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Speaker Suggestions for 300b SET Amp

I built an Elekit 8600 300b set amp recently.  It's amazing. I maxed out upgrades (all Takman resistors, Mundorf top end caps, solder/wiring, etc.).  It's a wonderful amp. It cost me $2k to build it and it's glorious.


My issue hasn't been the amp, but finding speakers that I want to use with it.  


I started with Omega XRS 8 Juniors (~$2k). I broke them in for 300 hours and, while they did get better, they largely sounded like the top and bottom ends were just truncated off at both ends the sound spectrum. They sounded more akin to a transistor radio speaker. I feel terrible to say that and I hope others really love them and hear them differently, as the company is great and the owner is wonderful. They just weren't for me.


So, I just paired the 300b up with some inefficient speakers (both KEF LS50s and Wharfedale 80th anniversary Dentons). Both speakers were part of other systems I have.  Both sets, and especially the cheaper Wharfedales, just sing with the 300b.  They do not play particularly loud given their efficiency ratings, yet they sound wonderful for very close nearfield listening. 


But what I'd like to do is go a bit more into the full range speaker category without buying a massive product. Or, I consider a smaller bookshelf/monitor if it were more efficient.


What speakers do folks like with their 300bs?  


128x128jbhiller
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Glenn,
Your typical listening range is the same as mine with my 8 watt SET or even when I was using my push pull tube 100 watt (60 watts triode mode which I preferred). I Seldom go louder but have gotten 100db peaks with the Frankenstein SET. It’s funny when the 60 watt was my main amplifier I was so impressed with its organic nature and transparency. Best I’d had up to that point. The Frankenstein instantly changed that perception , 8 watts! More open, natural, less electronic character (relatively speaking). Most significantly, a higher level of pure emotional involvement. It absolutely just pulls me right into the music, deeply.  I suspect you’ll be happy with the parallel 300b amplifier approach.
Charles
br3098
994 posts
 
jbhiller,

Your experience with the Omega XRS 8 Junior is surprising to me.  I don't own a pair of Omegas but I have a couple of friends with them and I think they sound great.  I wil add that the 8 Jr. is probably a better speaker for jazz than classical, IMO.

I have recently heard the Rethm Bhaava speakers and was very impressed.  They say that they are not as good as their Rethm's more expensive offerings.  If so, the upper speakers must be f***ing fantastic because the Bhaavas I heard were great.  Musical and detailed (more of the former) and lots of bass, provided by an active woofer.  Made in India (may be a problem for some, not for me) and quite affordable.

I may be out of fashion here but I believe that the final transducer (speakers or headphones) are the most critical components in a system - more so than the amplifier.  When outfitting a new system I usually try to selecting an amp to match the speakers and not the other way around.

gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,235 posts
 
+1 for Klipschorns. They are hardly noticeable in a corner. Sort of........ 

audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
Daedalus Audio are ideal

very natural, tonally balanced, dynamic, engaging

lou Hinkley is a master craftsman

their speakers are all in the 96-98 db sensitivity range

see the Daedalus audiocircle for more info especially peoples experience w various amps
keithtexas
352 posts
 

+1 Coincident

+1 Reference 3A

GR Research Super V - The Super-V has 97db sensitivity and is an easy 8 ohm load. They can be driven easily with even the lowest wattage amplifiers because it only has to drive the upper coaxial driver. The two 12" SERVO controlled subs in the bottom of each speaker are powered by their own amplifier.

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