Reference 3ADulcetusedReference 3A Dulcet Wonderful small speakersThis is a pair of the remarkable Reference 3A Dulcet speakers, in the rare natural maple finish. Reference 3A continually tweaks their models. The Dulcet originally came out about 2002. These are f...600.00

Reference 3A Dulcet Wonderful small speakers

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Condition
7/10
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Ships fromSeattle, WA, 98104
Ships toUnited States
Package dimensionsunspecified
Shipping carrierFedEx
Shipping cost$40.00
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This is a pair of the remarkable Reference 3A Dulcet speakers, in the rare natural maple finish. Reference 3A continually tweaks their models. The Dulcet originally came out about 2002. These are from about 2009, and have some improvements as I understand it. There is a lot of info and reviews of these. Reviewers describe them outperforming a number of well regarded speakers from Dynaudio, B&W, Triangle, etc. We should all be skeptical of reviews, but I concur regarding these. I prefer their sound to the likes of Revel M20, Totem Model 1 Signature, Ascend Sierra 1, and even Merlin TSM-MMEs, among others I've owned. Suffice to say they are easily one of the most carefully designed and executed small speakers I've heard. The 5.5" proprietary woofer is massively built and has NO crossover, while the Seas Prestige tweeter has smooth and natural detail and has only a single oil filled cap as a crossover. These drivers integrate as perfectly as any two way I've ever heard, even at very close distance (2 feet!). With a very heavy, dead cabinet (lined with Corian, as I understand it) they are very fast yet with a very natural, seamless presentation. Years ago I owned a pair of Rogers LS3/5a, which had some remarkable qualities, but they had some issues I couldn't live with. I have owned a half dozen pairs of other mini speakers whose goal was to solve those problems, but none did nearly so as well as these Dulcets. To me these are what the LS3/5a should have been. Extraordinary imaging, perfect driver integration, pinpoint, accurate sound stage, but without extra coloration added. Equally remarkable is the real, solid bass to around 50hz. They sound big, and truly wonderful, by any standard. They are still a very small speaker, so if high volume is desired they are best used in smallish rooms (under 175 sq. ft.) or near field, such as on a desktop. These are the speakers to beat where space is at a premium, IMO. The condition of these is generally very good, with only stand marks on the bottom of one speaker. The second speaker also has 2 areas of finish or veneer damage near the rear, as seen near the coin in the pictures. They are surprisingly heavy, and will weigh in at 37 lbs. shipped. These sold new for $1695, the current version is $2000. $695 plus shipping is a real value, IMO. Thanks for having a look!

Questions for the seller
Greetings, valuing your opinions, how would you compare the sound to the Salk WOW1’s? Are these easy to drive (50wpc)..? Thank you for your time.
Hi, I owned a pair of WOW1s a year or so ago. I was mildly disappointed in them, which is why I have the Dulcets. The WOW don't go nearly as low as the Dulcets, which have amazing bass in quality and quantity, which would be good for a speaker 4 times the size, and the clarity of the sound stage wasn't as good either. The top end was too laid back on the WOWs as well. The overall effect was a muted delivery that was pleasant but didn't really grab me. The Dulcets are not upfront or in your face, but they draw you into the music very nicely, as a great speaker should. Within their volume limits, which are not that restrictive, they are very tough to match. I was dithering whether to keep them or my $6500 standmounts and decided I could live with either, which is saying something. I put ads out for both and decided I would keep the one that was slowest to sell. I've been using them with a good 30 WPC NAD amp in my office while waiting for my new amp and they play as loudly as I would ever want. Depending on the room size 50 quality watts should be just fine. Quality counts with speakers such as these. If you love small speakers, as I do, these are pretty special. let me know if I can help. Thanks, John

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