2. speakers
  3. 139430-119306

Help me choose a speaker match for my Line Magnetic 805ia tube amp under $10K

Since all of you were such a huge help in getting me to arrive at my decision to get the Line Magnetic 805ia tube integrated, I thought I would start another thread to discuss speakers to consider. I do love my Ascend Acoustics but after hearing the improvement that the Line Magnetic gave my system, I am wondering now if there is a reasonably priced but a better speaker that is a better match for my system. The only criteria is that the price be equal to or less than $10k. I am looking for a speaker that is not harsh in the higher frequencies but still has enough sparkle and snap that doesn't give up anything in terms of detail. The ability to deliver some low end, dynamic punch is something that I would be looking for as well as this is the one area the Ascend's lack in currently. 

My current setup is...

Speakers: Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower with RAAL Tweeters and Ascend Acoustics Center Speaker with RAAL Tweeter
Amp: Line Magnetic 805ia at 48W x 2
DAC: PS Audio Directstream Junior
Primary Music: Jazz and Female Vocals 

Speakers that I have considered so far include (power requirements notwithstanding):
  • Magico A3
  • Dynaudio Contour 60
  • Focal Sopra 2
  • Sonus Faber Olympica 3
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
freesole
chrisg1000
20 posts
 
Freesole- I recently purchased this same amp (and also live in the Seattle area). 
I am running Neat Acoustics Iota-Alphas. Less costly than what you're looking for, but very low sensitivity. Probably 84 db as opposed the their 86 db claimed rating. I have no problem driving them with this amp, and 10:00 on the volume is getting pretty loud. And they sound fantastic.
That said, there are better speakers out there for more money.
A few days ago I heard the Spendor A7's with the LM 845 amp (22 wpc). The Spendor's ($5,000) sounded AMAZING! They immediately caught my attention from across the room. The only caveat is that I did not hear them at loud volume and I was unfamiliar with the music being played. That said,  I'm already saving my money in hopes of picking up a pair in the future.
I highly recommend checking them out. They have some at Gig Harbor Audio you can check out.
Where specifically do you live?
chrisg1000
20 posts
 
ramtubes- I'm not an electrical engineer, but here's what I know about the amp. It draws 400 watts from the wall. I don't know the damping factor. It has four feedback settings.
I will say that I just upgraded to the LM 508 from a Parasound Halo Integrated. I'm running 84 db, 4 ohm speakers, so the Parasound should have been putting out 240 wpc.
The LM 805 plays WAY louder than the Parasound. More importantly, it sounds great from zero on up. The Parasound took 20% volume or more to begin reaching it's zone sound quality-wise. 
I'm new to tube amps, but I never would have guessed 48 wpc would play louder and sound better than a 240 wpc pretty decent amp, even with low sensitivity speakers. I can't imagine how it would sound with more sensitive speakers.
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook

How do you compare the Salk SS8's to the Audio Note and the Devore's that you recommended? I have the Ascend's with the RAAL ribbons so I am somewhat accustomed to that sound. 


jmac7's avatar
jmac7
56 posts
 
The Spatial Audio Triode Master speakers are great with the 508ia.I am currently using this setup and I am very pleased.
bradf's avatar
bradf
329 posts
 
I agree with Crisg1000

Although not on the top of my list, the D7 is a better match for your amp then the D9.  I would pair it with a very good powered subwoofer.

Most speakers I listed above are designed to mate with SET amps.
First order x-over, benign impedance loads / curves, etc.


Besides Gig Harbor having the D7, they also have the LM 805ia, so it would be a good opportunity for you see what the amp sounds like with the speaker.

By the way I am in PDX. There may be an opportunity down the road for you to hear what your LM sounds like with the Sonist Concerto 4 Gen 2.
Speaker with REL sub and compare it to Sonum Ars Filarmonia 30W Push/Pull operating mostly in Class A with Jupiter Copper/Paper /Wax coupling caps, SR Black Fuses and all NOS tubes.  I also have Merlin TSM Magic (next to last pair made); which don't drop below 6 Ohms. 


Brad


More to discover