2. speakers
  3. 1064365822

Speaker Recommendation for Tube Fan

Hi folks:
I'm a devoted tube fan that is currently using Magnapan 3.5r's driven by an all tube conrad johnson system (Premier 12's, 16LS Series 2, 15) along with a VPI Aries/JWM10/Benz Micro H20 vinyl setup. I'm just about ready to revert to dynamic speakers to capture the dynamic bloom and lack of a really deep bottom end not available from the 3.5r's (probably should be using solid-state, but like I said, I'm a tube person) in my room. What I am looking for are suggestions for speakers in the 5K price range that might mate well with my system. It's been a while since I have auditioned dynamic types, so I need a little help. My listening tastes include everything except country and rap (nuf said). The most important sonic qualities to me are a wide and stable image and a harmonically correct presentation.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.
Jay
Ag insider logo xs@2xcjlundgren
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
No search for speakers powered by tube amps should be completed until you have tested the Tannoys and the Kef Referance. Tannoy is a great speaker and has long been a favorite of people who have McIntosh Tube Amps. Kef very recently came out with a new Referance line starting with the 201s and stepping up to the 207. The 207 is a bit big for my room so I recently picked up a pair of 205s and the music is everything I want.
sardonyxx
64 posts
 
Remember that speaker placement is of the utmost importance. Vanderteens like to be a little farther apart than most. This makes the sound more open. Follow the setup instructions included and tweak by 1/2 inch movements in all directions. Also try different divisions of the room. 1/3,1/5,1/7,1/9 as suggested. They will not jump in your face unless too close together.
alcides
44 posts
 
I love my ProAc Response 2.5's $4500. Surprising bass extension, and great dynamic range with my 65watt Cary SLA70B sig (now using KT90's!). I really hated my Magnepan MG12's with my tube amp. It could have been a number of things. Tube amps tend to have high output impedances, and Maggies tend to be 4ohms. Because of the high output impdance, tube amps tend to be voltage sources that like to see high impedance (8ohms or more), and generaly smooth impedance curves for the best voltage transfer. Maggies dont usually have such characteristics. Now, I have to quilify this with the fact that I have heard MG3.6's being driven by some serious tube amps (Manley monoblocks) that sounded fantastic... I digress, listen to ProAcs if you can.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cjlundgren OP
33 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions - my search is going to be complicated by the fact that my local dealer is big-time into HT, plasma TV's, etc., etc., etc. Not alot of high end stuff on display for audition anymore. I did have a chance to listen to a pair of Ariel Acoustics 7B's this weekend - NOT my cup of tea - way to laid back and reserved.
jman
99 posts
 
That will be a great system for many speakers...At the top of my list would be Sonus Faber Cremona and Merlin VSM-M.
More to discover