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Speaker type for my Conrad-Johnson ET5/LP70S tube combo

Hi,

I'm thinking of changing from a Dynamic to Electromagnetic or Electrostat speaker. Magnepan most interests me. The CJ combo is paired with Dynaudio Focus 260 box speakers and it's companion Sub 600. It's a nice set up but, as a previous owner of a pair of Magnepan IIIa's for 17 years, it doesn't get the silky mid vocals right like the Maggies. I can't seem to get rid of some of the midrange glare with concern to guitar & vocal even on some of the best recordings. I want to keep the CJ combo but the power amp is rated at 70W @ 4 ohms. I'm not interested in a SS power amp. Is there anyone out there who is pairing a lower output tube amp like mine with Maggies or Electrostats with success including adequate dynamics? Any questions welcomed.


routeman21
erik_squires
16,009 posts
 
Magico A3?

I'd also suggest Monitor Audio, but may be too laid back for you.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,715 posts
 
Consider the Eminent Technology LFT-8b, a hybrid magnetic-planar (180Hz up)/dynamic woofer (180Hz down) loudspeaker that retails for $2499. It doesn't need as much power as Maggies, and is better suited to your power amp, as it is a nominal 8 ohm load. If you decide to bi-amp, the m-p panels themselves (which operate in push-pull fashion, unlike the single-ended MG1.7i Maggies) are an even easier 11 ohm load.
routeman21 OP
110 posts
 

bdp24,

For the time being, I'm not expecting to bi-amp or consider upgrading to a more powerful amp because I want to focus my spending into a pair of speakers only and hopefully make the right choice. I visited the Eminent Tech site and they stated the model you mentioned requires 75W minimum. It doesn't sound like a good match if what they say is accurate. Thanks!

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,715 posts
 
routeman21, if your amp isn't enough for the ET's, it REALLY isn't enough for Maggies, which need far more power. Perhaps a pair of ESL's would be better for your amp, though some of them also require or benefit from more than 70 watts.
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