Ready to experience music like never before? The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II monitor speakers aren’t just speakers; they’re a portal to a world of pure, uncolored sound. If you’re an audiophile seeking a truly immersive listening experience, these meticulously crafted monitors might be your endgame. From the custom beryllium tweeter to the hand-built carbon fiber driver, every detail of the Reference audio MM de Capo is designed to bring you closer to the heart of your music. Join me as we explore the technology, sound quality, and overall value of these remarkable speakers.
Key Takeaways
- The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II delivers exceptional clarity and detail: Combining a beryllium tweeter, carbon fiber woofer, and careful cabinet design, these speakers offer a precise and engaging listening experience.
- Strategic placement and room setup are essential: Consider speaker positioning, stand selection, and room acoustics to get the best performance from your MM de Capo BE IIs. Experiment to find what works best in your space.
- These speakers offer lasting value for serious listeners: The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II’s high-quality construction and advanced technology represent a long-term investment in high-fidelity sound.
What is the Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II Monitor?
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II is a stand-mounted loudspeaker designed for serious music fans. “MM” stands for “Mille Miglia,” a nod to the famous Italian open-road endurance race. This suggests the speaker’s ability to handle complex musical passages with speed and precision. This isn’t your typical bookshelf speaker; it’s a high-end audiophile monitor known for its detailed sound and innovative technology. Reference 3A, the company behind the MM de Capo BE II, focuses on creating speakers that reproduce sound as accurately as possible, bringing you closer to the original performance. They achieve this through meticulous design and careful component selection. If you prioritize clarity, accuracy, and a truly immersive listening experience, the MM de Capo BE II is worth checking out.
Key Features and Technology
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II stand-mount speakers boast a combination of unique technologies and design choices that contribute to their highly regarded sound. Let’s explore some of the key features that set these speakers apart.
Beryllium Tweeter & Extended Frequency
The MM de Capo BE II features a custom-designed beryllium tweeter. Beryllium, a remarkably stiff and lightweight material, is ideal for high-frequency reproduction. This tweeter extends smoothly beyond the range of human hearing, minimizing distortion and contributing to the speaker’s exceptional clarity. This extended frequency response allows the speaker to reproduce the delicate nuances and airiness of recordings with remarkable precision. For more information on tweeter materials, see our speaker types guide.
Surreal Acoustic Lens Technology
Reference 3A incorporates its unique “Surreal Acoustic Lens” around the tweeter. This specially shaped waveguide controls the dispersion of high frequencies, creating a wider and more consistent sweet spot. The result is a more realistic and immersive listening experience, minimizing unwanted reflections and improving the integration between the tweeter and mid/bass driver.
Hand-Built Carbon Fiber Driver
The mid/bass driver in the MM de Capo BE II is constructed from a lightweight and rigid carbon fiber cone. This material allows for quick, controlled movement, resulting in accurate bass response and a detailed midrange. Each driver is hand-assembled to ensure the highest level of quality and precision. This attention to detail contributes to the speaker’s overall performance and longevity. You can learn more about speaker drivers in our subwoofer guide.
Nextel Matte Coated Cabinet
The cabinet of the MM de Capo BE II is finished in a Nextel matte coating. This textured finish not only gives the speaker a sophisticated look, but also helps to minimize unwanted cabinet resonances and vibrations. By reducing these vibrations, the cabinet contributes to a cleaner and more accurate sound. Our soundbar guide discusses cabinet design’s influence on sound quality in other speaker systems.
Sound Quality & Performance
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers aren’t just technically impressive; they offer a listening experience that connects you with the heart of your music. Across various genres and volumes, these monitors consistently impress with their engaging and nuanced presentation.
Dynamic Range & Presence
From the quietest whispers to the most powerful crescendos, the MM de Capo BE IIs reproduce music with remarkable dynamic range. This lets you hear subtle details in a quiet passage, then feel the impact of a sudden shift in intensity. This dynamic capability makes the music feel alive and present in your room. Many reviewers, including those at SoundStage! Hi-Fi, praise the speakers’ ability to handle complex musical passages without losing clarity or becoming congested. This dynamic prowess contributes significantly to the overall realism and emotional impact.
Tonal Accuracy & Musicality
These speakers are known for their honest and accurate sound. They don’t add any artificial coloration, instead presenting the music as it was intended. This commitment to accuracy, combined with their exceptional clarity, results in a truly musical experience. Discussions on the What’s Best Forum highlight the MM de Capo BE II’s ability to reproduce the natural timbre of instruments and vocals, creating a sense of realism often lacking in other speakers. The clean, well-defined bass further enhances the musicality, providing a solid foundation.
