Efficient 2 way bookshelf/monitors under 2k


Currently I have a Decware SET integrated running a VPI Prime, Parasound JC3+, Nagaoka MP200 cart, through  a pair of Klipsch RB5 II’s. Before you snicker at the Klipsch, they sound wonderful. Not as exact as my Thiel CS2.4’s, but wonderful none the less. I hooked these speakers up after years of just lying around, just out of curiosity and they astounded me. So natural. 

So so it got me thinking, what 2 way speaker would’ve be a good match for a 6 watt SET integrated.  I’d like something with 92db efficiency +/- and cost around $2k +/-.


last_lemming
There were a lot for sale around 2008-2011 when i bought mine.  We the new BE and the weird finish the older i model has disappeared.  I love the cherry wood veneer on mine.  Don't care for the piano black finish but I have a post Victorian home :)
Reference 3A's are designed to be run with tube components. They respond beautifully to low wattage amps. However, trying to find a used pair of the de Capos is tough. People tend to hang on to them.

"Paradigm Prestige 15B! Frequency response if flat 57-20000Hz within 2 db and 90 db sensitivity. Dynamic and coherent."

That 90db is listed as "room sensitivity" with anechoic listed at 87db, however measured sensitivity in a couple of reviews was 85-86db, so this speaker would be a bad choice for a SET. Not saying it's a bad speaker, but should be driven by high power solid state.

These are well within your budget, sound wonderful and super easy to drive. I have a pair of these and love them!


do use the midrange phase plug?
Paradigm Prestige 15B! Frequency response if flat 57-20000Hz within 2 db and 90 db sensitivity. Dynamic and coherent.
These are well within your budget, sound wonderful and super easy to drive. I have a pair of these and love them!

http://www.decware.com/newsite/DM945.html

Try a pair of surrounds from any low power surround speaker set.Or a pair from such type 2.1.I used a pair of soundstix on a 2.1 and the have great sound, but then the 10w sub fills it up.

Omega speakers should work well with a low wattage SET. Never tried them, but hope to some day as I seem to always read good comments from people that have them.

The Fritz's really befudddled me.   I didn't expect that bass extension and volume with only 8 watts.   Very impressive!    
" a pair of Klipsch RB5 II’s. Before you snicker at the Klipsch, they sound wonderful."

I agree.  Have owned three pairs in the last 9 years.  Found a pair of Klipsch RB-75s and they are at another level.  If you are lucky enough to find a pair, scoop them up.

Have you considered Heresy IIIs?  Not really a bookshelf speaker or a  2-way but definitely not towers either.

Bill
How about eh Ascend Sierra 2's? I have the Towers and really have enjoyed them. 

I would think with only 6wpc you should be looking for 98db and up unless you listen quite low and-or near field. Horns like Klipsch, Full rangers like some of the omegas-fostex-voxativ-Rethm then your into stuff like AudioNote An (92-94db) series but they are even a bit low efficiency wise but doable if your not too loud.

You don't want to drive your tube amp at the limit SET's do increase in distortion the more power they output so driving them too hard is not going to be the best sound.

85 dB/ 1 Watt / 1 Meter @ 8 Ohm is not efficient. Turn it up a little and you will reach clipping way too soon with 10 Watts or less. Assuming you wont sit at 1 meter, if you do then you are golden!.
The De Capos are 92 db the Fritz'z 87db eff
the load on the de capos is pretty flat an easy load for tubes
The Fritz Carrera 7BE speakers at Capital Audiofest sounded terrific off a 8 watt tube amp. I would strongly consider these. Only 87db efficient but very easy to drive. I was very impressed! Show price of $2500 a pair still offered I believe. Klipsch Heresy III another strong competitor that are truly high efficiency.
Ref 3A de Capos.

I have a Decware mini torii. VPI hw-19 mk iv
it won't be blasting loud but it will sing, detailed realistic.

i have some Klipsch Quartets i used with this louder but not as sweet a sound