@alexatpos consider this:
My first all tube system consisted of Audio Physic Virgo III's which are a wee bit more sensitive at 90dB than the Sonus Faber Olympica I's.
The room these speakers lived in had a 10 Ft ceiling on one end which angled up to aprox. 22 ft. on the other side of the room. I don't recall the other dimensions (I no longer live in that house) but suffice it to say, it was a large room in a 1410 sq. ft 2-story home.
These speakers were driven by Audio Note Quest Silver Monoblocks rated at 9 watts RMS and an Audio Note M2 line stage preamp.
Different tubes and sound to be sure (300B's vs KT88's) but the Quests made those Audio Physic Virgo's sing.
I also auditioned a Mystere ia21 Integrated amp running KT88's driving those same speakers and other speakers that were not that efficient but the Mystere amp is capable of 50 watts. In essence, I was comparing a SET design (Audio Note) to a Push-Pull design (Mystere).
I love the sound of tubes - but I'm no expert. I've been told that tube amplifier circuit designs in terms of power output can be a bit misleading when compared to a SS amp. In other words, tubes put out more power than you might imagine.
Audio Physic Virgo III's:
Power requirements 25-150 watts
Input sensitivity: 90db
Nominal impedance: 4 Ohms
Recommended room size: 210-420 sq. ft.
Bottomline: These speakers were driven by 9 watt RMS monoblocks and I didn't have to crank it up for the sound to fill the house.
Best best - if you can audition the Unison Research duo, that would be my suggestion. Otherwise, if they fit the bill and you like them, go for it.
BTW - I love Sonus Faber's. At the time I was looking at the Audio Physics, I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona's but the Virgo's were on sale.
Hope the above illustration helps a bit.
Good Luck!
My first all tube system consisted of Audio Physic Virgo III's which are a wee bit more sensitive at 90dB than the Sonus Faber Olympica I's.
The room these speakers lived in had a 10 Ft ceiling on one end which angled up to aprox. 22 ft. on the other side of the room. I don't recall the other dimensions (I no longer live in that house) but suffice it to say, it was a large room in a 1410 sq. ft 2-story home.
These speakers were driven by Audio Note Quest Silver Monoblocks rated at 9 watts RMS and an Audio Note M2 line stage preamp.
Different tubes and sound to be sure (300B's vs KT88's) but the Quests made those Audio Physic Virgo's sing.
I also auditioned a Mystere ia21 Integrated amp running KT88's driving those same speakers and other speakers that were not that efficient but the Mystere amp is capable of 50 watts. In essence, I was comparing a SET design (Audio Note) to a Push-Pull design (Mystere).
I love the sound of tubes - but I'm no expert. I've been told that tube amplifier circuit designs in terms of power output can be a bit misleading when compared to a SS amp. In other words, tubes put out more power than you might imagine.
Audio Physic Virgo III's:
Power requirements 25-150 watts
Input sensitivity: 90db
Nominal impedance: 4 Ohms
Recommended room size: 210-420 sq. ft.
Bottomline: These speakers were driven by 9 watt RMS monoblocks and I didn't have to crank it up for the sound to fill the house.
Best best - if you can audition the Unison Research duo, that would be my suggestion. Otherwise, if they fit the bill and you like them, go for it.
BTW - I love Sonus Faber's. At the time I was looking at the Audio Physics, I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona's but the Virgo's were on sale.
Hope the above illustration helps a bit.
Good Luck!