High efficiency speakers


Hi,
I am getting into low wattage SET amps (specifically the 18w Lamm ML2.1). I am told that to realize the full benefits of such low powered SETs, you need high efficiency (>95db) speakers with benign impedance curve. But when I look around, these speakers are often horn based, huge and unattractive (to my eyes), and have problems with low bass (either no low bass or needs powered woofers whose integration is a problem).
My question to the experts out there. Have you come across well designed high efficiency speakers that are full range, don't take space like Avantgarde Trios, and look as nice as a Kharma?
Thanks for your suggestions.
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Showing 1 response by rchau

When talking about low powered amps and high efficiency, it's all relative. 18 W is not really that low powered and you have a lot more options. Personally, I prefer ultra high efficiency speakers no matter how much power. When I mean high efficiency, that is certainly 97 dB or higher.

Based on your conditions, there are many possibilities. I would recommend a speaker built around a PHY-HP driver. Check out either Ocellia, Musical Affairs, Tonian Labs.

http://www.sorasound.com/musical.htm
http://www.sorasound.com/musical.htm
http://www.tonianlabs.com/tonianacoustic.htm

These are 97 dB and have deep bass. I wouldn't rule out horns entirely. Depending on what you consider huge, you can check out several Altec/GPa 604 based speakers. I use a 604 based speaker but my speakers are huge.

http://www.jean-hiraga.com/
http://www2.117.ne.jp/~y-s/speaker.html

There are also a bunch of back loaded horn speakers that are fairly compact and conventional looking. The Feastrex based Maxxhorn speaker is pretty cool.

http://www.lovecraftdesigns.com/index.html (formerly Cain and Cain)

http://www.maxxhorn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=256

Along more conventional lines, the speakers mentioned above like Coincident, Devore, etc. would all probably work. Many of those are not really high efficiency but with 18 W many would work just fine. Those speakers would require more careful matching in terms of power since it is borderline. The speakers I suggested would all work in terms of power and it would be more of an issue of synergy with your amp and personal preferences.