Thanks to George for finding and pointing out the HFNRR review of the speakers, including the measurements. And kudos to Bruce (Bifwynne) for suggesting the very same ARC Ref75 amplifier which the reviewer, Ken Kessler, utilized in evaluating the speaker.
A couple of corrections to some of what has been said earlier in the thread:
First, on a per watt basis the speakers are not even close to being 90 db. They are rated as 90 db/2.83 volts/1 meter, and 4 ohms. 2.83 volts into 4 ohms is 2 watts, so their rating is equivalent to 87 db/1 watt/1 meter. The distinction between 1 watt and 2.83 volts (which is equivalent to 1 watt into 8 ohms), in the case of 4 ohm speakers, is especially significant with respect to tube amps, since their power capability does not increase significantly if at all into low impedances (and may actually decrease).
And furthermore, the measurements cited in the review indicate a slightly lower than specified sensitivity, about 89 db/2.83 volts/1 meter, and indicate that the speaker is best considered to be 3 ohms. That translates to only about 85 db/1 watt/1 meter.
Second, a slight correction to something that was said about the VAC Renaissance 70/70: It is a dual mono stereo amplifier, not a monoblock. VAC did manufacture a very similar 300B-based amp configured as a monoblock, though, designated as the 140, and rated at 130 watts.
Beyond that, I'll add to what has been said, and consistent with the earlier comments by John (Jmcgrogan2) and ZD, that the VAC Renaissance amps are the only 300B-based amps I am aware of that I would expect to be able to adequately drive the OP's speakers, for most listeners with many recordings. I say that based on my own experience with a 70/70 (although used in conjunction with far more efficient speakers), on the number of 300B's they use, on the fact that the design drives the tubes very hard (such that some currently available tubes which are non-compliant with the original Western Electric specs cannot be used in these amps), on their robust and very heavy transformers and overall weight, and on the fact that they provide three rather than two output taps, with the lowest being indicated for use with 1 to 2 ohm speakers (on the 70/70), or with 2 ohm speakers (on the 30/30).
That said, finding a Renaissance amp that is in excellent condition and that does not require a major investment in retubing is another matter altogether.
Regards,
-- Al
A couple of corrections to some of what has been said earlier in the thread:
First, on a per watt basis the speakers are not even close to being 90 db. They are rated as 90 db/2.83 volts/1 meter, and 4 ohms. 2.83 volts into 4 ohms is 2 watts, so their rating is equivalent to 87 db/1 watt/1 meter. The distinction between 1 watt and 2.83 volts (which is equivalent to 1 watt into 8 ohms), in the case of 4 ohm speakers, is especially significant with respect to tube amps, since their power capability does not increase significantly if at all into low impedances (and may actually decrease).
And furthermore, the measurements cited in the review indicate a slightly lower than specified sensitivity, about 89 db/2.83 volts/1 meter, and indicate that the speaker is best considered to be 3 ohms. That translates to only about 85 db/1 watt/1 meter.
Second, a slight correction to something that was said about the VAC Renaissance 70/70: It is a dual mono stereo amplifier, not a monoblock. VAC did manufacture a very similar 300B-based amp configured as a monoblock, though, designated as the 140, and rated at 130 watts.
Beyond that, I'll add to what has been said, and consistent with the earlier comments by John (Jmcgrogan2) and ZD, that the VAC Renaissance amps are the only 300B-based amps I am aware of that I would expect to be able to adequately drive the OP's speakers, for most listeners with many recordings. I say that based on my own experience with a 70/70 (although used in conjunction with far more efficient speakers), on the number of 300B's they use, on the fact that the design drives the tubes very hard (such that some currently available tubes which are non-compliant with the original Western Electric specs cannot be used in these amps), on their robust and very heavy transformers and overall weight, and on the fact that they provide three rather than two output taps, with the lowest being indicated for use with 1 to 2 ohm speakers (on the 70/70), or with 2 ohm speakers (on the 30/30).
That said, finding a Renaissance amp that is in excellent condition and that does not require a major investment in retubing is another matter altogether.
Regards,
-- Al