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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
mikirob
955 posts
 
Hi Atmastphere,
All the tech stuff is well and good. I welcome your expertise, but bottom line in my home I just enjoy SET sound the most. I've been without a 300B DH SET for a couple of years, to be remedied very soon. I didn't mean to mislead readers, 80-85db is my usual listening level, but no problem cranking it a little, also about 95db on occasion. I didn't know Harvey well enough to comment on your OTL, but he did give sound advice on tweeking-up my 300Bs at the time as well as turning me on to thin silver wire to use with the 300Bs. Ultimately I think he convinced Goertz to make their original silver interconnect, I could be wrong about that.

I've only heard Audiokinesis once in my life and liked them, but before I drop the larger bucks once again I'm going to hit a lot of shows, get as much listening in that I can in New York, Chicago area and LA. High on my list is DeVore O/96, Daedalus, Line Magnet 755 Field Coil, Tannoy, Coincident and some others, you get the idea. Thanks again for your input.
mikirob
955 posts
 
P.S. I also meant to comment that in the meantime I'll be very content to live with the various Tekton that I own. Best, Rob
snopro
396 posts
 
Rebbi, if the new Omen II have the new FRD it will sound much better then the older Omens. I have their Druid V with an Undertone sub and the sound with my Franks is wonderful!
Their customer service is great and I think you have a 60 day return policy.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Agree totally with Atmasphere, if you REALLY want to hear what those SETs can do, go with higher efficiency, particularly if you have wide musical tastes. I'm sure they sound great for certain music, in specific rooms at moderate levels. Is anyone listening to music beyond small scale with these amps? I really am curious because the general discussion seems to be around the quality of the sound with moderately efficient speakers, not truly high efficiency speakers. Just something to seriously consider Rebbi moving forward since you have made the committment to the amp.

I would bet serious money that most of the long time users, those who can't live without the enticing purity and tonal qualities found in these amps will encourage you more in that direction. Of course in the end the only way of knowing what works for you is listening to as many speakers as possible without making a committment to something that may end up being less than desired in the long run. On the other hand that is part of what makes this hobby so enjoyable and at times frustrating, finding the ideal we each seek. Read the writing on the wall, particularly the comments from those with experience.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I would say that SET oawners listen at levels they prefer just as owners of non SET amplifiers choose to do. I didn't listen at higher sound levels when I used Solid state or tube push pull, 75-85 db was simply loud enough for me in my home. We all have our individual level of comfort regardless of amplifier topology or power.Atamasphere if the SPL at shows Is indicative of your preferences (Atamasphereand Classic Audio speakers) that's louder than I'm comfortable listening to. But again no right or wrong at all just an example of how we prefer different sound volumes. What's ideal for one isn't suitable for another. I'll make the assumption that we as seasoned listeners know what we like.
Charles,
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