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.
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.
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chenry OP is planning for a small 6’ listening triangle, that might be a bit close to that model JBL. He mentioned a new Black Ice integrated tube amp, I presume, like me, tube heat in small room, a low powered one. I see they have 12 wpc and 25 wpc models. I never heard Black Ice. My office, for years I used a Tandberg SS Receiver I liked; after I broke it a Carver Cube SS for years (both from Harvey’s NYC used shelf), because I found my Vintage Fisher 30 wpc mono blocks too much heat for my office. Redesigned in 2019 for low power tubes/imaging placement the Little Luxman 10 wpc tube amp I took a chance on is the lowest power I ever had, and I subsequently lucked into acquiring a restored pair of AR-2ax Speakers because of a ’nostalgia’ discussion here. I got them for downstairs, assumed too big for the office, but thought, why not hear them with the Luxman compared to the Wharfedales and self-powered sub. So darn good I kept them here, gave the Wharfedales to my son, and got the 2nd pair of AR-2ax’s I restored myself, those standing ear height horizontal on shelves in my work area in the Garage/Shop system. When in my office (retired now) I always think of Cousin Brucie (AM) and Alison Steele (FM) as my original pair were new in early 1968, working thru the nights while at college in Brooklyn (Pratt Institute)1966-1970. I was ransacked, they were small enough for the thieves to get them out the window, I always missed them. I finally re-found the AR-2ax specs, they are 91.5db sensitivity https://stereonomono.blogspot.com/2014/05/acoustic-research-ar-2ax.html
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If you find an AudioNote AN-K or J in your price range, buy them, perfect for a small room as they are designed for corner placement. Very musical speaker and perfect for low power tube amps in your power range, basicaly they were designed for 20wpc. Personnaly i find them better then the harbeths, Spendors at similar size. just finding a set in your budget will be the hard part, if you can stretch a bit it would be worth it. Like these ones, note canadian $ so take 32% off and leave the standes behind should get you very close. Audionote UK AN/JD hemp speakers with stands For Sale - Canuck Audio Mart
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