@spotonlon
..I’ve heard sensitivity is an important concern and that I should be looking at speakers with 91db or more? Is that good advice? Do folks have thoughts, guidance on this?
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Capable lower watt tube amps, w/good transformers, paired with 4 or 8ohm speakers in the 85-89db sensitivity range can work at low to mid volume levels with moderate success (truly depends on the speaker design), a bit less dynamic/responsive maybe. Yes, QS Mid Monos are a lower noise design generally targeted more for use with higher efficiency 90db-100db range speakers as a general guideline. Higher efficiency speakers can help the amps to not have to work as hard staying above the aforementioned 91db, sure. Again a general guideline, results can vary per speaker.
I’ve heard a few different QS Mono amps paired with as low as 83db sensitivity 8ohm electrostatic speakers, and while it was surprising how musical it was at lower volumes, the same speakers woke up a bit more when I heard them with my own QS Mono 120s with more than 2x the power and much larger transformers.
A good buddy runs the QS Mid Monos with small lower grade 95db floor stander speakers and it fills up the house with sound fairly well. His prior tube amps had 2x the power, and he comments having to turn the volume up a it more with his Mid-Monos but loves how quiet and musical it is. The lower power Mid-Monos (50% triode) with good EL34 output tubes can sound quite musical when matched with quality speakers built with good crossovers/drivers. Treasure KT88s might be fun too, ask Mike Sanders at QS on latest tips and tricks if he’ll share. :)
Maybe share some speaker ideas you have in mind in your price range, and share over at the Klipsch forum too. You’ll find a few happy mid-mono owners there who’ll chime in periodically with their opinions too. Best of luck on the search.
