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Best speaker with tubes?

I am looking for new speakers to use with my Cary V12 tube amp. I run it in 50 watt triode mode. I want a speaker that has great detail with the highs, but can go low when I want to rock the house. I have auditioned Revel, B&W, Thiel, Martin Logan, Wilson and Dynaudio. I am leaning towards the Dynaudio Contour 3.3, but know that I will have to replace the V12 with a much higher powered amp. Please offer your suggestions of speakers I should consider for use with my V12. I am looking to spend less than $10,000.

Thanks.
cberry
rcprince
3,085 posts
 
Another you may want to consider, if you don't need much bass below 40hz (i.e., if you listen mostly to rock, jazz and smaller orchestral works), are the Dunlavy SC-IIIs. Easy to drive, comparatively small (OK, not the height, but at least the footprint is) and quite good dynamics. I've always felt the Dunlavy speakers sounded more "alive" with tubes vs. solid state (the opposite of the earlier Duntech speakers). Used they are a bargain, in my view.
tomryan
797 posts
 
I have used my Proac Response 2.5s (they may not be in production anymore) with five different tube amps and they worked great with them all. I've heard the new Cary V12 is quite revealing so beware of speakers with any trace of hardness, lack of body in the midrange, etc.
slick2
57 posts
 
The kharma 2.1 is best speaker i have heard.It places instruments in their own space better than anything i have heard.so relaxing and efficient.I wish i could afford them right now.
3chihuahuas
108 posts
 
I took a V12 home on loan to see how well it did with my Dyn 3.3 and I don't recommend this combo. As you already indicated, the lower power V12 will not bring out the best the Dyn 3.3. I personally prefer Proac speakers with tubes (great bass extention and to die for sound stage). I have recently heard a lot of positive reviews for Audio Physics. You may want to check their line out.
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
Cberry- I'd highly recommend that you check out the Coincident Speaker line, especially the Total Eclipse. These are one of the most underrated speakers available. They are a true fullrange speaker with high efficiency (94dB) and a high impedance (10~14ohms) that makes it extremely easy to drive and a perfect match for tube gear. Just a suggestion.
Good luck.
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