I have listed some links below of high efficiency speakers, most of which the manufactures are very transparent regarding components used and cabinet construction.
Alexberger wrote: "I think that " fairly narrow radiation pattern over much of the spectrum" is a good thing."
Agreed!
"Actually, if speakers have a narrow radiation pattern you listen what is actually recorded. If speakers have a wide radiation pattern you hear more acoustic of your room."
The early reflections are the ones which tell us that we are in a small room, and a narrow radiation pattern is probably the best way to minimize them. But late reflections done right can convey a sense of being within the acoustic space on the recording, with little if any downside. So imo the ideal would be, minimize the early reflections but have plenty of late ones (easier said than done).
I think that "
fairly narrow radiation pattern over much of the spectrum" is a good thing. Actually, if speakers have a narrow radiation pattern
you listen what is actually recorded. If speakers have a wide radiation pattern you hear more acoustic of your room.
Dave123456 wrote: " Kind of in your face sound though, from what I hear this is typical for high efficiency designs. "
"In your face sound" is not necessarily inherent to high efficiency, but often there is a tendency in that direction. Here are two possible reasons for it:
First, many if not most high efficiency speakers have a fairly narrow radiation pattern over much of the spectrum. This results in a greater direct-to-reverberant sound ratio than for most speakers. A relatively strong reverberant field tends to emphasize acoustic space (including soundstage depth) a bit more, while a relatively weak reverberant field often results in a more "up-front" presentation. (These are not the only things affected by radiation pattern width.)
Second, the efficiency of the bass section is essentially fixed once the woofer has been chosen and the box designed, but if high efficiency is a top priority, the designer can often opt for a bit of emphasis above the bass region and lower midrange. This does make the speakers sound (and measure) louder, but one side-effect is a tendency towards a more forward or "in your face" presentation.
Increasing the distance between you and the speakers may help.
Tekton? I own the Lore's and they are pretty good, 98db. Kind of in your face sound though, from what I hear this is typical for high efficiency designs.
IMHO High sensitivity speakers are win-win! Less compression, liver sound, better textura, work good with SET and SIT and other high quality low power amplifiers. The only two drawbacks are difficulty to get deep bass and bigger size.
Low sensitive speakers are win-win for greedy sellers, producers and reviewers. Better WAF, smaller size, chipper to produce. For this purpose, thay create a myth about inaccuracy of high sensitivity speakers!
Zu Def4. Originally with an AncientAudio 300b SET. But because it is in the shop, I am using a Bakoon 12R; it is supposed to put out 15watts, but it seems less powerful than the 300b.
I love my tube equipment, and large horn speakers, and highly recommend getting high efficiency speakers to use with tube amps,
but, 8 to 12 wpc? I personally would not go down that path. I would sell those low powered amp(s) and rethink ...
I think the 25-45 wpc tube amp range broadens the range of available speakers. And, 'generally' speakers get large and larger as high and higher efficiency is required. Not all spaces can properly co-exist with large or larger speakers.
IF you had heard the amps, fell in love with them, just had to have them, well, that probably is the case for the majority of people who use them. My friend fell in love with 300b 8wpc, and uses them with his not too efficient speakers. They sound terrific at low volume close listening, but that's it.
Of course, 1 way to approach this is to start with a self powered sub, that takes the need for bass (the real power demand) away from the tubes.
I use a Miniwatt with 2.5 watts output and it easily powers either my Klipschorns or my Zu Soul Superfly’s which are 16 Ohms. I also have 6 watt and 12 watt vintage Mullard amps that drive them easily too.
I reccomend the Rethm line of speakers. I'm currently using the Rethm Saadhana V3 with my 300B SET OTL at 5watts. Very nice. But all the Rethm models are very high efficiency and easy loading with internal powered subs, so you can get great bass. I've heard their lowest end Rethm Bhaava model. It's very good and at it's price, a huge bargain and giant killer ... for flea powered amps
My custom built Tannoy HPD's (Dual Concentric drivers from 1974), 94db sensitivity, sound magical with my SET 300B (@ 9 Wpc) amp, in a large room. I am using EML XLS 300B tubes, for which the filament voltage has been optimized for those tubes.
No other tube amp has provided me the level of enjoyment this combination is giving me.
Is "flea watt" really up to 12 watts? In any case, my massive 12wpc or something (depends on which tubes are in there) Dennis Had amp powers a pair of Heresy IIIs with gusto. Aplomb. Easily. No problemo.
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