@ristretto Where are you in your speaker search? Any plans to use a sub? Do you have to spend all $3K?
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.
Showing 2 responses by hheedah
@ristretto Yeah I kinda thot you'd be overwhelmed so that's why I asked :). Too many choices sometimes. My setup: I have a Jolida - precursor to Black Ice - either 10 or 14 WPC and I'm in a room a little bigger than yours. Currently running a pair of Omega Junior Alnico 6 XRS with it and a REL T5 downfiring sub - (I replaced my Paradigm Mini Monitors v.6 stand-mounted speakers). Nice sound overall w/ the Omegas. Definitely depends on the quality of the source material. Nothing sounds bad but some recordings, like Johnny Cash American Recordings, Musica Nuda, vocals focused stuff sound great! Other recordings just OK but that's mostly true of any good speaker. I may look for a new amp, bit more power to see if it further improves the sound. Point being - the Paradigms are 91db sensitivity and sounded really really good. Because I couldn't audition used Omegas, I just bought them. Happy but not sure they're $1500 better... maybe. I've run those Paradigms w/ the little Jolida tube amp, Rotel integrated and a MF M6Si and they sounded great (although needed a sub to round 'em out.) Check out Paradigm used ones if you can. Mine new cost $500. Paradigm designed around the midrange and let the top and bottom end go where they go. They can play loud and didn't break up. I found 91db Paradigms to be great w/ the little tube amp with your kind of music. Way less than $3K also. PS- I'm in SoCal too so keep in touch... |