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Seeking speakers under $3K for 10x12 ft room and driven by 20wpc tube amp

I currently have a pair of Apogee Acoustics Centaur Minors driven by a new Black Ice integrated tube amp. The small but dedicated listening room means I’m doing near-field listening with me and the speakers forming a 6’ triangle. As you might expect, these speakers have terrific midrange but at 85dB sensitivity they are a bit difficult to drive and feel limited in dynamics. The room is acoustically treated.


I almost exclusively listen to small combo acoustic jazz and vocals and I’m seeking recommendations for something easier to drive and more dynamic that provides a more “palpable presence” of the musicians when played at louder levels. Prefer small floorstanders for aesthetics but not essential and preferably a brand where I might have a chance to audition them (I’m in SoCal). Also open to used (e.g. something like Wilson Cubs). TIA!

p.s. thanks for the Sonus faber suggestion.

ristretto
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,669 posts
 

If you find an AudioNote AN-K or J in your price range, buy them, perfect for a small room as they are designed for corner placement. Very musical speaker and perfect for low power tube amps in your power range, basicaly they were designed for 20wpc.

Personnaly i find them better then the harbeths, Spendors at similar size. just finding a set in your budget will be the hard part, if you can stretch a bit it would be worth it.

Like these ones, note canadian $ so take 32% off and leave the standes behind should get you very close. 

Audionote UK AN/JD hemp speakers with stands For Sale - Canuck Audio Mart

 

 

gjoslyn1959
1 posts
 

I’ve had apogee stages and currently Maggies.  In between I had a low power system with Spatial Audio open baffle speakers.  They are very efficient. For me closest to the ribbon sound soundstage I like.  

bjesien
1,294 posts
 

I've been through all sorts of speakers from B&W to Verity. 20 years ago I bought a pair of Devore Super 8's and loved them. Kept them a year and went through the line, moved to Verity, Harbeth etc. back and forth, Daedalus, etc...

I recently bought an old pair of Super 8's locally, intending to set them up in the basement. Ended up selling the Harbeth's, taking the old Leben out of the closet, and here I am feeling like 30 years old again. Might get an 18 inch sub to add to my SVS 3000 (It's tough to find a speaker with good mids and bass for under $20k),  buy a new server and take the family on vacation.

Next stop, Rockport lol.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,807 posts
 

@ristretto , I use a set of the Fritz loudspeakers (previously suggested) in a space of very similar dimensions, using a 5 Watt/channel tube amp and a powered subwoofer. No worries making plenty of volume and I never clip the amp.

gareents
64 posts
 

I am surprised nobody has recommended a single driver speaker for your small space and low power amplification. High sensitivity is a perfect match with smaller space and low power. Some great choices such as:

Charney Audio (using Voxativ drivers)

Voxativ

Razz

Cube

Personally, I have a pair of Charney Maestros with Voxativ 2.6 drivers similar to your arrangement, an 8' equilateral triangle, driven by Airtight 300B amp (8 watts). 

Outstanding sound. Replaced Wilson Sabrinas which are no slouch!

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