Imaging & Soundstage
Despite their compact size, the MM de Capo BE IIs create a remarkably wide and deep soundstage. Instruments and vocals are precisely placed, giving you a clear sense of the recording space. This precise imaging, combined with the expansive soundstage, creates a truly immersive experience. CNET describes the soundstage as “surprisingly large,” allowing you to hear the subtle nuances and spatial cues within the music. This ability to accurately reproduce the soundstage adds another layer of realism and enjoyment.
Technical Specs & Design
This section covers the technical specifications and design of the Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II monitor speakers. Understanding these details helps appreciate the engineering behind their performance.
Driver Configuration & Sensitivity
The MM de Capo BE II features a two-way driver configuration. This means it uses two individual drivers to reproduce the audio spectrum: a tweeter for high frequencies and a woofer for midrange and bass frequencies. Reference 3A uses a unique woven carbon fiber cone for the 5” woofer, contributing to its lightweight yet rigid nature, allowing for quick, accurate responses to audio signals. Paired with this is their renowned beryllium tweeter, known for its exceptional clarity and detail. The speaker has an 85dB sensitivity, meaning it produces a reasonably loud output with relatively low power input. This is an important factor when choosing an amplifier. For more on speaker sensitivity and its role in audio systems, see our speaker types overview.
Frequency Range & Impedance
The MM de Capo BE II offers a frequency response of 40Hz to 30kHz. This wide range suggests the speaker can reproduce a full spectrum of audio, from deep bass to the highest treble. While the low end might not satisfy those wanting extremely deep bass, it’s tight and controlled for its size. The speaker has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, making it compatible with many amplifiers. However, the impedance can dip lower at certain frequencies, so pairing it with a stable amplifier that can handle these fluctuations is essential. For more information on impedance, see our subwoofer overview.
Cabinet Construction & Aesthetics
The cabinet of the MM de Capo BE II is meticulously engineered to minimize unwanted vibrations and resonances. Constructed from high-density fiberboard (HDF), the cabinet features a Nextel matte coating, adding to its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and helping dampen vibrations. The unique shape, with its gently curved sides, reduces diffraction, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate soundstage. The overall design is understated yet elegant, allowing the speakers to blend into most listening environments.
Setting Up Your Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II
Proper setup is crucial for the best performance from your Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II monitors. These speakers are designed to disappear, leaving a pure, uncolored soundstage. Achieving this requires attention to placement, stand selection, and room acoustics.
Speaker Placement
The MM de Capo BE II speakers perform well in various room sizes, but placement is key. Position them away from walls, ideally at least 2–3 feet. Experiment with toe-in, angling them slightly toward your listening position. This focuses the stereo image and creates a more defined sweet spot. Reference 3A recommends starting with the speakers facing forward, then adjusting toe-in based on your room and preferences. Consider the distance between the speakers; wider placement creates a larger soundstage, while narrower placement might offer more focused imaging. Experiment to find what sounds best to you.
Stand Requirements & Floor Coupling
Solid, stable stands are essential for these monitors. Stands should be sturdy enough to minimize vibrations and the correct height to place the tweeters at ear level when you’re seated. Dedicated speaker stands designed for high-fidelity audio are recommended. Pay attention to floor coupling. Spikes decouple the speakers from the stand and the stand from the floor, reducing unwanted resonances. Experiment with different coupling methods.
Room Acoustics
Room acoustics significantly affect how your speakers sound. Hard surfaces like walls and windows reflect sound, creating echoes and muddying the soundstage. Consider adding acoustic treatment like absorbers or diffusers to tame reflections and create a more balanced listening experience. Even simple additions like rugs or curtains can make a difference. Start with basic treatments and gradually add more as needed. The goal is a listening environment where the speakers perform at their best, free from unwanted sonic interference.
Genre Versatility
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers excel with a wide range of music. From the delicate nuances of classical and jazz to the raw energy of rock and electronic music, these speakers handle it all with remarkable finesse. Many listeners mention a newfound appreciation for orchestral pieces, noticing subtleties they hadn’t heard before. But don’t think these speakers can’t handle more intense genres—they can definitely rock out when called upon. Their dynamic range allows them to reproduce the full spectrum of sound, from quiet whispers to powerful crescendos, without a hint of strain. This makes them a great all-around choice for music lovers who enjoy exploring different genres. For a better understanding of speaker characteristics, explore our article on various speaker types.
