Speakers for low power amps?


Hi, I am looking for suggestions for a high efficiency speaker. I am considering going to a low power SET setup. I really know nothing about it but I have always wanted to try out the low power amps. I figured I should start with speakers. What should I look for in speakers, just high DB rating? My room is about 14' x 22'. Where I live I have no stores that carry high end audio, so I will have to travel to hear anything. Any opinions?
pal

Showing 1 response by audiokinesis

The sensitivity of appropriate speakers depends in part on how powerful your chosen SET amplifier is and how loud you like it. I'd say ballpark guidelines would be 93+ dB speakers for 10 watt SET's; 96+ dB speakers for 5 watt SET's; and 99+ dB speakers for 2.5 watt SET's. These combinations will probably give you undistorted peaks in the 100 dB ballpark at the listening position in your room. If you don't need that kind of output, scale back accordingly.

Speakers that work well with low-powered SET's include models from Classic Audio Reproductions, Avantgarde, Omega, Cain & Cain, Klipsch (Heritage series), Coincident, Vivaldi, Edgarhorn, Rethm, and Tannoy (Prestige line). This list is by no means comprehensive, but includes speakers I've spent time with and have been particularly impressed with.

If by chance you have corners available, you might want to consider the Klipschorns, or perhaps the Hartsfields by Classic Audio Reproductions. If you don't mind building your own cabinets, or have access to a good woodworker, add Pi Speakers and Supravox fullrange drivers (especially the 215-2000 EXC) to your list.

If you're looking more for a fairly inexpensive first pair of high-efficiency speakers, consider the Omegas (the little Super 3R is very nice) or the Cain & Cain Abbey. Disclaimer - I peddle the Omegas.

Best of luck with your quest!

Duke