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Help Choosing Speakers

I am looking to find a nice pair of speakers that will work well in a relatively small dedicated listening room. My setup is 100% analog, tube amp, turntable, phono pre. I am trying to keep a minimalist approach.

Turntable: Thorens TD-150
Phono Pre: AudioResearch PH3
Amp: Decware MiniTorii
Speakers: DIY MarkAudio A12P in SuperPensil

Room Dimensions: 11' W x 12' 4" L x 10' H

So far I have been looking around at a lot of options and while I don't want to limit myself to 94 dB+ efficient speakers. I would like to be able to keep my Decware MiniTorii in place if possible.

LegacyAudio Signature SE is top on my list, little bit more than I wanted to spend, but this is a lifetime purchase. I have also looked at SalkSound Veracity ST but I am concerned about the Decware amps being able to push those. I have also looked at the Decware HR-1s which look impressive.

Of course its difficult to buy speakers without hearing them, any other recommendations/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has heard the Legacy Audio Signatures with a Decware amplifier and has any details, that would be spectacular.

Thanks,

Ron

hifiron
gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
As been stated before, a McCormack amp would be a great synergistic and cost effective way to get more power. 
I have a DNA-1 with updates and it mates great with my 3a sig's.
If you really want to go cheap (price-wise), a used Adcom 555 would give lots of power without sacrificing sound. I still have mine (30 years old) and it even gives the McCormack a run for the money. Mr. Pass could really design 'em.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
@gdnrbob  +1!
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
In a room that size, my experience says look for a pair of monitors or a tower with two drivers. My room is 12x12x8 and the problem I have with three or four way speakers is getting enough distance between ears and speakers for proper driver integration. 

hddg's avatar
hddg
123 posts
 
Hi, your room is small. Your amp is 4w only. I would look at Blumenstein Triton, Decware ZOB or HDT, Zu Audio Omen.
hifiron OP
102 posts
 
@timrhu yes, good point to be made here. Coherency and blending of drivers is going to be key.

Discussions with Steve - Open Baffles were recommended, HDT was not. Too analytical for the room.

After treating the room, I have noise floor down to 29 dB, very happy with this. When I started I was at 45 dB.

Current plan is to audition the Spatial M4's and the Vandersteen 1Ci's together.

Then I can make a decision based on voicing and performance of the speakers. I am also going to audition a 60W Ayre Zero Negative Feedback amp, to show the performance of each speaker with more power.

Eventually I will be getting a new amp, but I want to upgrade one component at a time. My local dealer has a good deal, I can start with the Vandersteens, then within 1 year get the purchase price in credit towards the 2Ce's if I decide to upgrade.

Have a great week all!
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