Performance with Different Music
Reviewers consistently praise the Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II’s ability to present music with exceptional clarity and detail. Whether you’re listening to a complex jazz composition or a simple acoustic track, these speakers reveal the intricacies of the music with stunning accuracy. The soundstage is wide and deep, placing instruments and vocals precisely within the sonic landscape. This creates a truly immersive listening experience that draws you into the heart of the music. To learn more about how soundstage affects your listening experience, take a look at our soundbar discussion.
Amplifier Compatibility
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers are known for their high sensitivity, meaning they don’t require a lot of power to produce impressive sound. This makes them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, from lower-powered tube amps to more robust solid-state models. While they are often paired with tube amplifiers, many users have also achieved excellent results with solid-state gear. The key is to choose an amplifier that complements the speakers’ natural characteristics and provides a clean, undistorted signal. Our subwoofer article touches on amplifier power and its importance if you’d like to explore this topic further.
Price & Value
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers have a $3,290 price tag, placing them firmly in the high-fidelity audiophile category. These aren’t for casual listening; they’re designed for discerning listeners willing to invest in exceptional sound. Think of them as precision instruments, not just a way to play music. Their value lies in delivering a nuanced and engaging experience that justifies the cost for serious audio enthusiasts.
Cost Analysis
What exactly justifies the $3,290? It covers advanced engineering, high-quality components, and meticulous craftsmanship. Reference 3A is known for its unique technologies, like the Beryllium tweeter and custom drivers. These speakers are hand-assembled and tested, ensuring quality control often absent in mass-produced speakers. While the initial cost is significant, consider the long-term value. CNET’s review highlights the exceptional performance, suggesting a sound that outperforms the price.
Long-Term Investment
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers are built for longevity. Robust construction and high-quality components should provide years of listening enjoyment. Unlike consumer-grade speakers that might need replacing, these are designed to last. If you’re building a high-end audio system meant to endure, these speakers are a sound investment. SoundStage HiFi calls the MM de Capo BE an “audiophile monitor,” emphasizing its refined sound and durable build. These speakers aren’t just a purchase; they’re an investment in a long-term, high-quality listening experience.
MM de Capo BE II vs. the Original
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II builds on its predecessor’s strengths with several refinements that enhance performance and aesthetics. Let’s explore the key differences.
Performance Upgrades
The most significant change in the BE II is the updated beryllium tweeter. While the original MM de Capo also featured a beryllium tweeter, the BE II version boasts a redesigned phase plug and a more refined crossover network. This results in improved high-frequency extension and smoother integration with the midrange driver. Listeners can expect greater clarity, detail, and a more open soundstage. The midrange driver also receives an upgrade in the BE II, with a revised cone material and suspension. This contributes to a more natural and nuanced midrange, with improved vocal and instrumental texture. Reference 3A is known for accurate sound reproduction, and these changes in the BE II further solidify that reputation. You’ll hear a noticeable improvement in overall coherence and musicality. For more information on speaker components, check out our speaker types guide.
Design Refinements
Beyond the internal components, the MM de Capo BE II features several design refinements. The cabinet construction, while maintaining the same overall dimensions, now incorporates a thicker baffle and strategically placed internal bracing. These changes minimize unwanted vibrations and resonances, leading to a cleaner and more controlled sound. The speaker’s cabinet plays a crucial role in its overall performance. Aesthetically, the BE II offers a more refined look with a Nextel matte coating, available in several colors. This enhances the speaker’s appearance and provides a more durable and scratch-resistant finish. The updated binding posts are also higher quality, offering a more secure connection for your speaker cables. These details contribute to the overall premium feel of the MM de Capo BE II. Learn more about the importance of cabinet design in our comprehensive guide.
Integrating the MM de Capo BE II
Getting the most from your Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II monitors means considering their role in your overall audio system. This section explores amplifier pairings and the often-overlooked impact of cables.
Amplifier Pairing
The MM de Capo BE II speakers, with their detailed presentation, benefit from a high-quality amplifier. While they don’t demand excessive power, they perform best with an amp that provides good current delivery and control. This allows the speakers to accurately reproduce transients and maintain a tight, defined bass response. Prioritize amplifiers known for their transparency and low distortion, allowing the nuances of the beryllium tweeter and carbon fiber woofer to shine. Tube amplifiers, known for their warmth and harmonic richness, can be an excellent match. However, solid-state amps with a neutral sonic signature can also work well. The best amplifier for your MM de Capo BE IIs depends on your preferences and the rest of your system. Experimentation and listening are key. Our article on different amplifier types offers further information.
