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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
bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
192 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
43 posts
 

Tekton The Perfect Set 15.

b2colchagoff
6 posts
 

Check out the speakers at the end of this Capital Audiofest video.  They are being driven by Linear Tube Audio 20 wpc tube amp.

https://youtu.be/MNwktPATB_Y

 

pdspiegel
22 posts
 

I enjoy my pair of Oriaco G6 stand mount two-ways from Tonian Labs.  Lively and natural sounding to my ears.  I’ve used with both a 20W hybrid and a 10W tube amp with good results.  Work great in near field.  In your price range too.

Owner/Builder Tony Minasian is in SoCal.  Contact Tony and he may be able to provide an in-home audition.  https://tonianlabs.com

redhouse6
8 posts
 

I have a similar size room. I bought a pair of KEF LS50 Meta speakers and a Marantz model 30 amplifier. Both are Stereophile "A" listed. At the time, Barry Ober, the Soundoctor, was very pleased with the sound in my room. He had the most  educated ears of anyone I know.  

My hearing has gotten worse, so I can no longer enjoy them as I should, so for $3,000 I will pass both of them on to you. They have barely been used, as I have been busy with business and family health issues. Like new condition. All original boxes and documentation. Also included is a Parasound T-DQ-1600 Broadcast Reference Tuner with remote.

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