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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
 
Atmastphere,
I respect you greatly, understand what you are saying, yet I fully agree with Brownsfan, my parameters in my home match his. Yes, at times I might go 95db-100db with one of my Various set-ups, but not normally in my home office system in a 14x16x9 room. Hey, I must get some work done on occasion. Plus, I too, prefer/listen to Bach, Beethoven over the Wagner stuff 99% of the time. I'm happy for you that you have found your sweet spot. I'm happy for Charles, Brownsfan, Jet, Granny that they have achieved their sweet spot; now let us help Rebbi get closer to his sweet spot with a smaller budget. Theory is fine, but $$$ speak. The real question is: how far can we push the envelop and get to sound quality of 90-95% of expensive systems for Rebbi and the majority of music lovers who will not or cannot spend $$$$$$$ and upgrade every other month.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Brownsfan and Seikosha,
You both make excellent points concerning SPL preferences. This is strictly personal and all of us have our comfort levels. Ralph to suggest that just because one chooses moderate/reasonable SPL is somehow missing out on true musical enjoyment, well I disagree.

I listen to live acoustic music very often and sometimes its louder than is comfortable. And at other times the SPL remains in the mid 80-90s db range. Much depends on the musical fare, venue and where you're seated. I've discovered that lower listening levels at home can be and are immensely involving. There's no need to mimic live venue volume levels to achieve deep enjoyment. Brownsfan I have also experienced SPLs at shows and demonstrations that are unnecessarily loud and sounds like crap! Those who feel the SPL must be cranked up, more power to you and again this is merely personal choice. I don't view this as a right or wrong issue. I just believe it's disingenuous to say that preference for moderate SPL means your missing out on true satisfaction, No way.
Charles,
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,374 posts
 
here's another radical thought.

A lot of pro gear ie monitors are high efficiency out of necessity and tend to offer good sound quality value/$$. Are there any very high quality pro monitors in the price range worth consideration? Tannoy for example is one vendor who does both home and pro speakers/monitors. JBL another.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,374 posts
 
Also Decware specializes in "affordable" low power tube amps and makes speakers to match that might be in teh price range. Disclaimer: have never heard these but Decware gets a good rap overall and these are made with that goal in mind.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,374 posts
 
FWIW, the best and least compromised sound I have actually heard with affordable speakers run off a low power tube amp was...drum roll Audio Note (do not know the exact model or cost but they start out in Reb's price range I believe and I believe are typically made for corner placement for best results, which I think has to be a big help with moderate sized speakers off just a few watts.

And they sell kits as well.
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