I can give a personal example the McIntosh integrated amp MA6700 has a power output of 200W ,my McIntosh MC152 power amp has only 150W theoretically my power amp should be less powerful than the MA6700 but it’s not ! I heard them both my amp is much powerful,transparent and detailed than the MA6700 ,That’s show you the published numbers are not always accurate or measured the same way...
With my current Klipsch, I am only approaching max output with the amp at very, very high listening levels. Perhaps the ELAC's are not a good match as many are saying here. The MA's sound like a better match.
I could just post a "+3", but I'll try to explain.
" tls49... going to listen at higher levels and will see how many lights illuminate. I was at only 10 o'clock volume the other night and 4 of the lights lit up."
When that 4th light blinks, that means the amp is peaking at 20 watts of output power. Now the 3020 can peak at least 40 watts and a little higher depending on the load. So, the above scenario is well within it's operating range.
The sensitivity of the
ELAC Debut B6 is spec'd at 87db, but as I said, that needs to be adjusted to 85.5 db because it's a 6 ohm speaker. Stereophile actually measured it at 85db. That's 10db lower than the Klipsch speakers you are currently using. That means the B6 will require more than 160 watts of peak power to play at the same volume of the above scenario with the Klipsch needing 20 watts of peak power. Do you actually think the 3020 is capable of peaking more than 160 watts?
Correct the specifications of the speakers doesn’t give the full picture there are speakers with high sensitivity but less efficiency and more demanding than ones with low sensitivity, there are low watts power out put amps but extremely efficient and in contrarary terrible aledgley high power output amps atc....
Any amp will "drive" any speaker. The question is how well. We hooked up my buddy's 8wpc homemade tube integrated amp to my Martin Logan electrostatics just for kicks and plenty of sound came out. They are normally fed by a pair of McIntosh MC2200 amps. Actually, that Pioneer model mentioned earlier is a better match for the 3020, all things considered.
I have not pulled the trigger yet on anything. My plan was to start with the ELAC's and then also bring in the 10.1's and MA Bronze 1's and compare all with my current Klipsch RB-61's. I agree with people here about listening to as many as possible. But I need to do that at home.
I realize that spec-wise, the MA's might match up best due to my 3020's 20wpc but bc it is what it is, I think it can drive almost any speakers in this area.
But this is what happens when someone insists on asking for suggestions on the internet, especially speakers. Instead of making up a short list and going out and audition. You end up buying what the popular flavor of the year is from a consensus from a bunch of strangers on the internet. Which seldom ends up being the right speaker for you.
If the OP had asked a year ago, it would have overwhelming been the Pioneer SP-BS22 LR. This year Elac. Who know which one next year. But you can be assured the question will continue to be asked.
I see you went with the B6. I think this a mistake based on your amp - they are overly warm, (rolled off really) and very bass heavy (boomy) unless you have a room that is very well treated or can move them into the room about 4 feet, no kidding. I feel like NAD will only exacerbate these issues. B6 would be best match with very accurate and neutral electronics, even on the slightly lean side. good luck.
seriously, the Gallo CL2's I bought are still breaking in and have detail, accuracy, spaciousness and natural tone that will put many of these suggestions to shame. They are 90db and a transmission line - the bass is extended and accurate, you can actually hear the tone and articulation of the bass, not just boom like the B6. I heard them up against the B&W 685 mentioned above - the Gallos are in a whole different league for sure. That CDT tweeter and crossoverless design is special. Call Dan at Gallo!!!
The Monitor Audio Bronze 2 I recommended before is much better than the worfedale 10.1 (9.1 the predecessor was better if you can find one) the Elac is better but less than MA Bronze it can’t matck the strong dynamics of the Bronze I was really overwhelm once I first heard it ,you are buying speaker worth 1K in terms of capability for $ 400 it’s really a bargain. It’s almost as good as the B&W 685.
Used is about $500, and will retain that value for some time. Remarkably hard to beat for $500"
The only ones I've seen for sale recently ran $795 unless they were seriously damaged. There's a pair without tweeters for $395 on eBay, $749 for a pair in which two front clips on tweeter housings were broken and glued back on.
There was a pair on Audiogon for $795 IIRC a week or two back. I guess they sold for that amount, as I no longer see them when I search. There's even a guy who's had a pair for $995 on US Audio Mart since September.
If you have a pair you'd like to sell for $500, xyobgyn, please let me know.
I bought a pair of concentric tweeter KEF Q10s for near field monitoring years ago and they still work swimmingly. I assume they still make a cheap version of these.
I would suggest that you consider improving your power first, which will open up many more choices on speakers. Much of the high-end stuff we talk about here is fairly inefficient.
