Gareents: the Omega Super Alnico Monitors are full-range ("single driver") and a similar floorstander variant, the Junior Alnico XRS, each 95dB sensitive and each at or below the OPs specified price. He could drive them with modest-power tube amps. I would recommend a sub with the SAM. 6-foot separation is a challenge for any speaker to expect good sound staging. If he wants to push to the corners, sealed cabinets as in the Vandersteen VLR-CT or Studio Electric M4 offer options but are significantly less sensitive at 87-88dB, but each still close to his price. If he also wants to audition at a store, that is increasingly an issue. Omega only sells direct as does Studio Electric, in a big market like LA, you might find a shop with the Vandersteens.
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.
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I attended the usual weekly Zoom meeting of my audio club last week and came away with what I think is valuable advice on a speaker that would suit your room perfectly, Here’s the story I heard: a fellow audiophile member had some Danish speakers in for review which he liked very much. When he had finished his review and returned the speakers he was instantly aware that his Harbeth* speakers sounded dull and unmusical in comparison. The difference was so obvious that he immediately decided he had to sell his Harbeths and buy the Danish speakers, which he did. He is very happy with the change and kept emphasizing how much more musical the Danish speakers were. And, interestingly, the Danish speakers cost about half what the Harbeth’s cost. Perhaps that’s because the Danish speakers are sold direct unlike Harbeth speakers which are sold through distributors and audio shops which raises their cost to the consumer. It also turns out that Harbeth speakers are built to a price point and contain el cheapo parts in their crossovers; the Danish speakers have an opposite philosophy in that their speakers are designed with the best parts that will perfect the way they sound. Also the Danish speakers are shipped free all over the world and have a 60 day trial period. The speakers are Buchardt S400 MKII. They are perfectly suited to your smallish room.
* I’m not absolutely certain of the model no of his Harbeth speakers I think they were 30.2s |
Another vote for the Vandersteen VLR-CT. I’ve heard them many times at John Rutan’s place, AudioConnection. Those plus a sub or two is all you might ever need. |
There is a verified dealer listing here for a new pair of the Spendor A1 stand mount speakers. For the asking price of $1100.00. I doubt you would go wrong with them. Add some nice stands and you will be well below your budget! BTW, I have owned them! Information! https://spendoraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/Spendor-A-Line-Product-Data-Sheets_A1_2023.pdf |
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