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High value, high efficiency speakers for SET amps

Hi, Gang,
I know that some of what I want to discuss here has been dealt with in other threads, some of them quite old, but I wanted to see if any of you fine, knowledgable folks are willing to help update and consolidate some of this info in a more current thread.
I am currently running my new Audio Note Kit 1 300B SET amp with a pair of Reference 3A De Capo speakers. I think it's a fine pairing and I am really enjoying what the 300B SET experience brings to the table in terms of musicality and emotional connection.
Still the De Capo, while supposedly an easy load due to its crossover-less design (only 1 cap on the tweeter with the mid-woofer directly coupled to the amp), is "only" rated at 92 db efficient, and based on the most recent Canadian NRC specs, that rating may be optimistic.
So, I am toying with the idea of trying a pair of more efficient, deliberately SET-friendly speakers in my rig, something that might also play lower and with greater dynamic swing than the De Capo's. Note that the De Capo's have served me well and I am very fond of them, but I can't help but wonder if my lovely Kit 1 would shine even better coupled to a VERY easy to drive speaker.
Devore and Audio Note are obvious options - the O/96 looks really tasty. Unfortunately, both of those choices are out of my budget, which I'm thinking maxes out (for real) at around $1500. I am willing to consider used equipment.
Tekton Lore 2.0: This is the speaker that Eric Alexander of Tekton has recommended when we've spoken on the phone, based upon my medium-small listening room and amp. I've read the epic "Lore vs. Zu" thread elsewhere in this forum, and clearly Tekton has its enthusiastic fans here. What I wonder is whether the Lore 2.0 has the refinement of the De Capo in terms of resolution, sweet high end and imaging. Audiogon'er Mikirob has pointed me to the many rave reviews of Tekton's speakers and I'm definitely interested.
I've corresponded with the Sonist folks (who are super nice) but their really high-efficiency, nearly-full-range floor stander is out of my budget.
Then there's the "vintage" route, going after some used JBL's or other high-efficiency "classics" from the 80's (or '70's). I am not inclined to go in this direction, but mention it because it's been suggested to me.
And then there's Omega. I spoke to Louis some time ago and he recommended his 7XRS hemp cone model. But I know all the raps on single driver designs and I'm cautious, although I would like to hear from any of you who own or have owned Omega's.
I'm in no rush to make a switch but I am very interested in your thoughts. Thanks, folks!
rebbi
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Rebbi, I feel I must also speak to Tannoys and SET 300B. The pairing of my factory-upgraded Assemblage Audio and my semi-DIY Tannoy HPD's has to be heard to be believed.

The problem, though, is that Tannoy, through its popularity, has become more and more expensive. If I hadn't made the move to them when I did, I would in no way be able to afford to do it these days.

As it was, it cost me the better part of $5000 to complete my highly customized HPD's, but then, I was on a mission to make these speakers the best they could possibly be. I was still working back then, so funding wasn't such an issue as it would be now.

Still, though, Steve, it's something to think about for the future. I would try to get out and hear Tannoy/SET pairings, and see if they may be something to aim for at a later date.

As things stand now, I wouldn't change a thing. Doing something similar to what I've done, not as elaborately, may still be the least expensive means to have and enjoy the Tannoy/SET experience.

Best regards,
Dan
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Steve, I may have to retract some of my previous post. I just checked on Ebay, and there are some affordable options still available.

A few DMT II's are available, also some nice 12" Royal drivers (made for the Canadian market), using HPD drivers. Sorry if I led you astray, I haven't checked on availability/pricing in a long time.

First though, do try and have a listen. You may find they are exactly what you are looking for.

Regards,
Dan
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charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The Tannoys are an enigma to me, some of their models appear to work beautifully with low-power S ET amplifiers. Other owners Of these speakers however say that the speakers require more power to bring them to life. It makes me wonder if it really depends on which particular Tannoy model one is referring to. Dan seems to achieve more satisfaction than Pani does with this pairing. Too be fair, they use different Tannoy speakers. Dan's model may be an easier load than Pani's. The Tannoy may be outside of Rebbi's stated price range. The Omega speaker idea seems very intriguing for modest size rooms as does Tekton Lores.
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mapman
22,322 posts
 
Having done some investigation into Tannoy at various times over the years, I think it is safe to say that it is a fairly diverse line with products that may appeal to a wide variety of users and various models will work differently with most any amp including SET. So specific model will definitely matter a lot.
plato
1,543 posts
 
WaveTouch Grand Tetons are a no-brainer if you can find a pair in your price range. You could contact Alex at Wavetouch as he may have some older or B-stock GT's. From my experience with them I would say they will pretty much best the DeCapos in every sonic parameter. They are 94 dB/watt efficient and I drive mine to decent levels with a pair of 300B mono amps in an 11' x 14' room. Bass is strong down to about 40Hz. Alex gives a pretty long in-home trial, as well.
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