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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
grk
223 posts
 
Devore 0/93's or Super Nines. The LM amp is frequently used to demo those speakers at Devore dealerships, since Tone Imports the LM distributor among other brands, sells to those dealers.
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@grk I may drive down to Portland and bring my amp with me. A shop has the O/96 in stock and it would be neat to have a listen - even though the Super Nine's would fit in better with the room they would go into. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
@freesole I've never heard the Argos, but Lou recommends them for a notably wide sweet spot and a slightly more forgiving presentation.  I think you might like the new Apollo or possibly the Ulysses.  Note that Daedalus has a very significant sale going this month that will end I think on the 30th.  Significant savings if one of the models rocks your world.
facten
2,878 posts
 
@freesole
I have not heard or owned the other speakers mentioned here so I cannot offer any comparison thoughts.
geek101
284 posts
 
If you like speakers close to neutral sounding then stay away from Devore and only Harbeth Super HL5plus from Harbeth line up is somewhat neutral(to my ears, did not listen to 40.1 btw).

Btw consider speakers you like and not something just for your tube amp, the could pay forward. I have LM 805ia and you will notice the hiss when you get close to speakers. 
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