Efficient speaker: Zu, Tekton, Volti, Klipsch, Fleetwood?

Pete

I am also in the market for a new pair of high sensitivity / high-flat impedance curve speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or greater. 1st order crossover, highly dampened woofer, etc.

I'm researching Devore Super 9's and Coincident Super Victory III.

Anyone owning or hearing either (or similar), would appreciate your input.

My current speakers are Sonist Concerto 4, Genertaion 2, driven by 30 Watt P/Pull Class "A" (mostly) EL34 (Ars Sonus Filarmonia,  with Jupiur Copper Foil / Bees Wax coupling caps)

Front baffles of speakers are approx 5' from front wall, 9' apart tweeter to tweeter, 3' from side wall (center of tweeter to side wall.  I sit 10 to 12 feet from front baffle of speaker. Opens up to kitchen behind where I sit, about 22 feet to wall behind my seat.  So basically the entire area is 15' wide X 37' long, speakers on the narrower wall (15')

I have purchased a LTA ZOTL 40 Integrated W/ EL34 Mullard tube upgrade. The LTA will be the primary amp in the new set-up.

Other than what previously has been referenced above; your suggestion of a speaker other than the Devore and Coincident would be welcome.

Thnx

Brad

I’ve been running Zu Omen DWs for about 2yrs. Awesome value. Great build quality. Run them with a yaqin MC-13s (chfi push pull based on old Hafler circuit) running 38w into 8ohms. DWs are 98db efficient. My power meter rarely steps out beyond 10w. Great imaging, good soundstage, awesome dynamics for their price.
About 2 weeks ago I pulled the trigger on a set of Druid MkIV. Same front end. I’m still setting them up. Not as simple as the DWs. So far, I’m wildly impressed, and they keep getting better everyday. 101dB efficient. Crazy dynamics. Everything is just bigger and more lifelike. That said, I am contemplating a change in amp - mostly just to see what SETs or Class A SS has to offer.

Im sold on the high efficiency crossover less design of Zu and others mentioned in this thread. Haven’t heard or seen DeVore but I can say for certain that Tekton seems to puts the money into the drivers and less into the cabinet and finish. I wish Tekton would up the build game because they sound marvelous (and are made right there in UT).

Bradf I originated this post and mentioned I currently own the Devore Super 9s. They are the best speaker I've ever had in 40 years of high end audio, and I've owned about 20 brands. I previously had the 0/96 which I think are better overall, but the Super 9s were a better match for my room. The Super 9s disappear, throw an enormous soundstage, image precisely, and possesss excellent dynamics, scale, pace and timing. They don't go as deep in the bass or have as much low-end impact as the 0/96, but I find the bass very satisfying. They are SLIGHTY warmish on the neutrality scale but in a very lifelike way. Actually, that's the Devore trademark, a tonal balance that is very much like real performers in real space. And then, there is that hard-to-define quality, they just sound right.

Ladok

Very helpful, thnks.  I have read just about everything I could, but never came across a reviewer mentioning scale.  I did come across a forum where an individual stated that instruments and voices did not seem life size.  That has stuck with me since, and had me re-reading reviews to see what was mentioned regarding scale. Most reviewers emphasized there staging and imaging performance, but not much at all on how they scale or size instruments. So that is helpful.  What amplification did you or are you using with the Super Nines. Unlike most, I prefer a tamer bass, I am very conscious about disturbing the neighbors, and its a distraction to my listening pleasure if I think I am bugging someone.  They are spec'd at 28 Hz, but based on the woofer size, I cant imagine they push a lot of air.  On occasion when I want more and lower bass I turn on My REl 305.  I would prefer an integrated sub, maybe even powered, but in my case this is the better option.  The other question you may be able to help me with is there performance level in portraying life like instrument/voice tonal qualities.

The closes Devore dealer that has the Supr Nines on dynamic display is in San Francisco, so I would like to have an idea that the speaker has the qualities I am looking for, before I take a drive from Portland, Or. to audition.  

Also,  If there's someone who has lived with or heard the Coincident Super Victory III, I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks again

Brad