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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
 
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
10,913 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
unsound
7,333 posts
 
John, the Pass INT-30A is capable of much more total power than it's very conservative rating might imply.
jdoris
972 posts
 
Unsound, I don't doubt it. I'm just speaking from my experience of comparing the INT-30A to more powerful amps driving the same speakers. The difference in the lows is not hard to miss. Based on my experience, I'd say that you'd be wasting both amp and speakers if you paired the INT-30A with less efficient designs. YMMV.

John
manitunc
795 posts
 
Try listening to PSB Synchrony One. You should be able to find a pair used for your budget. An excellent, musical speaker, small footprint and doesnt need too much power to sound great.
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