Solobone, I tested the same combination of 3b-st against the par. 7b-st, thinking that more current would be making an audible difference. At the spl that I play my music 80dB, there was no difference and the actual difference in Max spl was maybe 3dB. The 3b-st are very capable at moderate volume and the needed power is modest, 30 watt according to my measurements is plenty.
On a different note, the 3.5 can be really enhanced with tri-amping. Spend this summer hundreds of hours measuring, listening and comparing, and can now comfortably say that the 3.5 are competing with the 3.7. Measurements indicate even better phase coherence with linear xo filters and the absence of any phase shift is remarkable in the clarity and definition of the sound and soundstage. Being able to dial in exactly the amount of Base that the speakers can handle without distortion is priceless. I hope to write up my journey and make it accessible to others.
On a different note, the 3.5 can be really enhanced with tri-amping. Spend this summer hundreds of hours measuring, listening and comparing, and can now comfortably say that the 3.5 are competing with the 3.7. Measurements indicate even better phase coherence with linear xo filters and the absence of any phase shift is remarkable in the clarity and definition of the sound and soundstage. Being able to dial in exactly the amount of Base that the speakers can handle without distortion is priceless. I hope to write up my journey and make it accessible to others.