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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 3 responses by chenry

chenry's avatar
chenry
252 posts
 

Omega Speaker Systems Super Alnico Monitor.

chenry's avatar
chenry
252 posts
 

Or consider JBL 4349 (91dB, dual compression driver horn, 12 in bass, front port) and either an AR i/50 (50 W PP 6550s) or a Sugden A21 SE Signature (SS, class A 30W) or a Peachtree Carina GaN. The 4349s are excellent at low volumes and at high.

chenry's avatar
chenry
252 posts
 

Gareents: the Omega Super Alnico Monitors are full-range ("single driver") and a similar floorstander variant, the Junior Alnico XRS, each 95dB sensitive and each at or below the OPs specified price. He could drive them with modest-power tube amps. I would recommend a sub with the SAM. 6-foot separation is a challenge for any speaker to expect good sound staging. If he wants to push to the corners, sealed cabinets as in the Vandersteen VLR-CT or Studio Electric M4 offer options but are significantly less sensitive at 87-88dB, but each still close to his price. If he also wants to audition at a store, that is increasingly an issue. Omega only sells direct as does Studio Electric, in a big market like LA, you might find a shop with the Vandersteens.

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