No doubt: Fritz all the way!
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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- 102 posts total
@atmasphere , I remember in a previous discussion (or perhaps more thyan one discussion) wew were talking about the reason high sensitivity speakers would be better for low level listening or with higher powered amps. In one or more of those discussions I had kind of got the impression that you favored speakers that had a sensitivity up in the 90s. Which makes me assume that the Fritz speakers, although have a listed sensitivity of 88, must not drop too far below their 8 ohm impedance? And if I am correct about my above assumption, does that also mean that how low the impedance actually drops (not the listed nominal impedance) is as important or maybe more important than the listed sensitivity rating? |
@immatthewj The problem is if you want a small speaker that can play any bass its going to be sealed and simply won't be very efficient. I chose the Fritz because they get good comments, are an easy load with no weird impedances or phase angles, are built nicely and are compact.
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Very happy owner of Fritz Rev 5 SE’s. They are the runt of the litter but certainly don’t sound small. The Scanspeak drivers are superb and they are easy on power. I drive them with a Raven Blackhawk 20W Tube amp barely turning the volume knob sitting 8’ back. Surprisingly nice low volume bass without a sub for their size. Also, Owner Fritz is an exceptionally nice guy with a great trial period. |
Yes those Spendor A1s are a great deal, but with their sensitivity I’m still concerned about its sense of scale or dynamics. I have a pair of vintage Aurum Cantus standmounts rated at 87dB and 8 ohms and I still can’t get a sense of a live performance at front row center, if you will, despite the small room. And the volume knob is already 80% of max. My phone app tells me I’m listening at 70-80dB spl. |
- 102 posts total