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First Watt J2 & speaker pairing ?

I'm trying to decide if the J2 is worth the effort ?  All reviews are favorable , some even glorify the sonic nature of this 25 watt amp.  I'd like to see what the deal is with a class A amp - it seems like it's all I could ask for in an amp * Except and this is a big exception -the need for highly efficient speakers to appreciate the amp.

  Don't mind shopping for another pair of speakers  but  realistic choices seem so limited.  Zu audio seems to be a big favorite pairing .

 I'm running a Rogue audio cronus mag lll with Dahlquist DQ 10 speakers ( older speakers ) also have  Spendor s5e's    Don't think either will ideal match with J2

 Really enjoy the open ,wide range of the DQ10's 

Any suggestions are most welcome 

thanks in advance 

 

 

mfm22
mfm22 OP
22 posts
 

My listening area / room is challenging  about 12 x 15 x 7"h 

but one side is open to an area roughly the same size .

I'll listen to Jazz , classical ,  & vocals at no more than 80db [ low 70"s for 95%] 

The only speaker that I'm vaguely familiar with - from reviews is the DW6- seems to be a good match for impedance & sensitivity - it's the right price as well 

not wanting to spend more than $2500 - 

I was considering the XA25 but read some reviews about horrific break in time & sounds . 

 

 

 

 

 

dougthebiker
205 posts
 

IMO you’ll find an open baffle speaker most satisfying.  I’ve got GR Research NX-Oticas and drive them with a 9 watt 300B tube amp to ear-splitting levels when I’m in the mood for that.

They are kit DIY speakers, but you can find them used or get someone to build them for you.  I‘ve listened to several $500k systems and prefer mine.

 

But in general, I believe you’d love most open baffles if you like Dahlquists.

mfm22 OP
22 posts
 

IMO you’ll find an open baffle speaker most satisfying.

 

Agree,  I may not be ready for the " First Watt " experience.  It seems to be too limited / restricted .  

 Thinking of doing the more conventional / recommended route - Get some speakers that "do it " for me first .  If they happen to be efficient great more amp options . As good as the DQ's are they are not the be all to end all .

I may turn around and go in the opposite direction- hard to drive LRS+  and look for a good amp to drive them .. That is a crazy scenario- heard those speakers & like 

but the cost of a good amp is multiples of the speaker !

And I'd have at least 2 systems anyway   lol  

wolf_garcia
6,686 posts
 

I have a Pass XA-25 and it didn't have any discernible break-in time except for the "sounds best after an hour warmup" thing, and it's the best sounding SS amp I've ever heard over many decades owning of all sorts of amps. I also use a Had Firebottle but that thing really works best with efficient speakers which are what I prefer anyway.

mfm22 OP
22 posts
 

The XA-25 would be more flexible with system in general - Still gives me  class A 

May have a chance to hear them this week 

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