Speaker Choice for Almarro 318B


Guys, I'm a budding audiophile looking to jump up to tube amps after a few years with an Arcam/B&W integrated combo. I've become smitten with the Almarro 318B integrated tube amp and now I'm in the market for some affordable speakers that will suit the amp better than my B&W DM 602 S3 speakers. The room is approx 14'X 16', hardwood floors with a small area rug, celings are approx 10' high. Speakers will need to be placed close to the wall. I listen to an eclectic mix of music that veers from noise rock to experimental electro acoustic to HEAVY avant metal ala Sunn O))) to more traditional things like PJ Harvey and Radiohead. I'm in need of a good speaker recommendation. I've been looking into Green Mountain Audio Europas, Zu Tones, Gallo Ref 3.1s, and the Omega Super XRS speakers. Can anyone point me in the right direction here? If I had the cash I would get the GMA Callistos based on reputation, or the Zu Druids, but I don't think I even have the space for these speakers. I am leaning toward a used pair of Europas for $650 shipped. Should I take the plunge? Please help! I want a speaker that will be a noticeable step up from my current setup...Will the GMA Europas mix well with the Almarro 318B? Thanks!
mbleming
It is a truly special amp when paired with proper speakers
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darkmoebius:

I am really interested on your opinions regarding speakers matching with the almarro A318B. I have speakers rating at 102 db sensitivity. Based upon your posts I can conclude that this is too sensitive for this amp? Because the the amp needs to be driven at higher volumes for it to sound best? Am I correct?

What other amplifiers would you suggest for my speakers ? I would really like to experience the SET sound …

Best regards
Jamset: please look at the following companies who make quality tube products: Japan: Luxman N100 or 38, Leben 300,
America: MacIntosh 275 (my father had one for 40 years with no tube failure), Decware (lifetime warranty) Italy: Unico

dan4806 posts 08-29-2011 7:35pm Hi There is ONLY one speaker I can warmly recommend to you. Coral Beta 8 inch ir 10 inch. I have a few pairs and never found anything better. Regards Daniel MElbourne

 

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13 years ago. Dan lets us all know, what is the finest speaker for SET amplifiers,,and no one sewemed to pay any attention whatsoever. Coral Beta 8 was the fines speaker for all and every SET amplifier. (other than horns of course). SET amplification is the finest musical power. FR (Full Midrange) is the finest speakerr for all SET amps (other than a horn). Just saying,, just giving updates,, ok now lets reshove FR back under the bus... DavidLouis VX8 and DLVX6 the 2 finest speakers for SET amps, SET amps are the best power for high fidelity musical reproduction.

What other amplifiers would you suggest for my speakers ? I would really like to experience the SET sound �

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Many of us back then, 2008, wanted to exp a SET amp, But had no access. They were very expensive and very heavy back in the day,,,now much more accessible,,,and I believe PP amps will begin to take 2nd place to SETs. A reassessment, re-adjustment, a re-alignment, if not a Revoltion is starting to take place. Thabks to SET accessibility.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~SETs rule,,and dont you forget it.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I guess some of you are wondering,, **why is he reviving this old thread???**

I realized yesterday,  my old curiosity about Coral Beta 8 was never answered,,, til ..

I realized the DavidLouis VX8, VX6 is pretty much The New Coral Beta 8,,and IMHO better.

Like the Phoenix from the eternal fires,  transformed into a  new life form.

Stravinsky;'s Firebird Suite.  Jung's alchemical studies.