High efficiency desktop speakers
Hello,
As the title suggests I am looking for a pair of high efficiency desktop speakers. 95dB/watt at 8+ ohms is good, but if I can find speakers that are 98dB/watt at 8+ ohms or even higher sensitivity that would be even better based on the amp I will use to drive them. The amp is a custom made hybrid using 6sn7 and 6j5 tubes. I am using a Sonnet Morpheus DAC and Sonnet Hermes streamer, this will be for a streaming only system. My listening is all over the board as I like great recordings but I mostly listen to rock, jazz, female vocals, the Dead, and deep house music with a bit of opera and classical mixed in. Not looking to add a sub but have a small SVS if needed. Budget is 2K or less. I appreciate your help.
John
I would not limit your search based upon published sensitivity specs. Check out this review of a pair pf 90dB rated speakers (towards the end where they are powered by DH/SET 2A3 amplification - plus your speakers will be used in the near-field). I've been looking for a pair of the AN's for years now. https://positive-feedback.com/Issue20/audionoteax2.htm DeKay |
I fiddled with my desktop system for years. Ultimately converging on a wonderful system. Just like most folks main systems I chose the speakers first. For me they were Totem Mites… and a matching Totem Subwoofer. Then I built out the rest of the system. I have had many desktop versions… this one is so satisfying, well beyond anything I had before. The Totem Mite are small and absolutely beautiful. The little sub woofer is tucked away under my desk. The imagining and tonal balance is wonderful. I’ll have to take some photos. I power the Totems with a PrimaLuna integrated amp and a Schiit Gungnir DAC. When I am working at my PC… it is a real pleasure to listen to. In particular the female voices… ok, I am fond of female voices are really beautiful. The bass is punchy and musical. |
Literally any bookshelf speaker will do, except perhaps the LS50 which is a pain to drive. Finding a bookshelf speaker with 95 db is an impossible task. 86db is good enough! Don't be swayed by Klipsch speakers which overrate their efficiency numbers. With $2k you have too many options I'm afraid. I'm using Closer Acoustics OGY which were purposefully built for tube amplifiers and are rated at 91db 8 ohm 15W max. Good luck beating that efficiency number on a bookshelf speaker! This one has a single EMS LB5 driver with a transmission line cabinet. Yeah they sound incredible with jazz, folk and pretty much anything. Probably not the best for metal and extremely busy electronic tracks but they hold their own. The limitations of fullrange drivers are overstated. |
