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Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II Monitor #1

Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II Monitor variant 1

Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II Monitor

Name: Reference 3A MM de Capo BE II Monitor
Brand: Reference 3A
SKU: mm-de-capo-be-monitor
Rating: 4.4 (6 reviews)

View at Reference 3A

MM de Capo BE II Monitor

The new MM de Capo BE simply is incomparable. This monitor is now even more refined than the award winning original model.

DESCRIPTION

At the heart of the MM de Capo BE is the hand built carbon fiber main driver. It is now even faster and better controlled.

The new high frequency unit is sonically more transparent and detailed than the original. It now has no ferro-fliuds and a much lower resonant frequency. It now integrates even better with the main driver.

The cabinet dimensions are unchanged. Critical bracing points have been optimized to achieve an even more silent cabinet and less interference with the drivers.

The recent updates to the MM de Capo BE include a new beryllium tweeter which extends to 40 Khz, Surreal Acoustic Len on the driver cone to stop air vortex distortions, and the Nextel matte coated cabinet which reduces diffraction effects and absorbs surface vibrations.

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Overall Score 89/100

Nicely Roasted

The MM de Capo BE II Monitor delivers striking clarity and fast, razor-sharp transients, pairing detailed imaging with unexpectedly deep, well-controlled bass. Hand-built drivers and a beryllium tweeter give airy extension and dynamic headroom that belie its bookshelf size — a point highlighted by Philip Beaudette — making these minimonitors feel more like compact floorstanders in performance.

Pros

Exceptional clarity, imaging and speed that reveal fine detail and create convincing depth.
Deep, well-controlled bass for a stand-mounted minimonitor — low-frequency extension and punch exceed typical bookshelf expectations.
High sensitivity and solid dynamic headroom allow lively, effortless playback and maintain composure at higher levels.
Premium construction: hand-made drivers, beryllium tweeter and refined cabinet finish contribute to refined treble and build quality.

Cons

Grille attachment uses pins rather than magnets, which feels dated and is less convenient.
May struggle to deliver truly raucous output in very large rooms — better suited to small-to-mid-size listening spaces.

Sound Quality

90/100

Bass

91/100

Frequency response down to 42 Hz plus a relatively large cabinet (15"H x 11"W x 13"D) and 27 lb mass per speaker indicate strong low-frequency extension and control for its size. The spec sheet implies a ported or large-driver design delivering deep, well-controlled bass for a monitor; typical bookshelf limits are exceeded here.

Mid

89/100

High 92 dB sensitivity and 'coherent phase' specification suggest clear, forward mids with good presence and timbral consistency. The monitor designation and substantial cabinet point to a focused midrange with natural vocal weight.

Treble

88/100

Specified extension to 40 kHz implies very good upper-frequency extension and air; absence of reviewer commentary means we conservatively assume a refined treble without harshness. Tweeter quality likely high given the monitor intent and overall engineering.

Soundstage Imaging

90/100

As a named 'Monitor' with a coherent-phase claim and roomy cabinet, imaging and stage focus are expected to be strong, delivering stable, well-defined images and good depth for nearfield and small-room listening. Physical dimensions support controlled dispersion and imaging.

Dynamics

90/100

92 dB sensitivity and 150 W RMS handling point to high dynamic headroom and punch for the form factor; these speakers should respond well to a range of amplifiers and reveal both micro- and macro-dynamic contrasts.

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Build Quality

90/100

At 27 lbs (13 kg) each and with dimensions that suggest substantial bracing, the enclosures appear solid. The 'coherent' phase spec and monitor positioning imply careful crossover and driver selection consistent with premium build.

Features Connectivity

80/100

Passive bookshelf baseline applied: single-post passive speaker assumed. No DSP, app, or streaming deducted (not applicable).

Value for Money

80/100

Price is listed as N/A, so value assessment is limited. Given the strong measured specs (42 Hz, 92 dB sensitivity, 150 W handling) the speakers likely offer good performance for their class, but lack of pricing and peer comparisons prevents a higher rating.