none-the-less.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
3,650 posts
 
I listened to a set of the Focal Kanta 2's with some very expensive equipment. They sounded ok until I asked the salesman to play CCR "Green River" from a CD that I brought. 
When the first drum whack hit the little Kanta's 6.5 woofer distorted.

ozzy
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
I would not trade the Elipsa or the Stradivari for anything on earth. 

Not only are those tweeters and drivers top notch, but those wide baffle speakers are transcendent. They bring their own sense of acoustics with them in ways narrow baffle speakers cannot. 
jackd
362 posts
 
ei001h

The Elipsa SE and your Mc gear are from the same company and have been voiced together and as such just go together.  In addition it's voicing would be more in line with your musical preferences.  Also consider that much like your Mc gear the Elipsa SE will hold its value better than the other two in addition to being much better looking.  It is just one of those "inviting" sounding speakers.  Others in that vein that may or may not meet the WAF at your house are Nola and Verity and maybe the Vandersteen Treo CT. If you are considering the Kanta I suggest you look instead at the Sopra 2 as there are deals to be had on that line and it is another level up from the Kanta.  The Magico would to me be the preferred choice if the competition was just the Kanta 2.
ei001h OP
67 posts
 
Does anyone know when SF Elipsa was discontinued? The one I'm looking at is at least 5 years old. How much wear is acceptable in those speakers? Which parts have the shortest half life in SF? This set was driven by Mastersound PF100 playing mostly Jazz, classical and opera. 
How would one test the speaker for mechanical integrity before buying? 

As far as Kanta 2 and Sopra 2, it seems they have a reputation for being too bright due to their beryllium tweeters. Is that accurate? 

Unfortunately Nola, Verity, Revel, Vandersteen, carver, aerial etc.  are not approved for my home. I need to stick to the aforementioned 3. 
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