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change amps or speakers

I am powering Eminent technology LFT8bs with quicksilver M60 monoblocks.  No preamp - I am running a dac directly to the amps, which works because with this configuration I am using very little attenuation.  Problem is it is obvious that the ETs require more current and/or wattage- the detail is there but not the punch and there are times when I am maxed out on volume at 12 0'clock and need more. Question is do I change the amps or speakers - I love the quicksilvers and put some serious $ into modifications.  A well respected friend/tech highly suggested I seek out a used pair of PSB stratus golds. I have a medium sized family room and like detail neutrality but need more rhythm and dynamics. Thanks you.
majorc
decooney
2,221 posts
 
@majorc
IF you decided to sell them, your current el34 based Monos would make a nice setup for someone within the higher-efficiency speaker crowd, kind of desirable amps on the used market. Could recoup some funds there. And of course, the other option is to keep them and buy much higher sensitivity speakers, you know that already. 

Since you’ve not bought a preamp yet...
One other option might be to part with the monos and purchase a really nice higher power integrated tube amp to more effectively drive your EMT LFT8b speakers.
majorc OP
78 posts
 
I'm back - was going to go the preamp route but I spoke with Mike at QS and he said the older M60s are a complete no go with the ETs - they are way to inefficient. He said doesn't matter whether the speakers are 8 or 4 ohms with the M60s, but to look for speakers with 90db or greater sensitivity - Mike suggested a pair of older JBLs. Any recommendations would be welcome - some that were previously expressed in this thread were the tekton and JBL 4425s.    
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Good and honest recommendation from Mike Sanders. This IMHO demonstrates that he has integrity. A higher sensitivity and easy to drive speaker will more effectively  exploit the sonic potential of these  fine  QS mono blocks. 
Charles 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,536 posts
 
I run a pair of Martin-Logans ESLs with Quicksilver Mini-Monos. I was surprised that the M-Ls played loud and were easy to drive. I played that system for years and the amps are still in use. Not sure what happens if you drive the amps really hard all the time but I get all the volume I need with just 25 watts and the amps held up fine. The system was quite good. .  
decooney
2,221 posts
 
@majorc 
"the (older) M60s are a complete no go"

Yeah, kinda wondered if he'd say that, and he's a Klipsch horn speaker guy according to local dealers here.   I've only heard your same taller EMT LFT8Bs with the later model Quicksilver mono amps with the larger transformers and knurled speaker terminals. Sounded quite nice.  Also heard the smaller version EMT LFT16a 85db speaker many times paired with a low 8 watt limited production Audio Note Meishu integrated tube amp and it was impressive. 16As were amazing with the new QS Mono 120s, and could tell the EMTs like power.  Matching well is key for sure. 

fwiw, both pairs on all amps were run with very low capacitance RCA silver interconnects and low capacitance silver plated speaker cables.   All combos had plenty of volume in a 20'x40' foot room too. 


   

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