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Efficient Speakers with SS Powered Subwoofers for SET amps?

Been loving my Martin Logan Expression 13a but I need my tubes back. Been enjoying low powered SET amps again and would love to use them in my primary setup. Currently running a Woo Audio WA5 that is doubling as my headphone rig. Will probably end up with something else in the near future. 

Trouble is I'm having a tough time getting off the powerful authoritative bass coming from the Martin Logans and their 300 watt class D 10 inch woofers. I've seen the Zu Audio definition's with their powered woofers but I'd like to spend less. Ideally under 10k. Looking to run the tubes for all the mids and highs with solid state running the lows. 

I realize I could simply run a separate dedicated sub but an all in one package is more appealing and space is a concern.

Can you guys make any recommendations?

Thanks!
chrisallen
chrisallen OP
6 posts
 
I think I am actually going to pick up a Line Magnetic 518ia to play around with so I will have a few extra watts. The Golden ears seem really interesting but I can't get over their plain jane looks. Will certainly read up on all of the other recommendations though. Thanks guys!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi chrisallen,
Good idea regarding the LM 518ia. I would give serious consideration to the LM 508ia amplifier. For not much more money it is a 48 Watt SET so operation is pure class A (as are all SETs). What’s very unique is it uses the 300b as the driver tube which is a DHT (Directly heated triode) for the 805 output tube. So you have a DHT driving a DHT. Owners of this amplifier who have posted on this site say the sound quality is simply superb. The 508ia is said to be a step above the already very good sounding 518ia which is 845 output tube driven by 6L6/6V6/el34 or KT 88 tubes. The 508ia is sonically comparable to the higher cost 219ia which also has 300b driver tube for an 845 output tube. 
Charles
larryi
3,983 posts
 

Charles 1 dad's suggestion of the Rethm speakers is interesting.  I heard one of their speakers not too long ago and it was quite nice sounding, particularly for the money.  I believe it had a built in powered woofer and utilized a full-range driver to handle everything from the upper bass on up.  It is efficient enough to work with a SET amp for the full-range part of the system.

At a much higher price, the truly full-range Charney speakers are quite interesting.  I heard them operating as a one driver, full-range system (no subwoofer), but, I think a subwoofer that came in at a fairly low frequency would help that system.  It was also quite efficient too.

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,479 posts
 
With the LM amp you should consider the Tekton Double Impact SE speakers. They cost $6500 new. They are highly effecient and offer tremendous bass. No powered sub needed in these. The LM would be a wonderful match. The bass in these speakers is as good as powered subs without the added electronics, complexity and cost. Tube watts (20-48) will rattle your room and thump your check with these speakers. 
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
619 posts
 
The Charney Audio Companion with the Omega RS7 driver would be a great way to go for your room size. I have listened to them in a 14x19x9 room and the bass is sufficient. You can always add one down the road if desired. Your choice of the LM 518a is far and away enough power. The RS7 driver lends itself well to low watt SET amps as well as SS amplification. I have a pair and listen in my 11x15x8 room. I currently us a pair of ANK interstage mono's, but recently demoed the Digital Amplifier Company Stereo Maraschino (STM) integrated. It gave my 300b a serious run for the money and is less than a quarter of the cost. A very good integrated I could easily live with had I not owned the ANK monos.
Enjoy your journey.
http://charneyaudio.com/
http://www.cherryamp.com/  
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