SET 45 and their (real) required speaker efficiency

@vvcv You have asked a number of good yet different questions.

On your primary question of pairing a 45 SET with your 94.5 dB sensitive Omegas, you will likely receive feedback from most that will say the 1.5 to 2 watts from a 45 SET will not cut it, especially so since 90% of your listening is Classical.

However, you haven't described the type(s) of Classical you listen to? For example, if it is small scale and leans towards solo or small group / venue performance and with instruments that have ~narrower~ 'frequency range,' then you may receive different feedback.

I suggest reaching out to members like @charles1dad @almarg @atmasphere and others on your questions.

Thanks David, I literally just finished re-reading segments of an 'article'(?) I had intended to include in my question that relates to your statement. You are most indeed correct, Classical/Contemp. Classical can run the full gamut of dynamics. But, I rarely listen to full scale symphonic pieces on speakers, and if I do it is on headphones. I've just found it easier that way overall -for orchestrations. So, yes, small ensemble to solo performances/recordings is my lifeline. But, even then, dynamics can come into the picture pretty quick. Surprise 'attacks' during a Feldman piece or two anyone? :D

But, I'll go ahead and post a quote that I keep running over in my head. And I just can't figure out if this guy is pushing his 100db drivers or giving honest good information. Here it is:

"No wonder even classical musicians are complaining about damage to their hearing. And by the way, there's not a whole lot of deep bass, even from a full orchestra with 4-6 bass players.
Now, recreating a live musical event from 2 watts take serious measures and I won't recommend anything less than 97-98 dB sensitivity, preferably 100 dB/2.8V. Some day I'll try to make a ~100 dB system from my Supravox drivers" http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/HES.htmhttp://

So, my main question with this quote is whether he is referring to a full-blown symphony when he states 'recreating a live musical event from 2 watts'? Surely, I have heard classical guitar recordings (which I once played prior to destroying my wrists), as well as violin, for example, that may not be whizzing past the 2 watt limitations. 

I've been looking at Fostex drivers, which seems to be one 'go to' for efficiency, and not finding many beyond my current speakers db. Is it the complicated looking cabinets that add to the efficiency? Not at all unfamiliar with the likes of some Lowthers cabs.  

I'm quickly getting the idea that a horn speaker of some sort is the way. I only wonder if there are any small enough for a smaller room. That's another thing I forgot to mention in my post. My listening range is near-mid field. About 3-4' from the speakers. Would this help at all with a 95-98db range? 

Sorry for another long ramble post guys. Just a lot I've been thinking about, and unfortunately, have forgotten many of my writing class strategies regarding the quick and coherency approach. :D

thanks,
rob

I have a SET 45 (1.75 wpc). Built by Will Vincent on a Dynaco ST70 chassis. It has only 5 tubes total: a 5V4 rectifier, two 6C6 pentodes as input tubes and two 45’s ouputs. Encron output transformers. Will did a beautiful job of powder coating the Dynaco chassis in white gloss and adding high-quality input jacks, speaker connectors and an IEC power inlet.

I bought a pair of vintage Heresy's (100 db/1 meter) to use with it. You will need something similar to make use of all the 1.75 watts of a single 45! 

Hi vvcv, I have a pair of 300B and 45 amps. (Wavelength, both bought here) with Magnequest transformers. I had no prior experience with such amplification, but felt with speakers, the higher the better. When a pair of Beauhorn Virtuoso' (Lowther DX4,single driver, @106) came up here here also at a very nice price, I grabbed them! Btw, of this was unauditioned but well researched by users experiences and reviews etc. You hear of those having lower efficiency speakers whom say the match is good, of which I haven't personally heard it, but more always can't hurt, and DOES make a difference, I'm sure. Actually, when I move to larger quarters (a room) I have a pair of JBL 4676 (4550 bottom cab) also @106, which I plan to try bi-amping with both pairs of amps. That will be another story for another time. Good luck.