2. speakers
  3. 152054-91205

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
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
1,411 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.
glow_worm OP
84 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the replies, all v helpful!

bjesien - When comparing the SS to the tubes...did you notice any signs of the Nines needing more power? MY PL does a surprising job of powering difficult speakers (4 ohm, 3.5 min), and I’ve compared them using 100 W ss. With the tubes the bass had less impact...slower and not as well defined, and a pretty drastic reduction in sound stage (dynamic range was still good though). 
Did you notice any of these type of problems using tubes?
bjesien
1,411 posts
 
The 15 watts or so of the Leben 300 lacked some bass definition but if your trying to raise the roof with trance music and EL 84’s you’ve got other issues :)
IME if I can use an amp rated at 10-20 watts in triode most of the time and switch to 20-40 ultra linear occasionally I’m all set. Hope this helps.
More to discover