Reference 3A Grand Veena vs DeVore Nines: RoomSize


Hello,
I'm considering purchasing a pair of Grand Veenas, but I cannot decide if it will be too big for my room. Another speaker I am considering instead of the Grand Veena are the Devore Nines, as they are a bit smaller and equally well reviewed. I have heard the Grand Veenas a few years ago and have been totally enamored with them, although my first encounter with them was in a large room of about 25x30 driven by McIntosh tube gear (C2200, MC2301). I have never heard the Nines, but I think I can put together a good system around them with a Leben integrated.

My room size is about 14x17x12 (vaulted ceilings) and there is no real rear wall where the listening position would be, which would be about 10 feet from the speakers. It's an open space with one split wall (about 8 feet up) that is shared with the kitchen and family room. I would place the Grand Veenas along the 14ft wall (probably 4 ft from the rear wall, and 3 feet from the side walls). The actual listening area would be about 14x15, and I would sit 10ft away.

There are mixed reviews as to what size room the Grand Veenas should be in. UltraAudio's review mentions they are best placed in a large room. Stereotimes recommends them for small to medium sized rooms. Not sure what to think? The GVs are 51" inches high, while the Nines are 38", a pretty significant difference. Demos are out of the question.

I also have concerns about the Grand Veena's ability to be driven with low wattage tube amplification. I don't think the sensitivity (90/91dB) is a problem as much as the impedance of 5ohm. Forum member Lacee mentions driving them successfully with a 2 watt SET decware amp, however I think decware are one of the few tube amps that prefer low impedance. I would like to use a Leben integrated CS300XS or CS600, which can run in 4 or 6 ohm mode as well. By contrast, the Devore Nines are 91dB at 8ohm and there are several positive reviews of them being driven deliciously by Leben amps.

This is my predicament, any responses would be appreciated. Please, if you have Grand Veenas or Devore Nines, let me know how you think they operate in your room and please list any tube amps you may think is good match. Thank you!
cfernandez86
My full system can be seen in the "System" section but i'm running the Masetto/Cortese combo. The Cortese puts out 8w and I put the dial to about 10-11 for "live" level volumes. Otherwise 9 for easy listening levels.

My room is rectangular about 22' x 14'. I have the speakers on the "long" wall but i quote "long" because the wall breaks into the open living kitchen area. Ceilings are 8' high.

I'm considering moving up to a pair of Silverbacks so my Nines might end up on the marketplace soon.
Hi Rebbi,
Thanks for your response, that does help. What kind of space do you have your Dulcets in?

If the Grand Veena was 91db into 8ohms, I would not be so concerned about driving it with low powered tube gear. But, it is 91db into 5ohms, which is a more difficult load for a tube amp. Not sure by how much.

My main concern is whether the GV is too large for this listening area, about 14x17 with vaulted ceilings and an open wall that leads into the rest of my house.

Anyone who has used Leben gear to drive the Ref 3A's, I'd like to hear your impressions as well.
Hi Jcote,
Thanks for your response. I've been trying to find a way to send you a private message about how much you may want for the Nines.
Cfernandez86,

My room is smaller than yours: about 13 x 16 with a 10 foot ceiling. Livelier than ideal, but somewhat damped with an area rug, window shades and some furniture. Hope this helps.