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Narrowing Down the Speaker Search

I'm developing a short list of potential speakers and would greatly value any input from those that might have heard these.
I had to jump on an integrated Pass Labs INT-30A so now I'm left looking for the right speaker.

I generally do this the other way around but couldn't pass up the 30A. 30 watts to be clear.

My room is 13x26 with 9' ceilings. My sources are Clearaudio Concept table, K&K phono pre, CDP to be determined. Cabling so far is Acoustic Revive power cord (for the Pass), no interconnects or speaker cables yet.

I listen mainly to instrumental rock like Neil Young, JJ Cale, Lucinda Williams, classic rock, blues, some jazz, and intimate acoustic material with female vocals.

My budget is 3K used tops. I am open to floor standing (with a small footprint) or monitor.

On the list:
Zu Essence
ProAc D18, Response 1.5, or 2.5
Living Voice Avatars
Reference 3A mm De Capo i

These are all speakers I have found used in my price range that seem to fit the power requirements of the 30A. I'm open to opinions about these and also suggestions if there are others I should be looking at.


mariasplunge
morganc
255 posts
 
I agree that Zu Essence is too bright. I did however pair a Zu Omen Def with a Pass XA 30.5 ( the amp upon which the INT-30 is based I think!) with great Synergy. For the music you listen to it is a good fit. I do understand that some people don't like Zu just as I don't like what many other people like, so what? Zu shines in the vocal region and with guitars.....

Tekton Pendragons would also be a good match if your room is large enough for them.

If you are in the Bay Area drop me a line......
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,252 posts
 
The latest generation is beyond your budget, but older Quad ESLs should work wonderfully with your Pass amp. They are placement sensitive and they are volume limited. These factors may or may not be an issue for you.
jdoris
972 posts
 
In that room -- or any room -- you're going to want an efficient speaker. Despite the "higher than rated" talk about the low watt Pass amps, the INT-30A does not have a ton of grunt.

Zu would be one obvious place to look at your pricepoint. I heard they are having a sale, they do b-stick, and the used market is active. If your worried about them running a little hot in the highs, Sean may be able to do a cap upgrade that softens things.

John
jndean
132 posts
 
The Triangle Antal 30th anniversary floorstander could be a consideration. At an 8 ohm load and 92 sensitivity it is an easy drive and Triangles love tubes. It has a new tweeter from the Magellan line. On sale ay audiowaves.com for $2670. I have the Celius ES which the Antal replaces.
unsound
7,332 posts
 
Don't let the implied 30 Watt rating of the Pass Int 30A dissuade you from considering speakers that might otherwise seem to need more power or have a lower impedance load.
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