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SET 45 Amp Driving Dynamic Speakers

I have an Antique Sound Labs Tulip SET amp running Emission Labs mesh plate 45s, driving Audio Note AN E speakers. It will play WAY louder than I want to listen, and the dynamics are amazing with all types of music.

Why do I keep reading that 45s (and other low power triodes) are only appropriate for horns, or other super efficient speakers? I think a real disservice has been done to the audiophile community by the propagation of this idea. IMO, anyone who prefers to listen to music at sane levels can enjoy the many benefits of a low power SET amp with carefully chosen dynamic speakers.

Anyone else feel this way/have similar experience?
tommylion

Showing 5 responses by exlibris

exlibris
438 posts
 
Great thread.  Thanks to all.  I too am using 45s on AN-Es but I can hear the limitations. 
exlibris
438 posts
 
Thank you for this.
If you've heard the Cube Audio Nenuphar single driver speaker, I wondering if you can speak to how it compares sonically to the Charney.
The folks at AVS showrooms seem to like single-driver speakers and I've heard them speak of both of these speakers.  They really love the Nenuphar.  I'm quite familiar with it but not the Charney.  
exlibris
438 posts
 
Yes, it certainly isn't as efficient as the Charney or the AN-Es.  My 45 amp wasn't able to drive the Nenuphars.  I ended up using a 32 watt PSET.
Cost and room-size are limitations for me with regards to large horn systems.  I have, however, heard a few of these over the years and it was the sound, not the cost or size, that was the real deterrent.  The only horn that I've heard that I could happily live with is the Odeon 28/3 (and, I assume, their higher models).  Unfortunately, they are no more efficient than my AN-Es.  In fact, less so.  
exlibris
438 posts
 
Yes, those vintage drivers and their Japanese clones are pricey. I haven't had the pleasure of hearing either.
I heard the Odeon in the same system as the Nenuphar. Neither was drivable by my 45.  When driven by a more powerful amp, I preferred the Odeon.  It sounded closer to my AN-Es but with more grunt, shove, and dynamics.  The Nenuphar presents a light, quick, and airy sound in comparison.  
exlibris
438 posts
 
With my Thomas Mayer 45/2a3 I always listen at peaks of 90db and that's only because I live in a condo -- I'd like to push it higher most of the time.  On most songs I could push it to mid-90s without feeling uncomfortable.  My speakers are probably about 95db efficient.  Perhaps this says more about how comfortable each of us is with certain types of distortion than it does about equipment.  
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