Why tube amps are rated so low, still don't get it

The Moniter Audio speakers appear to be a bit more tube friendly based simply on the nominal impedance. If you want truly tube friendly speakers that will work on a variety of tube amps (from the lowest power to higher power amps) I would suggest you consider the speakers offered by Audio Note. They come in three basic sizes; each size is available in different cabinet finishes and different levels of components/build quality.

If you hear a pair of Audio Note ANJK/L or ANESp speakers you might be quite surprised at how good they sound. All three are a basic two way design with a minimalist crossover. The key is matching of components carefully and the quality of the components. The more expensive models use silver wiring, Alnico drivers, and sound materially better than the entry models. The entry models sound fine, too; I am on my second pair having used a J and now a K (due to space limitations).

All three of the speakers will work fine with 8 watts of good single ended tube power.

Wow, Thank you Mr. Porter for the fine post!
Regards,

There are lots of good speakers that will give you very satisfying results with 50 watts of tube power in a moderately sized room. Though I'm not familiar with either of the two speakers you are considering either appear to be quite adequate. I'm using 90db floorstanders at home running them with 10watts of PP (tube) power and that system can give clean sound loud enough to disturb the neigbors next door. The two speakers you mention also boast 90db efficiency. Keep in mind also that synergy is not just whether the speakers will play music at a satisfying volume with the given amp. The best thing you can do to determine whether you'll like it is actually listen to the specific combination of amp and speaker you are considering. If that proves difficult, buy used, listen, and sell if you don't like what you hear. Repeat this procedure till you find the combination that raises the hairs on the back of your neck and gets your toes to tappin' involuntarily, OR until your wife/s.o. throws you out of the house on your ass!

Marco

50W is pretty hefty for a tube amp. Nobody can look at a set of specs and tell you whether a particular amp can drive a particular speaker. (All right, a 200-watter can drive horns.) There are too many variables. The only way to know for sure is to get them both into your room, and play them as loud as you are likely to ever want to listen with some really demanding (think orchestral warhorse) material. If it sounds good, it is good.

Hi There,

I'l be honest with you - Shanling is not available here. I tested out the CD Player when I was overseas and fell in love with it, so I imported it specially. The tube amps I will thus not be able to test.