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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I'd imagine that the vast majority of SET owners had a variety of different amplifiers prior to discovering SETs, this is true in my case. At some point with experience under our belt we realize what sounds preferable to us individually. To state the obvious, these choices/tastes will vary. I can only speak of my own listening encounters. I've found SETs as a group sound better and closer to what I seek. That's it.

Tubegroover, Ralph and others,I understand that you are drawn to something else and move in a different direction. This is as it should be, I chose what moved me the most in terms of music enjoyment and involvement. I really don't understand what the dispute is, if SET doesn't float your boat then find what does (there's plenty of options).

Ralph I stand by my statement that there is no perfect amplifier, some will excel in some sonic areas and be less than ideal in another. We choose the tradeoffs we can live with.

Mapman, I don't get your "sugar coating" comment, sugar coating what? Every SET owner who has participated in this thread has been clear and open concerning proper amp/speaker matching. Their comments simply support and express the satisfaction they have found going the SET route. How is this perceived as sugar coating? Is Rebbi strongly preferring the AN Kit1 SET over his former Manley or Bel Canto an example of sugar coating?
Charles,
mikirob
955 posts
 
Charles,
Agreed.
jetrexpro
506 posts
 
As discussed many times SET amps need a very well designed power supply so they can handle dynamics and bass as well as they handle midrange. Even a small change in the design of the PS can either improve or detract from how the amp handles bass and dynamics. It is not an exact science so if one hears a SET amp with well matched speakers and it's dynamics are weak and the bass is soft and uncontrolled the possibility exists that the amps power supply could use more attention from the builder.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Amps are either well designed and built, or not. A perfect measurement does not necessarily equal good sound.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Rob,
You make many logical points. SETs aren't unique in requiring some thought and planing regarding synergy and component matching. As you cite this is true for virtually all audio product to ensure successful outcomes. If you like Maggie speakers, be prepared to seek out high power amps to drive them. I don't understand the singling out of SETs as if nothing else mandates compatibility considerations. I would expect any person interested in a particular amplifier or speaker will do their due diligence as to what's required.
Charles,
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