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 seen. 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, as seen near the coin in the pictures.
They are surprisingly heavy, and will weigh in at 35 lbs. shipped.
These sold new for $1695, the current version is $2000.
Thanks for having a look!
