Which speaker for Zanden system with 9600 MkII?

[Birdwatcher]

Is there a cheaper solution??
Maybe a Baby-Sigma? ;-)

 

[Marcus]

Is there a cheaper solution??
Maybe a Baby-Sigma? ;-)

Yes. Approximately half the size and half the price…

Sigma Acoustics MAAT Vector XAC

Opening a dedicated Sigma Acoustics speakers thread because information about their flagship MAAT Vector XAC and other models is scattered through various threads. BTW, I'm quite familiar with Sigma Acoustics speakers. They attracted my attention at the 2022 Padova Hi-Fi Show (Orchestra 2.9)...

www.whatsbestforum.com

 

[thastum]

Hi Birdwatcher, if you would like it you would be welcome to visit me in Denmark and hear a pair Vector XAC in a dedicated listening room. I have tired 7 different monoblocks on them and think i have now settled on a pair MSB 205 in biamp mode.

 

[Birdwatcher]

In earlier years many commented the Magico Q7 and V series as a very good matching to Zanden amps. I think, there were some shows where this combination was demoed.

How are the later Magico M3 compare to earlier Q7 an V models as an electronic load and sonically?
Unfortunately I cannot listen to a M3 where I could test my own 9600 MkII.

 

[andromedaaudio]

I heard 9600 on Q7 it was so so imo .
A bit underpowered as well

I prefered the Magico V3 with those amps or could have been the 9500 model

Definetively an amp seeking the right speaker for .

 

[Uk Paul / Z:Axis Audio]

Balazs, you are always welcome to bring your Zanden amps to test with FS Ktema..

 

[Verdier]

@Birdwatcher Why not Cessaro?

At HighEnd 2024, Cessaro was the best sound of the show for me. I read something similar about Cessaro's demo at the HighEnd Show 2025 - albeit with a very large model. But I've also read and heard a lot of good things about the smaller Cessaros. The Beta series also offers options for gradual advancement. There are also smaller models. The Opus I, for example, is said to play far above its price range.

A horn, especially with active bass, will not push tube amps to their limit.

If a horn is out of the question, I have 2 more suggestions: Soundspace Systems (here at wbf the trade fair appearance at the HighEnd 2025 was highly praised) - also quite sensitive and easy to drive and with active bass. An alternative and also reasonably easy to drive would be Göbel Divine. The Marquis sounds breathtaking (at least at Goebel on site). At Goebel it is (was?) also demonstrated with tubes. And the Comtess is also very interesting (albeit more ‘ordinary’).

 

[microstrip]

In earlier years many commented the Magico Q7 and V series as a very good matching to Zanden amps. I think, there were some shows where this combination was demoed.

How are the later Magico M3 compare to earlier Q7 an V models as an electronic load and sonically?
Unfortunately I cannot listen to a M3 where I could test my own 9600 MkII.

Can we know where you are located? Depending on location and surely your preferences I would suggest an used pair of Wilson Audio XLF's. They are an efficient and excellent load to push pull tube amplifiers. I had great sound with them with the Marantz Project T1 monoblocks (push pull 845) - in fact better than the Lamm ML3 on them for my preferences - I praise scale and dynamics, both micro and large.