My recommendation would be to look for an amp that can push 100 watts per channel minimum, and use your NAD as a preamp (I'm pretty sure you have pre-outs) so you don't lose your investment.
Once that's done, if you're willing to look at pre-owned gear, have a listen on a pair of Dahlquist DQ10s. They can be had for under $500 a set in excellent condition, are easily maintained and are still to this day considered a terrific value. They are, however, highly inefficient. ;-(
OK... I think I have narrowed down my choices to the ELAC Debut B6 and Wharfedale Diamond 10.1. Both are roughly $259 shipped and can be returned easily. Sensitivity is 86/87db for both.
Any input on which way I should go?
Buy them both, audition them with your system and keep the pair you like best. Send the other back.
"I think I have narrowed down my choices to the ELAC Debut B6 and Wharfedale Diamond 10.1. Both are roughly $259 shipped and can be returned easily. Sensitivity is 86/87db for both."
Keep in mind that because both are 6 ohm speakers, that sensitivity rating is for 1.5 watts. Correcting to a 1 watt rating will be 84.5/85.5.
Now for something completely different, if you can DIY a little, the Lx minis from Madisound are in your price range. The caveat is that you need to biamp using the Linkwitz active crossover, which may blow your budget. These do the best staging I have heard in this price range, and look , er, awesome, if you are into steam punk
OK... I think I have narrowed down my choices to the ELAC Debut B6 and Wharfedale Diamond 10.1. Both are roughly $259 shipped and can be returned easily. Sensitivity is 86/87db for both.
I have been an audio retailer for decades. I might be politically incorrect in saying but I see a pattern of recommendations on sketchy information and experience. For instance, based upon my experience the original NAD 3020 drives speakers amazingly well. Additionally the overall sound quality of a speaker is more important than a speaker's sensitivity especially in the absence of knowing other factor such as listen habit. On the other hand it is encouraging that so many folks agree on the Elac speaker. It means there is hope yet!☺
I have a NAD 3120 paired with a set of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers bi-wired and i am very happy with that combo. I would also be auditioning Elac B5 & B6 based on reviews if i was still looking.
The Elac UB5's hands down, however I had a pair of the B6's and they were fine and easier to drive. The UB5's, for the price, make such good sound they seem like a gift even though I paid the $499. Emotiva XDA 1-Sony SACD DVD- Van Alstine T8+-Job 225-Elac UB5's is what my system consists of.
Just purchased a pair of Wharfdale Diamond 225's, which are featured in the current Stereophile issue. Bought them on Amazon for $379, excellent build quality. I burned them in for 2 weeks straight. They sound pretty awesome for the price. They're a bit laid back, which I like, but what really stands out is the bass! No need for a sub in a small room. I also own the Elac Debut 5, had Monitor Audio Bronze and Silver, and the Wharfdales are more musical. They don't sound as good as my Red Rose Monitors, which were around $1500, but for $379, they get pretty close. Hope this helps those looking for new bookshelfs.
Was given a pair of Infinity Reference 162s as a warranty replacement from Harman. Thought I would sell them but I'm really impressed with them and now use them for my home theater. Excellent value at $450. $350 or lower New on eBay. Elacs are very good but the R162s are in the same ballpark IMHO.
I like the Dynaco A-25 with the NAD 3020. I think on par with the AR-3 for much less $. Not super detailed or extended highs, but very natural, smooth in ways modern stuff isn't. The A-25 is really an early B & O, back when they made good sounding stuff. Easy to drive and I still think what 200 for a nice pair. If you like em, you can upgrade to a nice vintage tube amp for the leftover dough and use the 3020 phono stage. Exactly the path I had my friend take and it sounded very good. Upgrade was to Eico HF-86.
Depends a lot on the type of music you listen to. Your 3020 certainly images well ..... so used Thiel 1.5's or better yet 1.6's (much rarer) might fit if you are interested in classical or jazz or singer-songwriters. Not the best for rock, though.
You may like the sound of the Elacs, but you will most definitely not be happy with their fit and finish. Terrible, cheap veneer. The Gallos are made to a much nicer and long lasting standard.
Gallo Acoustics still has some Classico CL-2 in stock. They were originally 1200 through dealers, then 800 direct. I just bought a pair for $390. A friend brought over his Elac B6 for comparison. The Gallos, as expected, completely outclassed them so he bought a pair of CL-2. Awesome speaker for that price.
If you can find a pair of Spica TC-50s (with stands) or a gently used pair of Magnapan MMG's (new they're only $599), you might be surprised at how musical and how accurate they both are.
The NAD 3020 is only 20 watts, but has a really stiff power supply. It ... might ... be OK with Elacs. I'd definitely have the soft clipping feature turned on, though.
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