Looking for floorstanding or stand mount speakers that work well with EL-34 amp (approx. 40 watts). Price range: $1,500 - $2,000 new or used. Transparency, Soundstaging and Tonality are most important. Musical taste is varied, with a heavy dose of female vocalist, Jazz and tasteful pop. Room is 14' x 12'. Thanks for your suggestions.
I had Tekton Lores in a similar sized room with SET and with PP EL84s, but never EL34s. My taste in music sounds similar to yours, but my emphasis would probably be tonality above all. Never got good soundstage with any speakers in that room.
Von Scweickert VR2s if you can find them used worked really well with exactly the same type tube amp you are describing. The Prima Luna, amongst others, is an amp in that categaory and I would be surprised if you don't get a bunch of suggections. You might get even more recommendations, if you used the amps actual name.
Try Proac. I am using a EL34 powered Quicksilver V4 amp with Proac Response 2.5. You might try the Response 1.5 or Studio 140 (both used would fit your price range)as they are more sensitive and would work better with your 40 wpc amp.
Seconding Grinnell, the Reference 3a De Capo's are a wonderful option. They love tubes... I'm running mine on little Manley Mahi monoblocks; I have a similar sized room to yours. I run the Mahi's in triode mode (20 w/ch) and I can't run them any louder than 9 o'clock on the volume knob. Enormous soundstage, stellar imaging and tonality. Killer on female vocals! If you can't afford the De Capo's, have a look at their little brother, the Dulcet. I've owned both and they're both great.
One of the dealers has original Epos M-22's listed new in the box for $1600.00 or so. I've got a pair of these playing an Esoteric X03SE through an old ("vintage" if I'm ever dumb enough to sell it...) Exposure XV integrated, that runs 40W a side. They're only 87 sensitive; but "loud" has never been my thing. I've always thought a Manley Stingray would be a good match for these speakers, if that helps.
I consider "tasteful" pop to be, but not limited to, Shelby Lynn, Damien Rice, Lisa Hannigan and Amos Lee. You can even throw in some DMB and John Mayer to liven up the the mix. Thanks everyone for the great feedback and suggestions.
02-12-13: A_passion I consider "tasteful" pop to be, but not limited to, Shelby Lynn, Damien Rice, Lisa Hannigan and Amos Lee. You can even throw in some DMB and John Mayer to liven up the the mix. Thanks everyone for the great feedback and suggestions.
I liked the Red Rose monitor with the dipole ribbon tweeter (can not think of exact model #) with a CJ el34 based amp. Excellent bass from a small enclosure and the highs were very special with the ribbon tweeter
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
