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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
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Jet,
Right now, there is actually a fellow here on audiogon who is selling a pair of Audio Note AN-E/SP's. They come with Audio Note stands and sell for $1500!
I sent the link to Brian at Audio Note Kits. He confirmed that these are an older version of the speaker, back from when they used chipboard cabinets. He also said that this is the "94 dB" version, which he said he does not recommend for the Kit 1. He prefers the "98 dB" version. That's the only reason I haven't taken a stab at them – plus my impression is that they are fairly beaten up.
As I said, I would love to build one of the kit versions of that speaker, but I don't think you can get into that for under $4000, and that's without a special stand.
By the way, are you using corner placement with yours? I have heard conflicting reports about how crucial that actually is.
jetrexpro
506 posts
 
Rob, thank you. The upgrades to the Dynamo sound like they will yield nice improvements. I have not heard of Arizona caps. Are you using them for coupling or in the power supply? I can recommend the Goldpoint stepped attenuator for a volume control. Very clean and clear sounding.
Rebbi/Rob I agree, the synergy with the kit one and the E's would obviously be natural. What you heard at the audio show would be pretty close to the kit one paired with ANe Spe HE or ANe LX HE. I did not realize how much you liked the ANE's. If this is the case I can't imagine choosing any other speaker. Since purchasing my E's I have heard many speakers that I like better for some of the things they might do better but once I get home and settle in for some listening I never feel like I need to upgrade. They don't need corners as long as you can put them fairly close to the back walls you should be fine. As I have mentioned already they play all types of music but most importantly they make me feel the heart and soul of that music. I've owned them for four years and have no plans to sell them.
Try to remember how the E's made you feel at the audio show and don't settle until have a set of speakers that do that. Regards Jet
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
The AN speakers might fit on a larger pair of isoacoustics stands which are adjustable and not expensive. They would sit lower to the ground with optional tilt up for the tweeter. That could well compensate for not placing them on higher stands in a corner. Boundary reinforcement would seem to be a key ingredient for good high eff performance from a smaller box on a budget.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
Rebbi the other thing about low placement with slight tilt up is this can work in your favor with imaging and soundstage in a smaller rooms due to longer delays for reflections from ceiling and rear wall. Audiokinesis has mentioned this approach that he has applied in some of his recent designs. The results with Triangle Titus low to floor on isoacoustics with slight upward tilt in my wife's sunroom supports this.
jetrexpro
506 posts
 
Rebbi, as for corning placement I have heard them both ways in my room. I have two corners and they sound awesome that way. Currently I have them set up on the other side of the room with only one in the corner and the other about 10 inches away from the back wall. I may be giving up a bit of performance this way but they sound so good either way I really dont mind. My Wife insists on this placement since it makes this room flow better...who am I to argue with her!! I would also confer with Brian and others about corner vs wall placement. They will have more expirience with various room types than I.
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