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 2 responses by audiotroy

You are overthinking this with this, size room 20 watts will work with nearly any loudspeaker.

 

Even with a low efficiency monitor 20 watts will get you plenty loud enough

 

Look at a pair of Elac carinas 85db sensitivity will be loud at 85db the roon is very small and 85db is plenty loud for such a small room.

so you can look at nearly any loudspeaker.

I would be more concerned, with impedance and current deliver, however most 2 way compact, and affordable, monitors will be easy to drive.

 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Elac, Legacy, Kef Atc , Dali, Cabasse, dealers

 

the volume knob means nothing if it gets loud enough thats all that matters 

 

most modern loud speakers  will have great presence the apogee centuars were okay sounding  in there day.