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Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW..

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Well, I installed the Decapo tweeter upgrade which corresponds to the i version being offered now. The upgrade can be done if your speaker version has 4 screws in the tweeter flange, which means that the new tweeter is an exact fit in.
The kit consists of a pair of tweeters that supposedly have a much lower resonance than the previous ones, (and of course of better quality)and a pair of new preassembled xovers for the tweeters. Each xover consists of 2 square metal can multifoil oil caps which are kind of industrial looking. The Decapo uses 2 caps in the tweeter line, one for each phase, don't know why they use two. It also has a resistor which it did not have before. The 8" woofer does not have a xover. The instructions are easy to follow and the mod is straightforward to do.
I had read about the mod in this forum, (which nobody had heard, at the time) and read about the i version in EnjoytheMusic.com, so I was expecting an improvement but not what I heard. The speakers are transformed in an impressive way. There is much more high frequency information and extension but without being bright or harsh, just very natural. The benefits seem to go all the way to the midrange. The highs seem to have acquired more presence and even body. According to Divertech, it will get better by the 200 hr. mark when the oil caps have fully broken in. So if you have a pair Decapo's go ahead with this mod which is very reasonable at $170.

Follow Ups:

Thanks for posting the review... - Jonathan 18:43:14 08/03/03 (0)
This is the next thing my hi-fi "to do" list.
Regards,
Jon
Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - Terry 11:58:54 08/03/03 (1)
There is a peak in both the old and new (i) version of the DeCappos, between 600 and 800 hz., of 3 to 4 dB. I have measured this on two different sets of the speakers and I believe it is audible. This is more the midrange area, which is handled by the woofer, and it is probably responsible for the midrange presence the speaker is noted for.
- Is there a flatter speaker with the same efficiency? - edta 12:53:43 08/03/03 (0)
  In the same price range?
Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - M. Vidal 12:13:03 08/02/03 (1)
I use a Sony 7700 as transport and a Shigaraki DAC. Preamp and amp are Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid (scratch built) and T8 stereo OTL. Digital cable-Jena Labs Trio, interconnects-DIY w/Audio-Consulting silver wire and Tara Labs Ommni solid core speaker cables.
I listen mostly to jazz, brazilian jazz and soft rock.
I don't know about that 800hz peak you refer to.
- Thanks, I just reported what I read. - edta 12:26:43 08/02/03 (0)
  I'm not saying there actually is a peak. Sometimes peaks are not noticeable or important. Our hearing has some peaks and valleys too.
  This was from a post on Audio Review, but they referenced some Audio Mag as having measured it. Don't remember which one.
Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - edta 11:09:37 08/02/03 (6)
I've been considering this speaker for awhile. No store nearby to listen to it though.
Someone complained about a small peak around 600-800 hz. Does it have this peak and are you troubled by it? What kind of music do you listen to and what is the model of your CDP/SACD/Turntable?
- Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - Moo Moo 11:38:00 08/02/03 (5)
  I've had these speakers about a month and I don't hear any peaks in the treble at all. Great resolution but profoundly musical with decent bass extension for their size. I'm running the MM De Capo I's on Osiris stands with this equipment:
  Conrad Johnson PV 12
  VTL MB 125
  Rega Planar 25
  Benz Micro Silver MC cartridge
  Rotel Tuner
  Parasound CDP 2000 belt drive CD Player
  Monster HTS 3500
  JPS Labs Digital AC
  MIT 750 + II spkr cable
  MIT 330 + II interconnect 2 pairs
  MIT Terminator 5 interconnect 1 pair
  3 Bright Stars Sand Boxes and 1 Air Mass
  Vibrapods
  BDR CONES
  Sound Dynamics 300ti
  Sound Dynamics RTS 3
  Rega Brio integrated amp (back up)
  Nitty Gritty record machine
  - Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - edta 11:57:57 08/02/03 (4)
    Thanks. BTW, which speakers were you using before?
    - Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - Moo Moo 14:28:02 08/02/03 (3)
      I was using Sound Dynamics 300ti. I gave up some bass extension for the killer midrange and more extended highs of the Reference 3a's.
      - Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - stereodad 15:40:54 08/02/03 (2)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. posted by Moo Moo on August 02, 2003 at 14:28:02:
        
        Hi Moo Moo, I just got a pair de capo i speakers and I am looking for a tube amp. How do you like your vtls with them and is upkeep any problem as I would purchase used. Thanks larry
        
        Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - Moo Moo 10:22:34 08/03/03 (1)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. posted by stereodad on August 02, 2003 at 15:40:54:
        
        I really enjoy the VTL's with MM De Capo I's. I use them in triode mode, which puts out 55 watts and they can run the MM De Capo I's with no problem at all. I've owned VTL products for 6 years and never had any problems with them. Before the MB 125's, I owned an ST-85, which performed flawlessly. There are some other De Capo I owners who have used the VTL TT 25 monoblocks with the De Capo I's to great effect. I'd be curious to try the De Capo I's with some SET amps, but I suspect they may not be able to handle the orchestral works I listen to at high volumes.
        
        Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. - stereodad 13:24:15 08/03/03 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Reference 3a MM Decapo i Tweeter Mod REVIEW.. posted by Moo Moo on August 03, 2003 at 10:22:34:
        
        There are a couple for sale on audiogon i am thinking about or maybe something from cary. I am breaking the De Capos in with an SS amp and they are already a pleasure to listen to,but tubes should take them to another level. Thanks Larry

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