Anybody?
I have now ART Emotion Monitor Signature and I wonder if switching to Living Voice would be a good move (?). |
I used to own Living Voice speakers. Although I did not try them with a 15 watt amplifier I can say they are efficient and work extremely well with tubes. They made my 60 watt monos sound like 200 watts. |
I owned Liveing Voice OBX (not R) and the ART Emotion Signature with upgraded Kondo binding posts and wiring, it was one of the worst things I did when I sold the ART speakers! The LV never did anything for me and even though they were very efficient they required more power than you would think.
(Dealer disclaimer - but don't sell either LV or ART products) |
A friend of mine has LV speakers (I think OBX's) as a 2nd speaker pair for a smaller room. He used to have a Montille as well and now uses them part time along with a Altec Valencia coupled with a 10W Cortese. His opinion, as far as I interpret his words, is that the 10-15W are OK but not optimal and the speakers need a little more power.
You might check out something like Audio Notes large E Model in HE (high efficiency) version. This speaker runs well even with 5W.
From my experience I can tell that such a combination with a slightly underpowered amp can make enjoyable and relaxed music but on the long run lacks ease, authority and finally musicality if directly compared with more easy to drive speaker. |
I run my IBX R2's with a 24watt 300b amp. Living Voice suggests at least 20 tube watts. I never run my amp more than 1/3rd throttle in my 20 x 12 listening space. I don't think you'd be getting much out of your LV speakers with just 15watts, however. |
Bshapperd,,
May I ask what amp youre using? |
"From my experience I can tell that such a combination with a slightly underpowered amp can make enjoyable and relaxed music but on the long run lacks ease, authority and finally musicality if directly compared with more easy to drive speaker." Xronx- very well said, and my thoughts exactly! |
I'm using the Mastersound 300b PSE integrated amp. Four power tubes for a rated 24 watts.
I've exchanged emails with Living Voice and the least they recommend is 15 watts. They suggested the compact version of the 300b Mastersound or one of New Audio Frontiers offerings. |
I can't believe I can have a contribution :-)
I listened to the OBX-R2 and OBX-RW at Living Voice headquarters in Long Eaton. Needless the attention they gave me was exquisite. So, I encourage anyone interested to give them a visit, very very good attention.
Now, coming back to the thread. I listened to the OBX-R2 and OBX-RW in a really big room with an upgraded Trafomatic Experience Two which is just 8Watts SET, and an Italian push-pull of 15Watts. Well, I much preferred the 8Watts Trafomatic and power was more than enough to go deaf if crancked to the maximum level. I was completely shocked 8Watts could have such a control of an speaker.
I repeat, the room was pretty big and the 8Watts of the Trafomatic were better than the 15Watts of the push-pull. It was for me a great learning experience.
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Thank you Bshapperd, Thats good news. I have a 25W New Audio Frontiers 300b integrated, and had planned to audition a Living Voice speaker when I upgrade. |
Cortes,
Amplifiers 'rated' at the same watts can in reality be so very different when it comes driving speakers.The Transformatic 300b is a true beast with huge premium transformers and an ultra over built power supply.I still have my Audio Prism Debut amp,35 watts push-pull.This is a good amp yet it`s out driven by my 8 watt 300b amp without question.
The 300b amp is much heavier(nearly double the weight) and has larger transformers and a much beefier power supply.
Robust design and power supply mean more than test bench power ratings. |
"Robust design and power supply mean more than test bench power ratings.
Charles1dad,
I had this conversation with Andy at Vintage Tube Services. He too eschewed power ratings, and told me that when he wants to know how powerful an amp is he simply (or not so) lifts it up. |
Hi Phaelon,
I`ve purchase tubes from Andy, he knows his stuff and has top quality product(you can also trust him). |
Please check out Audio Cognoscenti:
http://www.audiocognoscenti.com/retailers.html |
One of the best sounds I have ever heard in my entire life was a Shindo/Living Voice System. It had an accuphase cd player. It was at In Living Stereo in NYC, probably 10 years ago. I have never forgotten the sound, I mean, the way I felt when I heard the sound. |
Cerrot, I agree with you 100%. I too heard that system at In Living Stereo. Saved up and went back to buy the speakers,only to find they no longer sold them.I listened to the DeVore's, but just didn't have the same connection.If the Living Voice are ever available in the NYC area i'd have to audition. |
