2. speakers
  3. 1325385077

Efficient speakers with high powered ss amp?

Relative newbie here, so forgive me for the stupid question. I'm wondering if, in general, it's a mistake to mix 100 watt+ per channel amplifiers with efficient speakers. I know that low powered tube amps need efficient speakers, but do efficient speakers then necessarily perform better with less watts?

I'm looking for speakers that would be a good match for my Odyssey Khartago, and have always been under the impression that higher efficiency speakers are better than inefficient speakers. Would a 98db, 200 watt speaker be ok with the 110 watts per channel Khartago, or should I look for something less efficient.

Apologies, I tried using the search function to look this topic up, but didn't get any results, so I appreciate your thoughts and advice.
rischa
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,807 posts
 
"you never know what it will sound like until you try it "

That is undeniably true.

After a while, with some experience, there should be fewer surprises though.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
Like Bradluke0, I have run my Lores with a 4-watt SET, a 150 watt SS and now a 20/40 watt Manley Stingray. Different flavors but sounds good with all those amps. I believe that it's mostly due to the Lores being such an easy load that amps loaf along and sound their best.
rischa OP
64 posts
 
Thanks for the thoughts on the Lores. With his feedback in mind, I think I'll give them a shot. I'd like to move into tubes next time I revamp my system, so the Lores give this option. Sounds like they're pretty flexible speakers.

Thanks all for the education and advice.

--Alex
socrates7
77 posts
 
I think Zu or Tekton would be a good choice for solid state amps and both designs tend to really shine with some serious watts.
rischa OP
64 posts
 
Tekton has a new model, the Lore-s, which Eric Alexander tells me has a sensitivity of 93-94 db. This sounds like a better speaker for my system, since they are not quite as efficient as the original lores, but still efficient enough that I can use them with tubes at some point. Eric also said they are more resolving than the original Lores with a more hi-fi sound to them. I'm glad I waited to place my order, as he just came out with these within the last couple of weeks.

Thanks again for your advice, all.
More to discover