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Kef R3s with Tube Amp?

I'm thinking about going back to stand mount speakers. Currently I have Tekton Lore II and PrimaLuna Integrate. Currently running KT150s which did help compared to EL34s but not too much over KT88s. The Tektons seem to like the extra horse power, however, despite the 98db sensitivity. Brimar 12AU7s.I'm looking at KEF R3s but as they are 86.1DB not sure they will match too well with tubes. Also considering B&W 705 S2s or B&W 706S2.My listening room is 15x25x7.5, carpeted with a good bit of furniture. The only other speaker I've considered is the Klipsch Heritage Heresy III. Not a stand moun, obviously, but smaller than the Lores. They (Lores) need space to thrive and I don't think they are well suited for this room.So if anyone has direct listening experience with the KEF R3s & Tube amp I'd appreciate any input. Open to other suggestions too. Unfortunately, where I live I have to travel at least an hour to get near any Audio outlet, and I'm done buying via on-line reviews by so-called "professional" reviewers!
wcc10

Showing 7 responses by wcc10

wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
I was asked which model PrimaLuna Integrate.PrimaLuna Prologue. With KT150 about 48 Watts per channel.
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
Wow! 63 people looked at this posting but no one has an opinion? Not even the "know it alls" who like to pretend they are smarter than you. Strange. I didn't think it was a dumb question!
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
Thanks Joe. Good idea contacting Kef. Yes, I went with the Lores because of the high efficiency rating. Been messing around with different tubes (now KT150s, different pre-amp) and just not "getting it." But they were better with the Cronus, thus my feeling they like high wattage.I've found a Kef dealer not too far from here. I believe he is also a PrimaLuna dealer so that should work out well. Hopefully he has them on display to audition. I'll post again with my impressions!Thanks.
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
If your floors are suspended plywood, isolating the floorstanders from those better would probably help tighten up bass and clean up the sound.
Tekton speakers are currently on carpet, floors are hardwood over plywood. Yes, will audition prior to purchase any speaker. I’m done with buying a "pig in a poke." Thanks, "mapman."
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
Hi Joe. Thanks for the reply. I did have 1 conversation yesterday via email from this post but other than that, you're the first!
My listening room is 15 x 25 x 7.5, and I had a Cronus Magnum II before the PrimaLuna. I loved it too, unfortunately it died within 1 month of ownership from new! (it was a left-over) I was completely bummed as the 100 watts per really drove the Lore speakers like none before! (I should have gone with the Cronus III but the PL has auto bias which is nice.
As for Stand Mounts, I have a good deal of furniture in my room and the floor standers take up a lot of space. The wife hates the whole deal but puts up with it. The R3 KEFs seemed like a good trade off and from what I can tell on You Tube, sound quite good. My budget is about $2K so they fit right in. To be honest, I'm not all that thrilled with the Tekton product. They get such rave reviews but I don't see it. They're okay, but I think I can do better.
Thanks, William

wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
Actually I was wrong about the floor. In this part of the house it's hard wood over Tongue & Groove. But you got me thinking and I think I'll try a home made idea to isolate them. See how that works!
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
Cool. I'll look into it. Sounds like a simple & inexpensive tweak!
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