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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
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,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
I listen to big band recordings fairly regularly and believe me the SET is fine and preferable to my PP tube amp I mentioned in an earlier post. The is no single type of amplifier that is the best for all genres of music, I don't care what amplifier it is, there's inevitable compromise somewhere. I honestly believe that enough SET owners have posted often enough that they enjoy a very wide spectrum of music. The stereotype that only small scale music is appropriate needs to be put to rest as a tired and worn cliche. Mikirob, Jetrexpro, Brownsfan, Snopro, Grannyring and others have made it clear that they enjoy their larger scale recordings with great satisfaction.
Charles,
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,373 posts
 
i'm of the mindset that good performance is largely objective and that good performance facilitates good sound however what sounds good to each is a purely subjective call in the end.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Thats fair enough Charles, if the case. I'm not questioning anything other than the fact that the Decapo speakers, which Rebbi obviously loves were not sufficient enough, or maybe, lets just explore this further to see what might be possible. I agree, there is no ideal amplifier BUT if one is committed to an SET amplifier the question might be, what is the ideal speaker choice for ALL the music I prefer listening to, what would take? Shouldn't that be a legitimate consideration or point to pose?

Big band is not orchestral/large scale music Charles and much less taxing on an amplifier than large scale. So far as SET owners enjoying a large spectrum of music I would only ASK what are the speakers they are using with the SET and what are their listening choices? Really Charles, I'm not debating the merits of SETs with a given speaker only that those reading THIS thread shoule be well aware of limitations depending on their musical choices. It just hasn't been discussed enough and for an individual that may be influenced by the merits of SET amplifiers a worthy point. One thing I always love in this hobby is folks with passion and this most certainly includes you Charles, I would LOVE to hear your set-up, I'm sure it's quite special!
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