Bart, what model Devores did you have and what are the sonic differences in your system between them and your new A3s?
Hi Peter!
I had the Devore Nines, from 2011 through May 2019. Along the way I upgraded my Naim hardware from a smallish integrated to my current system.
When originally auditioning, I picked the Nines for their stunning midrange, smooth treble, and very nice imaging soundstage. And they are somewhat efficient, and were suitable to that first Naim integrated. And had the approval of my wife, who does not like speakers that look like they belong on space ships.
Pretty quickly I longed for more bass, and added a JL subwoofer about 2 years later. The JL didn't have a remote, so it was rarely "just right." But it helped a lot. I got tired of looking at the subwoofer, added more hardware and needed the floor space back, and removed it from the system a couple of years ago. But longed for more bass. AND over time I thought that the Nines were getting a bit "shouty" at higher listening volume. We like to 'turn it up' once in a while, but the beautiful midrage at those volumes got, for lack of a better word, "shouty" or glarey. It's not the speakers that changed but my appreciation for what I was hearing.
The A3's really solve all of the above issues. They retain midrange (by that I mean vocals mostly) that is lovely, wonderful soundstage and imaging, absolutely add the bass I was wanting (not the same as what a JL sub can do of course, but much more than I was hearing with the Nines and quite satisfying), and none of the shoutiness. They are still new; not a large number of hours on them. But I had borrowed Goodwin's demo pair that were fully broken in and I know what they'll become.
I do believe that the A3's at my intro $9800 price point to be
excellent values. I'm very happy I purchased them.
. The configuration/setup is done by the Magico guys. They have the special software and tools and spend several hours dialing things in to perfection.
