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

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!

@gareents Looks like part of his criteria is under $3000. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of your recs under $3K used. Good choices you have though.

@atmasphere  , which Fritz speakers do you have?

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.

 

A lot of great suggestions to sift through!

I’m intrigued by the Fritz with all the numerous mentions in this forum, and he’s based in my neck of the woods…

OP,the Fritz Carbon 7SE will be too much for your size room unless you plug the port,changing the tonal balance..One of his smaller models would be fine but now your looking at stand mounted speakers & not small floor standers..IMO there are better choices for stand mounted like the Sonus Faber Sonetto 2G2 or a gently used pair of Harbeth M30.1's...