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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
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
7,329 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.
jdoris
972 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.

My experience with my INT-30A (which I love), is that the comparatively low power output *is* an important constraint on speaker choices, esp. if one is partial to authoritative lows.

John
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,883 posts
 
If you are anywhere in the Los Angeles area, check out Tonian Labs. I believe they still make the TL-D1, which I have, and they now have a similar version that uses the German AER widebander (which took a long time to get).

They are very efficient and are masters of tone and detail and love vocals as much as I do. :-)

All the best,
Nonoise
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