2. speakers
  3. 192075-195446

Seeking speakers under $3K for 10x12 ft room and driven by 20wpc tube amp

I currently have a pair of Apogee Acoustics Centaur Minors driven by a new Black Ice integrated tube amp. The small but dedicated listening room means I’m doing near-field listening with me and the speakers forming a 6’ triangle. As you might expect, these speakers have terrific midrange but at 85dB sensitivity they are a bit difficult to drive and feel limited in dynamics. The room is acoustically treated.


I almost exclusively listen to small combo acoustic jazz and vocals and I’m seeking recommendations for something easier to drive and more dynamic that provides a more “palpable presence” of the musicians when played at louder levels. Prefer small floorstanders for aesthetics but not essential and preferably a brand where I might have a chance to audition them (I’m in SoCal). Also open to used (e.g. something like Wilson Cubs). TIA!

p.s. thanks for the Sonus faber suggestion.

ristretto

Showing 4 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,099 posts
 

In one or more of those discussions I had kind of got the impression that you favored speakers that had a sensitivity up in the 90s.  Which makes me assume that the Fritz speakers, although have a listed sensitivity of 88, must not drop too far below their 8 ohm impedance?

@immatthewj The problem is if you want a small speaker that can play any bass its going to be sealed and simply won't be very efficient. I chose the Fritz because they get good comments, are an easy load with no weird impedances or phase angles, are built nicely and are compact.

 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,099 posts
 

@immatthewj Yes. The amp I'm using makes 5 Watts at full power. It has no problems driving the speaker at all. I use the 8 Ohm taps.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,099 posts
 

which Fritz speakers do you have?

@immatthewj I have the Carbon 6s.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,099 posts
 

@ristretto , I use a set of the Fritz loudspeakers (previously suggested) in a space of very similar dimensions, using a 5 Watt/channel tube amp and a powered subwoofer. No worries making plenty of volume and I never clip the amp.

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