Are my Virgos efficient enough?


I'm expecting delivery later in the week of a pair of KR Audio VT 6000 monoblock amps. They output 20wpc in Class A with the special KR Audio 300 bxl tubes. I'm wondering will this be anough power to drive my Audio Physic Virgo IIs? I believe they are relatively sensitive at 89db, but they also operate at 4ohm load, so not sure if that will make a difference. Anyway, I'm wondering if I should seek out more efficient speakers to get better results, or if the Virgos will do the amps justice. Right now I drive the speakers with Blue Circle BC2 monos to great effect (75wpc in Class A), and Supratek Syrah. I would be looking at speakers in the same price bracket (used) as the Virgos. Over time though, I would be tempted by the JM Lab Mezzo Utopia or GR-Research Line Source (again, assuming my amps could drive them). Thanks in advance for advice. Cheers,
John.
outlier

Showing 3 responses by gregm

They *do* play. I've listened to Virgo driven by yr amps. As you no doubt already know, the amps sound exquisite.

The combo just won't go very loud (i.e. before the amps start clipping) if your room is large.

If/when you start looking other speakers, I would recommend 94+ db sensitivity & a nominal Z of 8ohms. There's a plethora of choices.

OTOH I'm not sure the Mezzo Utopia are the best choice given the driving power you have.
John:
I meant the KR (sorry for the confusion).
BTW, Triangle makes more sensitive speakers that have some "similar" sound qualities to the Virgo. The design is completely different (minimal x-over, wide-range drivers used, etc), but the imaging, the sense of speed, etc are similar. I listened to a model called "Volante".
Cheers
Outlier --
The Mezzo may be ~twice as sensitive as the Virgo, but they are still go down below 4ohms -- not a benign load for your triodes.
I believe you'll find that your amps are very well suited to driving the upper part (mid-highs) of a BI-AMPED speaker system -- with superlative results. So, I suggest you hold onto yr present speakers & enjoy the music (even if you can't bring the house down) & experiment with VERY sensitive, x-overless or minimum x-over, 8+ohm speaker designs.

BTW, HT + horns: don't completely discount this idea. One such set-up I have often listened to/watched a film, is nothing short of exquisite. The SET driving the front speakers is only a ~8Watt 300B -- by comparison, your KR will bring the house down, withOUT clipping!
An ss drives the range below 120Hz (two subwoofs).