"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.
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.