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Help me choose a speaker match for my Line Magnetic 805ia tube amp under $10K

Since all of you were such a huge help in getting me to arrive at my decision to get the Line Magnetic 805ia tube integrated, I thought I would start another thread to discuss speakers to consider. I do love my Ascend Acoustics but after hearing the improvement that the Line Magnetic gave my system, I am wondering now if there is a reasonably priced but a better speaker that is a better match for my system. The only criteria is that the price be equal to or less than $10k. I am looking for a speaker that is not harsh in the higher frequencies but still has enough sparkle and snap that doesn't give up anything in terms of detail. The ability to deliver some low end, dynamic punch is something that I would be looking for as well as this is the one area the Ascend's lack in currently. 

My current setup is...

Speakers: Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower with RAAL Tweeters and Ascend Acoustics Center Speaker with RAAL Tweeter
Amp: Line Magnetic 805ia at 48W x 2
DAC: PS Audio Directstream Junior
Primary Music: Jazz and Female Vocals 

Speakers that I have considered so far include (power requirements notwithstanding):
  • Magico A3
  • Dynaudio Contour 60
  • Focal Sopra 2
  • Sonus Faber Olympica 3
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
freesole
bradf's avatar
bradf
329 posts
 
I agree with Crisg1000

Although not on the top of my list, the D7 is a better match for your amp then the D9.  I would pair it with a very good powered subwoofer.

Most speakers I listed above are designed to mate with SET amps.
First order x-over, benign impedance loads / curves, etc.


Besides Gig Harbor having the D7, they also have the LM 805ia, so it would be a good opportunity for you see what the amp sounds like with the speaker.

By the way I am in PDX. There may be an opportunity down the road for you to hear what your LM sounds like with the Sonist Concerto 4 Gen 2.
Speaker with REL sub and compare it to Sonum Ars Filarmonia 30W Push/Pull operating mostly in Class A with Jupiter Copper/Paper /Wax coupling caps, SR Black Fuses and all NOS tubes.  I also have Merlin TSM Magic (next to last pair made); which don't drop below 6 Ohms. 


Brad


riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook's avatar
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
981 posts
 

Freesole,


I have never used the Salk SS "8"'s so I cant tell you the difference. If I listed all the gear that I still have in boxes and never tried somebody would offer me a straight jacket. Always loved the way the Salk's looked (Mine looks like Tobacco Sunburst finish) so I just grabbed em!!  Im sure I will get to them eventually if I dont trade them in for something else first.

freesole OP
159 posts
 
@riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook 

I wish I could post an emoticon of my jaw dropping right now. Salk SS8's and they haven't been listened to! I would be so excited to hear them if I had them in front of me :) I'm not sure what the Tobacco Sunburst looks like. What price would you sell them for? Please feel free to PM me. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@chrisg1000 Awesome to see another member local to me. I am based out in Issaquah (not too far away from Seattle). I purchased the Line Magnetic 805ia from Erik in Gig Harbor Audio. The shop is so nice and welcoming and they always have great music playing. Erik is as standout a guy as I have ever met. I wish they had some of the speakers I was looking for to listen to though! 

Your speakers look "Neat" ;) Sorry that was a horrible pun. I am surprised by the level of sensitivity and the ability for your LM to drive it though. This process of hearing what people can drive with their amps has led me to believe that power ratings really depend on their amp type and even then, the numbers are not always "equal". My Ascend's at about 9-10 o'clock on the volume knob is always very loud. No issues with powering these speakers whatsoever. I have not heard the Spendor A7's before but they are a handsome pair of speakers. 

I'm thinking of heading down to Pearl Audio and listening to a few sets. They carry Magico, Dynaudio, Sonus Faber and Devore. 
bradf's avatar
bradf
329 posts
 
You may want to phone Pearl to insure they have the speaker your interested in on hand.

The Devore O/96 is the only speaker in the Devore line they have on hand currently.


Good luck with your speaker selection.
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