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Devore Nines and amp match


I’m putting together a second system using a Primaluna Dialogue integrated (about 35 watts). I’m considering a used pair of Devore Nines (nominal impedance 8 ohms (5.6 ohms minimum), 91dB sensitivity).  I can’t find impedance / phase info on this speaker, but my goal is an easy load and to use the 8 ohm taps. 

Anyone have experience with this speaker with tube gear? I’ve read user comments in a few forums that these older Devore’s need a lot of current to really shine, and low power amps aren’t the best fit (contrary to their reputation). I figure 5.6 min is close to the edge anyway, and without phase angle info I’m leaning against them at the moment. 

Anyone have experience or opinion on this matching? Finding efficient tube friendly speakers is one difficult task. Gibbon X would be great...except they’re $16K so that’s not going to happen!


glow_worm

Showing 2 responses by glow_worm

glow_worm OP
84 posts
 
Thanks Ralph. Much of my understanding about tube / speaker matching is from what you’ve written here. Much appreciated. I’ve made one expensive mistake already and I want to avoid another. 

I’ve also read about the somewhat high output impedance with the Primalunas (or some of the models anyway). Appears to me that this is generally a negative, but I haven’t figured technically how this effects speaker matching...these discussions are beyond my pay grade. 
glow_worm OP
84 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the replies, all v helpful!

bjesien - When comparing the SS to the tubes...did you notice any signs of the Nines needing more power? MY PL does a surprising job of powering difficult speakers (4 ohm, 3.5 min), and I’ve compared them using 100 W ss. With the tubes the bass had less impact...slower and not as well defined, and a pretty drastic reduction in sound stage (dynamic range was still good though). 
Did you notice any of these type of problems using tubes?
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