Looking for advice on these speakers

Hi Bruce,

Yes, as Ralph had indicated here the ARC topology you are referring to is indeed a form of feedback. I have no idea, though, if that topology would cause the resulting sonics to be to some degree more SET-like, or if its presumed benefits might be in some other direction.

Best,
-- Al

I'd suspect that a circuit that is reliant on a feedback loop(as Ralph described) is not in the direction of SET sound (generically speaking). One of the "major" attractions of SET amplifiers is their simplicity and lack of need for NFB. Now which direction one chooses to follow is certainly individual choice.
Charles,

Al and others, I appreciate that adherents of low power SET amps believe, and perhaps with some justification, that the benefits outweigh the downsides (e.g., low power output).

My only point is that opting in favor of that direction necessarily limits the universe of speaker options -- that is, speakers having high sensitivity specs. I'm not sure if SETs also have high'ish output impedances, but if so, then other trade-offs may be required.

I for one like flexibility and options. My bias (pun intended) would be to shy away from this class of amps.

Flexibility limitations can exist in both directions (inevitably). Low efficiency speakers lessen the choice of amplifiers that can drive them. Honestly either option can work out successfully. Fortunately there are enough fine high efficiency speakers available to satisfy the low power amplifier aficionados among us, so all is good.

Compromise at some level is expected when making decisions concerning
audio components. It's true that opting for low power amplifiers does rule
out the use of some speakers due to insufficient drive ability.
On the flip side there are those who believe some of the best sound they've
heard has been via good quality lower power amplifiers( SET or PP, tube or
transistor). The selection of the lower efficiency (hard to drive) speaker
would eliminate the opportunity to take advantage of these types of
amplifiers. There isn't an universal "fit all" amplifier available
the will suit every circumstance favorably. Even an ultra powerful amp that
could drive virtually any speaker load known to mankind doesn't imply that
it'd
necessarily sound "good" with every speaker. Capability to drive
and
also providing desired sound quality are two different things. This why
we're all lucky to have such a wide range of choices in what is actually a
small niche endeavor (high end audio). Most of us eventually find what
sounds best to our individual ears playing the music we love.
Charles,