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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
racamuti's avatar
racamuti
362 posts
 
Hi Rebbi, The speaker brand that I recommend is Sonist.
I had a pair of De Capo's that I was driving with a 5 watt amp (bridged Decware zens) and never felt that I had enough power for those speakers. Sold them and bought a pair of Sonist "Concerto 2's". The sound from them was a big step in the right direction! I think the De Capo's need about 25 or 30 watts to really shine, but the Sonist lit up with my 5 watts! I eventually found a used pair of the "Sonist Concerto 4's" and I'm done searching for a speaker to use with a few watts.
Tish
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
835 posts
 
You should try to get to the Lone Star Audio Fest May 2nd in Dallas. That's where I heard Sonist and if they weren't out of my price range at the time I'd probably have a pair.

But at LSAF there are manufacturers of more than a few speakers, many full range single driver or similar designs.
Pi speakers is almost always there, Bob Brines, Manzanita, and others. I've seen many different types of speakers there, many SET compatible.
I suggest checking to see who will be there this year, I don't know.

And since you're a big DIY Guru now having built the Kit1 amp, don't discount building your own! ;)
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Everybody, I deeply appreciate all of your insights! Sebrof, I'd love to get to LSAF but have to work that weekend so I'll be missing it this year. I actually spoke to the fellow from Pi. I've also corresponded a bit with Audiokinesis (Duke) who's located outside of Dallas now and seems like an absolutely stand-up guy.
It's clear to me that if I'm going to make a change, it's got to be on a home trial or a used item where I won't take a huge hit if it's not right. I sense that system synergy is especially crucial with a SET amp so I'd need to be careful.
leahy's avatar
leahy
80 posts
 
I'm at the same place your are. I currently have some Cain Abbys, but I'm considering Omega's Outlaw 7 high output stand mount. I did Lowthers in a modern cabinet, and they were very good, but I prefer a smaller driver to help with high frequency beaming.

Others that were good include Horn Shoppe horns (great, but I don't have corners to utilize in my current room), Cardersound Tybone/Saburo Fostex 126 based speaker (awesome, but needed the matching sub and was too big for my room), Altec 14 (needs more than 2-3 watts, but sounds amazing with the cheap Chinese class-D amps.

I'm intrigued by the system from Blumenstein, but I'd like to stay away from extra power cords and four boxes…

By the way, I still have some Triangle Zerius, and it may be one of the most under rated affordable speakers. It just might sound great with a 300B. I use it with a TVC and upgraded Red Wine ClariT at about 5 watts. The used price is between $300-450, and it would be tough to beat. I'll always keep these even as I play around with single-driver full-range speakers.

Keep us posted on your decision - I'm very interested...
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,016 posts
 
Hi Reb,
All sorts of tempting choices. If I was in the financial position and had a larger room,, I would get the Coincident Total Eclipses that Charles owns. They are super! I don't know why no other company is making a speaker of that type that is so efficient.
I'm glad to read some positive feedback on the Sonist speakers. They always looked interesting to me, and they are attractive as well.
I personally heard the Tannoy Kensingtons sounding great with a low power Art Audio amp a few years back, and if you are interested in a speaker that has a high quality concentric driver for a reasonable price, check out Reaction Audio. I haven't heard them, but there is good buzz aout them, and they are SET friendly..
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