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Suggestions for higher efficiency speakers

Interested in trying lower watt tube SET or class A amps.  After hearing about the 'magic' for years I feel it's about time I give it a listen.  But, don't think my current speakers are efficient enough (please correct me if I'm wrong about this).  I have Snell Type D at around 87 dB and Gallo 3.1 at around 88.  Not exactly inefficient but could be better.  I have used my Jolida 502 brc (60 watt) with the Snells and it sounds great.  About to try the Jolida with the newer Gallos.  I have read that they work well with tubes, eager to find out.  

Looking for suggestions for efficient speakers under $2k.  I know most horns qualify but, unfortunately, I have never been a big fan of the Klipsch sound.  Of course there are other brands to check out.  

I am in the process of researching amps right now. Seems like there are a few nice options in my lower price range.  If you want to throw a few amp suggestions out there too that's great.

Thanks!
pkatsuleas
audition__audio
1,477 posts
 
You should pay attention to what atma-sphere has posted. Several friends and I conducted an experiment in which we compared a pair of parallel 300B SETs (18 watts/channel) to a VAC push-pull Phi 200, a Mastersound 32B amplifier and a pair of Atma-sphere M-60s. Speaker used were DeVore O/96s. An entire day was spent comparing these amps and the clear and universal winner were the Atma-spheres. Last were the 300B amps which displayed exactly the type of behavior outlined in the above thread. I can only suggest SETs for extremely efficient speakers with a high and stable impedance. This comparison really opened out collective eyes to the limitations of many single ended designs. Funny thing is you really dont notice these undesirable characteristics until you compare directly with a far superior amp. 
pkatsuleas OP
251 posts
 
jsautter, I did pay close attention, read it a few times - very informative!  I've enjoyed his posts for years.  Not sold on SET amps, but would like to experiment.  But I see that getting the proper speakers may prove difficult in my price range.  I would like to hear some atmasphere gear as well, but again that pesky budget comes into play.  I am open to push pull types.  Should have pulled the trigger on some local Quicksilver mid-monos a while back....
toro3's avatar
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toro3
331 posts
 
Decware Zen and Omega Super 3 XRS will put you right around 2k. Synergy is reportedly pretty good per the Omega thread on Audio Circle. I was leaning toward this direction before taking up a small PP instead of a SET.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
After auditioning them before buying a pair a couple of years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by how Klipsch Heresy IIIs sound having not paid much attention to the brand over the years...now they might be cheaper since that model is being upgraded. In any case, they're a steal relative to most brands (I've owned lots of speakers over the years) and the efficiency is just frosting on that cake. I do use a couple of REL subs as I like to control bass without digital helpers, but the new Heresy IV might not need subs so much as it's ported to get more low end. Fan up dude!
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Note the Heresy IV has been listed with specs on the Klipsch site and among other changes in driver and crossover design, it now has a larger ported cabinet and is rated to 48hz as opposed to the previous model’s 58hz. Note the III does have output below 58 hz of course, but it really does drop off pretty fast at 58 based on a test CD I use.
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