Cables & System Synergy
Cables are often overlooked, but they are crucial in a high-fidelity audio system. They act as the connection between your components, and their quality significantly affects the final sound. With speakers like the MM de Capo BE IIs, capable of resolving fine detail, high-quality speaker cables are essential. Look for cables with good conductivity and shielding to minimize signal loss and interference. While expensive cables aren’t always better, well-made cables can make a noticeable difference. Think of it like using premium ingredients when cooking—better ingredients result in a better final dish. Similarly, quality cables help your system reach its full potential. Our speaker wire resource provides a deeper understanding of cable selection. Beyond speaker cables, also consider the interconnects between your source and amplifier, as these also play a role in your system’s overall synergy.
Maintaining Your MM de Capo BE II
The Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers are an investment. Proper care ensures they’ll keep singing sweetly for years to come. Thankfully, maintaining these speakers isn’t complicated.
Cleaning & Care
Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth keeps the cabinets looking their best. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which could damage the Nextel matte finish. For the drivers, a soft brush attachment on a vacuum can gently remove dust buildup. Never use compressed air on the drivers, as this can damage the delicate components. If you notice any stubborn grime, a slightly damp (not wet) microfiber cloth can be used sparingly. Always ensure the cloth is barely damp to prevent moisture from entering the speaker. Learn more about general speaker care.
Preserving Performance
While the de Capo BE IIs are robust, a few precautions will help maintain their performance. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can fade the finish over time. Extreme temperatures and humidity can also affect the drivers and cabinet materials. Ensure your speakers are in a stable environment, away from radiators or air conditioning vents. Check your speaker cables periodically for any fraying or damage. Explore different types of speaker cables. If you plan to move your speakers, pack them carefully in their original boxes with adequate padding. This protects them from bumps and jostles during transport. By following these simple steps, you can keep your Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers in top condition, ensuring they continue to deliver exceptional sound for years to come.
Related Articles
- B&O Beolab Penta Mk3 Speakers: A Beginner’s Guide – Supermarket Sound
- Studio Monitor Buying Guide: Find Your Perfect Sound – Supermarket Sound
- GoldenEar BRX Speaker Review: Unveiling Transparent Sound – Supermarket Sound
- Q Acoustics Speakers: Warm Sound & Hi-Fi Clarity – Supermarket Sound
- DCS Varese & D’Agostino C2: A High-End Audio Upgrade – Supermarketsound.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special amplifier for the Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers?
While the MM de Capo BE IIs don’t require massively powerful amplification, they do benefit from a quality amplifier with good current delivery and control. This allows the speakers to accurately reproduce dynamic shifts in the music and maintain a tight, defined bass response. Amps known for transparency and low distortion will let the nuances of the beryllium tweeter and carbon fiber woofer shine through. Both tube and solid-state amplifiers can be excellent pairings, depending on your sonic preferences and system synergy.
Are the Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers good for all music genres?
Yes, the MM de Capo BE IIs are remarkably versatile. Their dynamic range and detailed presentation make them suitable for a wide variety of music, from delicate classical and jazz to high-energy rock and electronic music. Many listeners report hearing new subtleties in familiar recordings, regardless of genre.
What’s the difference between the MM de Capo BE II and the original MM de Capo?
The BE II features an updated beryllium tweeter with a redesigned phase plug and refined crossover, resulting in smoother high-frequency integration and a more open soundstage. The midrange driver also receives an upgrade with a revised cone and suspension, leading to a more natural midrange presentation. Design refinements include a thicker baffle, internal bracing, a Nextel matte finish, and higher-quality binding posts.
What stands should I use with the Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers?
Sturdy, dedicated speaker stands are essential. They should be rigid enough to minimize vibrations and the correct height to position the tweeters at ear level when seated. Pay attention to floor coupling using spikes or other methods to further reduce unwanted resonances.
How do I care for my Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II speakers?
Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth is sufficient for the cabinets. Avoid harsh chemicals. A soft brush attachment on a vacuum can gently clean the drivers. Never use compressed air. Keep the speakers out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Inspect speaker cables periodically for damage. If moving the speakers, pack them carefully in their original boxes.
