@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.
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@hheedah Frankly there are more recs than I can handle haha. I did chat with Fritz and he is having a BF promo on the Carbons and am considering them for demo. I also went to my local shop and demoed the ATC SCM19, Kef R3 metas, B&W 705 Sigs and an open box Quad S-5. They’ll be getting the Sonetto g2s in a few weeks. I’m digging the S-5 perhaps due to my longterm experience with ribbons as someone mentioned. At this juncture I’d definitely want to stay well under $3k. Perhaps a bit sad, but I do want whatever I end up with to be “end game”. Yes I do have a sub if needed. |
Zu DW at whatever rendition they are up to now would work nicely. I have the Omen II(very similar) in a 12x12 office that I use with a variety of amps, but I mostly use it with a single-ended Ampsandsound Bigger Ben headphone amp (has speaker taps as well). It takes a variety of power tubes, but I often have 6L6GC in there. It's a SET amp so maybe 2-3 watts with 6L6, but up to 6 with KT88. It's my favorite speaker setup in the house. It wasn't intended to be, but those speakers are just brilliant with that amp. They are also excellent with a Triode Lab EL84TT which is only about 6 watts. It's triode as well, but push-pull. I think you have a lot of room for compromise in a smaller room like this. A little power goes a long way. |
@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... |
Hi, I listen exclusively to small combo jazz and vocals using KEF R5 floorstanding speakers. I have a slightly larger room than your 15 x 27. Love the KEF sound. This is my second pair of KEF floor standing. The new Meta series offer excellnet sound in floor standing for a reason price. In my setup, my speakers have great sound stage, warm presentation, surprising tight bass with the vocal clarity that I like. Give them a listen. Tubes should be good with them. My electronics are solid state. Joseph |
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