I believe it's also important to look at impedance perhaps even more so than sensitivity given your amp's relatively generous power rating for a tube amp. For example, the Revels drop below 4 Ohms at two different parts of the frequency spectrum (NRC measurements) despite having a stated nominal impedance of 8 Ohms. I'm no audio engineer by any stretch, but I'd think that could potentially be a bit of a tough load for a tube amp or even many solid state designs. I'm sure your amp could drive them, but it might not let you get the Revels to fully open up or perform at their best. That's one reason I recommended the Joseph Audios above as I don't think they drop below 6 Ohms. Anyway, maybe just something to consider.
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47ghibli, it's not only efficiency but also an impedance that does not vary all over the place. Tube amps for the most part will have an easier time driving a load above 8 ohms with a 6 ohm minimum. That's not to say a 4 ohm speaker won't perform well if using the 4 ohm tap from the amp but you still don't want a dip to 2 ohms in the power regions. Ralph from Atmashere posts all the time about this. His website has some valuable info you should read. |
I have the PSB Imagine T2, they are a great all around speaker that can be purchased for under $2K for a used pair. The bass is surprising for a small speaker and they are regularly included on the Stereophile list of recommended components. I use them with a tubed amp (Rogue Cronus Magnum), from the 4 ohm taps with no issues. |
Add me to the Venere 3.0 recommendations. I heard the 2.5s extensively and their ability to draw you into the music--any music--is compelling. The 3.0s are that much better with increased linearity, dynamics, and frequency extension. Their nominal impedance is 6 ohms. I just read Manley's info on the Retro Monoblocks, and the output taps are optimized for 5 ohms. You couldn't really ask for a better match. I don't know if WAF is a factor here, but the Venere floorstanders are drop-dead gorgeous as well. Venere 3.0 Reviews: o Tone Publications o 6Moons o Dagogo o SoundstateUltra o Soundstage UltraAudio Q&A (the reviewer bought the review pair) o Home Theater High Fidelity o Soundstage HiFi . . |
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