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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
rettrussell's avatar
rettrussell
188 posts
 

Early 80’s in New Orleans, the audio dealer that recommended C-J MV75 amp & Pv2ar pre for my new-used ‘78 vintage Klipschorns stopped by to hear my system and asked if I wanted to hear a couple of bookshelf speakers he was fond of selling.

The Spendor speakers he placed on top of the Khorns were so comparatively small I was prepared to be underwhelmed.

Shockingly, the sound emanating from those “pipsqueak” speakers nearly duplicated the soundstage of the horns….falling short in the low end only (marginally). 
In short, if I ever shop for speakers again Spendors will be on my list.

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
muzikat
929 posts
 

Audio Note ANK works best in a room that size. I know, that’s my exact room size as well. They are made for it. Of course they play well with tubes. 

Unfortunately they are out of price range new. You can find them close to your budget occasionally. 

quickjack1234's avatar
quickjack1234
78 posts
 

ok i like theses NOTE MODERATOR ! we are NOT selling theses Nor advertising them JUST answering the OP question! These have received rave reviews and are in the price range they use the superlative BMR balanced mode radiator for a mid are exquisite sounding !  May be an image of speaker and text

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
185 posts
 

@echolane - I own a pair of Buchardt S400 MKii speakers and use them in my home office set-up. Really wonderful speakers. They look great in person and they sound fantastic. They have a bit of warmth to them and music is just easy to listen to with them. 

However, I’ve found they really need some power to be properly driven. Buchardt recommends at least 50 watts. I’ve found they sound best with 100 watts and up. They just don’t open up with a lower powered amp. I had them paired with a Luxman 590axii and, while great sounding, didn’t reach their potential until I swapped in a 100 watt tube amp. 
 

incorrigable
42 posts
 

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