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Help me choose a speaker match for my Line Magnetic 805ia tube amp under $10K

Since all of you were such a huge help in getting me to arrive at my decision to get the Line Magnetic 805ia tube integrated, I thought I would start another thread to discuss speakers to consider. I do love my Ascend Acoustics but after hearing the improvement that the Line Magnetic gave my system, I am wondering now if there is a reasonably priced but a better speaker that is a better match for my system. The only criteria is that the price be equal to or less than $10k. I am looking for a speaker that is not harsh in the higher frequencies but still has enough sparkle and snap that doesn't give up anything in terms of detail. The ability to deliver some low end, dynamic punch is something that I would be looking for as well as this is the one area the Ascend's lack in currently. 

My current setup is...

Speakers: Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower with RAAL Tweeters and Ascend Acoustics Center Speaker with RAAL Tweeter
Amp: Line Magnetic 805ia at 48W x 2
DAC: PS Audio Directstream Junior
Primary Music: Jazz and Female Vocals 

Speakers that I have considered so far include (power requirements notwithstanding):
  • Magico A3
  • Dynaudio Contour 60
  • Focal Sopra 2
  • Sonus Faber Olympica 3
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
freesole

Showing 3 responses by geek101

geek101
284 posts
 
Consider a speaker that has the bass section already powered. Then your tube amp should be sufficient for the midrange and above as long as that section is efficient.

It is not a great idea to buy a speaker for the LM. There are tube amps close the price (used) that can put more SET watts out.

Double the power gets you just extra 3dB btw. 

Try one of the Zu audio and Tekton does have 99 dB/ 1W / 1 M @ 8 ohm speakers.
geek101
284 posts
 
If you like speakers close to neutral sounding then stay away from Devore and only Harbeth Super HL5plus from Harbeth line up is somewhat neutral(to my ears, did not listen to 40.1 btw).

Btw consider speakers you like and not something just for your tube amp, the could pay forward. I have LM 805ia and you will notice the hiss when you get close to speakers. 
geek101
284 posts
 
@freesole Did you level match the output when trying the tube amp ?. 

I would not use any tube that puts out less than 100watts for your speakers. I have the same amp, would only consider it to power the top section of the speaker. 


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