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Help with bi-wirable efficient floorstanding 2.5K

Hello,

I am looking for a pair of at least 90 db 2.5 or 3 way bi-wirable floostanding speakers of relatively small footprint (less than 15" wide) for under 2.5K used or new. This has not proved an easy quest for me. Proacs fit this purpose, but they are expensive...
Any suggestions would be most welcome. I am planning to run them bi-amped with a 8w SET amp (300b) and a 10wpc DIY hybrid amp. My pre is DeHavilland Ultraverve II. Room medium/big, subwoofer yes. I listen to classical, blues, world music, and jazz mostly.

Thank you all in advance.
mercurypdx
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I don't have any specific speaker recommendations to offer, but I would suggest that if your listening includes anything with wide dynamic range, such as well-recorded symphony orchestra, a 90db speaker in a "medium/big" room, with a 10W amplifier, will not be adequate.

I have 90db speakers in a room which is only 13x20, with a listening distance of 10 or 11 feet. Listening to classical symphonic music, I've clipped a 20W vintage tube amp to the point where visible arcing occurred in the power tubes. Currently I'm using an 80W tube amp, which is adequate, but without a lot of margin. A 200W solid state amp I've used in the past was fine.

If the crossover configuration for your sub keeps the deep bass out of the low-powered amps that will help, of course, but on the other hand your room sounds like it is significantly larger than mine. I'd look for 96db+ if I were planning on SET or similarly low-powered amps.

Regards,
-- Al
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larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
You might look at Audio Physic.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Don't fool around, just get used pair of ProAc 140's. Should cost less the 2.5K. I drive mine with tubes and they sound just great, never stressed out.
mercurypdx OP
16 posts
 
Many thanks for all the inspiring ideas. I appreciate the discussion by Almarg. I may have to rethink room size and power issues.

The Triangles are very attractively priced indeed, especially now. Silverline is perfect for me, but I will have to wait for a used sonata III. I agree that those Canadian speakers are a fantastic value...Mirage is really a good deal for what it offers. Is mirage better for home theatre? I am more into the 2-channel stereo, even though I do use a subwoofer with my current ERA D10s.

...and finally, the Proac Studio 140! I knew that it will not be easy to disregard the Proacs. If I can find a good used pair of 140s, I will go for it. There is a local Proac dealer in Portland, OR, Stereotypes Audio. They are great people. I will certainly take a look. I was mesmerized when I first heard a higher end Proac there.

BTW, anybody have any experience with BC Acoustique ACT line, like A2.5 or A3? They apparently have an interesting adjustable Fostex horn tweeter.
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