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Reasonably sensitive speakers for tube amps, max $2k/pair, new or used

While this topic has been covered before, I'm interested in both recent experiences with new products or anyone who just would like to chime in.

I have a couple friends interested in tube amps, lower wattage -- 40 wpc or below. Before they pull the trigger there, they need to find the best higher sensitivity speakers they can, hopefully at $2k or below, new or used.

QUESTION: What high sensitivity speakers would you recommend to them, new or used? What did you try and NOT like?
Characterizations of their sound, experience with a trial period, the company, etc. appreciated.

I'll pass the best answers and links along to them.
128x128hilde45
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
+1 re buchardts... great performance for the modest cost

re spatials, one must be careful not to generalize... the tonality of older vs current gen spatials have changed considerably... the new (current) line uses much more lively tweeters which make the presentation (at least the highs) much more upfront than the older gen m4, triode masters, what have you... big big difference --- so you read folks writing about how incredible the m3 sapphires of x5s are, then you go get a pair of the old ones, you will certainly experience massive cognitive dissonance 😱😱
charles7
112 posts
 
A Quicksilver Integrated Amplifier, rated at 20 watts, works great with my Focal Aria 906 speakers cited as 89.5 dB sensitivity. I listen at moderate volume, and the volume control sits around 10:30 o'clock.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,042 posts
 
@charles7  I heard the QS Integrated with Dynaudio Evoke 20 and it was very good until about 77 or so db and then it got a bit distorted. Those speakers are 86 db and 6 ohm, so it was probably a bit much, but I've heard tube amps really like an 8 ohm load, so that's probably a factor.
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mandevillela
5 posts
 
I have two systems…8 watt SET with linear tube mz2 as the pre and open baffle Cantuck audio lil 15s.  Lovely in my small room….give the speakers 2-3 months to open up.

my other system is in a much larger spac.  Includes a restored fisher x202b with Klipsch fortes upgraded with alk crossovers and crites tweeter diaphragms….great sound.  The alk crossovers really took the edge off the fortes, highly recommended
I guess I have $1,200 in both the Cantuck lil 15s and Klipsch fortes, so either meets your budget
fleschler
2,026 posts
 
Used Legacy Signature IIs or IIIs between $1600 and $2000.   Easy to drive 4 ohm, 94 db efficiency,  3.2 ohm min.   6-10" woofers, dual midrange, soft dome/ribbon tweeters and rear ambience tweeter.  Gorgeous sound with tight, punchy deep bass.  Can't be beat at that price.  Drive nicely with 30 watts including a 1978 Yamaha CR620 receiver or a high end VAC amp.  Superior dynamics and bass to a Magnapan and soooo much easier to drive.
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