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Speaker and Cable Suggestions Please

Greetings, some time ago (maybe over a year ago) I asked for some advice as to what tube integrated amp to buy. It was to be my first tube amp and I needed a lot of help. After a long search and much study, I decided on an ARC VSi75. Now I need your help again. I currently have a pair of Focal Aria 926. My listening room is small, 15'7" x 11'7" (4.75m x 3.5m).

I'm looking for a speaker for a near-field situation that extends into the upper mids and high frequencies. Since my amp puts out 75 watts of output, I need something with decent sensitivity, say at least 91db. I also need new speaker cables. I'm using circa 1980s Monster Cable now.

One more consideration, I have lost some hearing due to a neurological autoimmune condition. Yet, when I auditioned Paradigm Persona Bs recently through an ARC, I could here all the sound that I remember hearing when I was a teenager. The point being, I know that upper range I'm chasing is possible I just don't know if it's achievable on my budget. I have about $4,000 to spend on speakers and cables. I was thinking about DH Lab Q-10 for cables and the rest for speakers. What do you guys think? I don't mind buying used. Thank you.

diminishedchord

Showing 1 response by mlsstl

mlsstl
1,450 posts
 

I'd agree with the others -- for near field listening in a small room with a 75 watt/ch amp, the last thing you need to be concerned about is speaker sensitivity. (One exception -- if you are looking for a rock-concert 100+ dB average sound level, in which case you can ignore my comments.)

I have a pair of Spendor 4/5 speakers (under $3K new) in a small room and really enjoy their natural sound and consider them very musical for their small footprint.  However, I can't tell from your original comments concerning mids & highs as to whether you are looking for emphasis in that range or just very natural. BBC type designs are legendary for their presentation in the vocal range, but that's not what everyone is looking for.

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