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Devore Nines and amp match


I’m putting together a second system using a Primaluna Dialogue integrated (about 35 watts). I’m considering a used pair of Devore Nines (nominal impedance 8 ohms (5.6 ohms minimum), 91dB sensitivity).  I can’t find impedance / phase info on this speaker, but my goal is an easy load and to use the 8 ohm taps. 

Anyone have experience with this speaker with tube gear? I’ve read user comments in a few forums that these older Devore’s need a lot of current to really shine, and low power amps aren’t the best fit (contrary to their reputation). I figure 5.6 min is close to the edge anyway, and without phase angle info I’m leaning against them at the moment. 

Anyone have experience or opinion on this matching? Finding efficient tube friendly speakers is one difficult task. Gibbon X would be great...except they’re $16K so that’s not going to happen!


glow_worm
glow_worm OP
84 posts
 
Thanks Ralph. Much of my understanding about tube / speaker matching is from what you’ve written here. Much appreciated. I’ve made one expensive mistake already and I want to avoid another. 

I’ve also read about the somewhat high output impedance with the Primalunas (or some of the models anyway). Appears to me that this is generally a negative, but I haven’t figured technically how this effects speaker matching...these discussions are beyond my pay grade. 
akiravelvet's avatar
akiravelvet
72 posts
 
I second the idea to get a used pair of the 0/93's as 35 watts is more than enough for those.

i used to have a pair of the nines and found the upgrade to the 0/93's night and day difference.

wait for a used pair to pop up in the 5-6k range
missioncoonery
1,250 posts
 
I suggest speaking to a Devore dealer,the two I had phone conversations with suggested Line Magnetic over Primaluna( which I had at the time)..Now owning a LM I agree especially with Devore 
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I've owned the Nines, and O/96...both excellent speakers. I went to even higher efficiency, but miss the DeVores. I think while comparing the Nines to 93's, the former may be at an unfair disadvantage with a very low wattage amp. I sure wouldn't hesitate to put mid-30 watt EL 34 or mid-40 watt KT 88 amp on either of them. I have a soft spot for the O series. 
bjesien
1,413 posts
 
I have a pair of Nines that I enjoy with tubes and solid state.  I would recommend 20 plus watts.  I’ve used them with a Leben 300 and the sound was amazing but I found the combination slightly underpowered for a medium sized room.  Every amp I’ve used with them sounded quite different.
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