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High efficiency desktop speakers

Hello,

As the title suggests I am looking for a pair of high efficiency desktop speakers.  95dB/watt at 8+ ohms is good, but if I can find speakers that are 98dB/watt at 8+ ohms or even higher sensitivity that would be even better based on the amp I will use to drive them. The amp is a custom made hybrid using 6sn7 and 6j5 tubes. I am using a Sonnet Morpheus DAC and Sonnet Hermes streamer, this will be for a streaming only system. My listening is all over the board as I like great recordings but I mostly listen to rock, jazz, female vocals, the Dead, and deep house music with a bit of opera and classical mixed in. Not looking to add a sub but have a small SVS if needed. Budget is 2K or less. I appreciate your help.

John 

curtisvill
ghdprentice
6,504 posts
 

I fiddled with my desktop system for years. Ultimately converging on a wonderful system. Just like most folks main systems I chose the speakers first. For me they were Totem Mites… and a matching Totem Subwoofer. Then I built out the rest of the system. I have had many desktop versions… this one is so satisfying, well beyond anything I had before. The Totem Mite are small and absolutely beautiful. The little sub woofer is tucked away under my desk. The imagining and tonal balance is wonderful. I’ll have to take some photos. 
 

I power the Totems with a PrimaLuna integrated amp and a Schiit Gungnir DAC. When I am working at my PC… it is a real pleasure to listen to. In particular the female voices… ok, I am fond of female voices are really beautiful. The bass is punchy and musical. 

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,509 posts
 

You will never find a small bookshelf speaker with a 95 db or higher efficiency . You will be spinnin’ your wheels lookin’ !

kokakolia's avatar
kokakolia
198 posts
 

Literally any bookshelf speaker will do, except perhaps the LS50 which is a pain to drive.  Finding a bookshelf speaker with 95 db is an impossible task. 86db is good enough! Don't be swayed by Klipsch speakers which overrate their efficiency numbers. 

With $2k you have too many options I'm afraid. 

I'm using Closer Acoustics OGY which were purposefully built for tube amplifiers and are rated at 91db 8 ohm 15W max. Good luck beating that efficiency number on a bookshelf speaker! This one has a single EMS LB5 driver with a transmission line cabinet. Yeah they sound incredible with jazz, folk and pretty much anything. Probably not the best for metal and extremely busy electronic tracks but they hold their own. The limitations of fullrange drivers are overstated. 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,770 posts
 

Finding a bookshelf speaker with 95 db is an impossible task. 

True!

Mike

curtisvill OP
44 posts
 

Thank you for all the responses, I really appreciate it.

@blisshifi, that is an intriguing option.  I would not consider myself the most talented when it comes to woodworking but my local shop uses a cabinet maker for their custom speakers so this might be an option.  Desktop space for speakers is fairly small, I will have to measure exactly how big it is.

@carlsbad, I am not adverse to using powered speakers but I love the sound of my amp.

@dekay, I currently use Audio Note ANE/LX speakers in my main system and I love them, no need to upgrade them in the near future.  I will see if I can locate a pair of the AX 2s but will see if my local AN dealer has a pair to audition.

@ghdprentice I have not heard the Totems so I will have to see if there is a dealer local to me.  There is a pair of white Mites on eBay for $580 including shipping which seems like a good deal.

Any other suggestions?

John

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