Fed up with my speakers

[Sailor4W]

Hi @Sailor4W
I have not heard the speakers in your list, but I did have a pair of the Amphion Argon 1 speakers in my office a year or two ago. I'm just commenting on the Amphion sound, or what it may be. I used a NuPrime IDA 16 (I think) integrated amp. Digital and similar to the Devialet on the broadest of terms, but not equal in SQ or sound character. Certainly it was less refined on the treble.

Even so, I really liked the Amphions. Aluminum tweeter, but not bright or harsh at all. Very nice top to bottom integration and quite an easy, 'just there, no big deal' sound. That is a compliment. They didn't do an 'in-your-face impress the socks off me' kind of thing but sounded easy and natural. The 3S would have much better bass than my Argon 1's did. Possibly consider the equivalent tower to the 3S, the 3LS. There is a very good review, from a few years ago, on line at hometheaterreview.com.

If you're into the small stand mounts, I'd also look to the Totem Element speakers, though they may be in a higher price bracket. There are SAM profiles for the Ember and Fire speakers. And for the Amphion Argon 3S and maybe the 3LS as well.

Hello @Damon!

Thanks so much for your impressions regarding the Amphion 1. You very well phrase what the Amphion reviews I read so far. Am I correctly putting it by saying they sound even and certainly not aggressive the way I now perceive my ATCs? All reviews state that they don't over-represent anything but they seem to be quite balanced in sound characteristics. That's basically what I am looking for.

Thanks for mentioning the Totems, I was looking into them and they seem to be a real alternative.

I haven't checked if SAM is an option for the speakers I shortlisted, but naturally, SAM would come in handily! But I refrain from only looking into speakers with SAM profiles.