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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
gnostalgick
88 posts
 
  You probably don't need another option, but I just demoed the ProAc Studio 148 (at SoundImageATL--thanks Lawson!) and can't keep silent.  They have excellent detail, but no harshness, amazing vocals, as well as surprising bass for the size--but most of all they just get out of the way of music & let you feel the emotion of the recording. Recommended for amps 15 watts & up (4ohm), but you certainly wouldn't need a sub (except for organ music).

  I much prefer them to my experience of the Vandy 1's, but admit it isn't the fairest of comparisons as they're almost 3x more expensive & I was in a dedicated room, listening to my music from a Linn Majik 'integrated' thats more expensive than the speakers.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
Vandersteen speakers have always had a synergy with McCormack gear.  I am listening through Vandy Treo Cts powered by an SMc Audio modified McCormack DNA-1 amp as I type this.

wester17
70 posts
 
For minimalist yet stunning looks, excellent efficiency, great dynamics, and quality sound, I suggest the Spatial Audio M3 or M2 Turbos. Lately I've been driving mine with a 3.5 watt tube amp and the sound is totally engaging, with a soundstage that is jaw-dropping. You shouldn't overlook these gems. 

hifiron OP
102 posts
 
So after quite a bit more listening, the Vandy 1Ci sound good, but the amp is just not enough power. I am going to be taking the Vandy’s back to the dealer today and start outlining a couple scenarios.

Thank you all for the amazing help and opinions here, this is a tomb of great information for anyone looking for options to pair with a low powered tube amplifier and/or speaker options for a smaller room.

It is worth mentioning, Decware Torii @ 25WPC would be a great fit for the Vandy 1Ci, but with Richard suggesting thats not enough power for the 2Ce (due to the more complex internals) that makes it a tough call to guess on.

The 2Ce also have a rear firing woofer, which makes the proximity to the back wall very important, so much that it would be tough in my small room.

The 1Ci with the Torii are an option for sure. I will be talking with Steve @ Decware today to get his take on some options.

Cheers,
Ron
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