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Recommendations for 93+ DB efficient moniters

I am looking to replace my 90db/6 > 8 ohm/2way bookshelf speakers, wall mounted, that are just not quite efficient enough for my 300b SET amplifier. I have only found the following speakers that appear suitable:

Galante Rhapsody....96db
Omega Super 3 Reference with Alnico upgrade, 93db

Both are about the same price; ie, 1200 bucks. Used for the Galante and new with trial period for the Omega. I keep leaning to the Galante because it, clearly, is in another class from the Omega speakers at least in cabinet construction. It is also much more efficient and will put out better bass so it could be used w/o a subwoofer. The Omega requires a woofer for close to full range reproduction.

I was looking at the Coincident Triumph Signature but I read some reports that concluded that its rated sensitivity is, in the real world, closer to 90db so I dropped that one from consideration.

I want to be able to reproduce symphonic works at moderate volume levels and I cannot do that right now without the sound starting to compress/clip.

I'd like to keep the cost around 1000 to 1500 so that lovely Royal Devices speaker with the horn is out of the question.
c123666

Showing 1 response by reubent

reubent
7,082 posts
 
I would agree with the Reference 3a MM Decapo monitors. I own them and drive them with a 3.5 watt/ch. 2A3 amp and have even driven them with a 1.5 watt/ch. '45 amp.

The Decapo is rated at 92 db/8 ohm but is a very simple and easy to drive crossover. With my 3.5 watts, it can get "way too loud". Also, the Decapo has excellent bass for its size. I have not heard many monitors that had sufficent bass for large scale classical, but I feel the Decapo does justice to the genre.

BTW, my pair are the non "i" version and they sound great. The non "i" version sell for about $1000-$1200 used and the "i" version seem to be about $300-500 more for a used pair. I don't feel any need to spend the extra bucks for an upgrade.

In your original post you mentioned that your current speakers are "wall mounted". Will you be doing the same with the new speakers? If so, the Decapos are not a good match as they are rear ported and need some room behind them. If you will be placing them on/near the wall, you might want to consider the Carolina Audio speakers or a speaker made specifically for that application.

Enjoy,

TIC
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