Determining compatibility with amps


I have a pairing that has been wonderful to me and I may also be looking to set up another similar price-point system (streaming only, larger room) in another house we may build as snow-birds.  While very happy now, I want to know more about how to pick speaker and amp pairs to make them more compatible and not ill-advised.  No, I don't get to audition equipment (I live in Alaska). There is not a club here.  Heck, there's only BestBuy with a Magnolia room.  Just "let your ears be your guide" isn't a big help. Help me understand how I can narrow the search for "kinds" of speakers and topologies of amps for my possible upcoming build.  I have gathered that using speaker plots, it's the areas where the phase drops below zero (capacitive), coinciding with low impedance that are to to be avoided.  I've looked at several sets and can see for example, why series XOs might be desirable.   I guess I'm asking is, what values/relationships constitute "be careful" or "avoid"?  And if  there technically are real issues,  what are the audible affects, or kinds of audible distortions one might expect?  While I'm not married to tube amps, switching to this one was a very large improvement.  I love the voicing/timbre, imaging, and they definitely disappear.  It's almost scary.   

I'll ask to avoid making pairing suggestions but instead try to help me understand, "these (kinds) are good  for this kind of amp because"...   My virtual system is up and I've included my speakers' plots as an example by which to comment or use as an example.  I welcome using them as a discussion point.  FWIW, my amp has an 80hz hi-pass that I use.  One reason I like it, as mid-sized stand mounts seem to be what I lean towards, is this aids with integrating subs.  Maybe the best answer is to duplicate it all!   I may be traveling soon so I may not post often but will read everything for sure!  I've got a technical background (the reason I ask) but not in EE so be gently.  Curious minds just want to know.  

akgwhiz

Very nice system. Duplicating is a very safe bet.

 

If you are going to snow bird somewhere, then you should have a great opportunity to go listen to speakers. You could make this a fun in the sun project. 
 

Speaker sound characteristics are hard to communicate via words or frequency response charts. If you talk about the ultimate output, on one end of the spectrum are highly detailed systems with great slam. These scrape the last ounce of detail from the medium… typically putting the venue and mastering techniques in the spot light (typically solid state). On the other end of the spectrum are highly musical  systems that get the gestalt of the venue and the music correctly… ones that emotionally connect you to the music (typically tube)… then everything in between… either well done or poorly done. Then there are particular characteristics of value… like slam, imaging, micro detail, rhythm and pace. 
 

So, where are your values? Your particular musical interests?

 

 

@ghdprentice Thanks.  So it turns out I'm valuing more involving, connection to the music whereas I probably went into this current venture (2016) thinking that total accuracy and slam were the hallmarks of a really "good" system.  The staging especially pulls me in so long as there is nothing off about the timbre and reproduction that seems colored.  Not a musician but lots of family are, so many days spent at events, recitals, around bands etc.  I think I still have a reference to what instruments sound like!  My choices going forward may be more size of room related and power needs.  That's why I'm not sure simply duplicating this again will work.  17x 32 great room with the listening "half" vaulted 13 ft, the rest 9ft ceilings.  

@OP. Put simply, take the manufacturer's nominal impedance for the loudspeaker and, on a precautionary principle basis, assume that it is optimistic - because they frequently are. Check the specifications for efficiency as well and also assume that they are optimistic, but most speakers are around 87dB unless they are minimonitors or specifically designed to be driven by low powered, mostly tube, amps.  Check the amp manufacturer's specifications and check out reviews as well - look for amplifiers that will double their power from an eight ohm to four ohm load - if they are solid state amplifiers. That approach should avoid the most obvious mismatches. After that its a question of budget, where you sit in the room and how much bandwidth, volume and dynamics you want. Maybe there will be more choice/listening opportunities in the area you are planning to build the second house?

OP,

Your description of journey from details and slam to musical is exactly like mine… but I am slow, it too me over forty years… over ten years with season tickets to the symphony in ideal seats and countless a acoustic concerts.

For speakers you need to listen to Sonus Faber. I have honestly never heard more natural sounding, musically compelling speakers (which also image incredibly well). For electronics Audio Research (mine is an all ARC system), Conrad Johnson, VAC, and Cary.