Devore or Audio Note or other sensitive speakers: wanting to listen in Denver

I was going down that road this past summer too Hilde.  I decided to go the other direction and just get a beefy solid state that will push any speakers but I totally get the appeal with tubes, its just that I run into the same issues as you.

The Devores and Spatials definitely look appealing!  I’m in love with these little Maggie LRS’s so I’d go for the Spatials personally.

You’re ear is improving though in that you are picking up on speed / shrillness.  Its always good to hear as many other peoples setups as possible.  A few peoples systems completely changed my outlook on what is possible.

I have heard a ton of systems but have spent very little to no time with high efficiency speakers.  

@b_limo I know what you mean about hearing systems. I heard a couple of really great speakers (including the Spatials) powered with simple tube amps and the combination had everything -- the full balanced tonality, nimbleness of movement in dynamics, clear and light high end, fully articulated soundstage, and quick but full bass. I have not heard solid state with harder to drive speakers do all that, yet. I will try this direction, first, especially as I have good subs and a recently upgraded tube amp.

Just discovered this website: 

I see competitors with Omega, Devore, Spatial, Klipsch, Maggies, and more.

Horns, planars, concentrics, more. Take a look.

Not in Denver, but I can say that the Audio Note AN E’s are a great match with quicksilver mid monos. The amps really came alive when I added an LTA MZ2 preamp last month. However. I’ve been running the LTA straight into the Audio Notes for the past week and the sound is really special. And that’s with the stock new production tubes. Tube rolling starts soon!  

@markhh2  Thank you! I appreciate your reply.