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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 2 responses by glennewdick

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,741 posts
 

I also loved the +proac’s I used to run them with tubes as well

Other options that come to mind are AudioNote ANE’s, Living Voice Avatar IBX own a pair and run them with 8wpc they are sublime if you have the room for them to breath think 36" min from the front  wall) Coincident speakers, Omega (surprisingly good for the money full ranger), Rethm Speakers these are very interesting full range drivers augmented with powered base i’m even eyeing them and there is a used set on for a hell of a deal right now). All the above are very good choices for low output tube power amps. horns as some may be an option too.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,741 posts
 
If your in Seattle and do not have a local dealer your happy with i'd suggest a trip ( when covid is done with us) to Vancouver there is a few good dealers there. I also know in Victoria, Sound Hounds has a few Devore / AudioNote AN speakers on sale right now.  

I'd also suggest you consider Living Voice speakers out of the UK with the British Pound so low right now buying British is not a bad idea. I replaced a set of AudioNote ANE's with the Avatar2's a few years ago and have to say they are some of the most enjoyable, musical, speakers I've owned, drove them with 300B amps at 8wpc. They do not advertise that much so they are not that visible to us here in NA but they make speakers in the million dollar range so they know what they are doing. 

Auditorium Range | Reflex MTM Loudspeakers | Living Voice

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