WTH?
I recommended the Sonus Faber Lumina III or possibly finding a deal on the Gen.1 Sonetto III but my original reply is GONE?
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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My room is same dimensions, but just weirdly configured, and my Legacy Studio HD speakers so awesome in here. I do run the smallest REL sub though to flesh things out some for movies and shows and some music. |
I have a similar size room, but no treatment. I ended up with Neat Acoustics Petite. If you are considering a British style speaker, I would give them a try. I have driven them with an LTA Z10 and an Orchid Audio GAN amp. They have some interesting floor standers. I've had the Omega Super Alnico's. I enjoyed them for Jazz. For me, they definitely needed a sub. Sonus Faber or Serblins are on my list to try at some point. |
I am listening to a pair of refurbished Acoustic Research AR-2ax in my office, a similarly sized room to yours, essentially 6’ triangle. You could call them large bookcase, or compact 3 way. They have level controls for both the tweeters and mids to balance their output in any space. I drive mine with a Luxman 10wpc tube amp. The 10" woofer produces full range without over-powering you when close. My prior Wharfedale 225’s 6.5" woofers needed a sub to avoid sounding small. They sound so good, I restored a 2nd pair for my Garage/Shop system. I bought new level controls and new tweeters for that pair, and new grille cloth, everything is available for these. A restored pair of AR-2ax, I would get the stands he shows them on also |