2. speakers
  3. 192075-195446

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
kufcio2076's avatar
kufcio2076
3 posts
 

im using audio physics step plus. its a tiny speaker but with big sound!! its quite impressive!!

lowtubes
103 posts
 

I’ve enjoyed the 1979 Rogers 15 ohm LS3/5a for many years. They are speakers that are worthy of putting the best amplification you can get on them.  I’m using the monster 130lb CJ Premier 1b which is way more power needed for the speakers but it sounds great. 

lowtubes
103 posts
 

I might be mentioning some older stuff here but what’s good is good, don’t matter how long it was made.  First time I hear the Rogers 15 ohm was at a dealer and the amps running them were Cary 805 mono blocks. 

hheedah
29 posts
 

@ristretto Where are you in your speaker search? Any plans to use a sub? Do you have to spend all $3K?

ristretto OP
5 posts
 

@hheedah Frankly there are more recs than I can handle haha. I did chat with Fritz and he is having a BF promo on the Carbons and am considering them for demo. I also went to my local shop and demoed the ATC SCM19, Kef R3 metas, B&W 705 Sigs and an open box Quad S-5. They’ll be getting the Sonetto g2s in a few weeks.

I’m digging the S-5 perhaps due to my longterm experience with ribbons as someone mentioned. At this juncture I’d definitely want to stay well under $3k. Perhaps a bit sad, but I do want whatever I end up with to be “end game”. Yes I do have a sub if needed.

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