Speakers for low power amps?

I'd recommend speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or above, and without any wild swings into the low impedances.

For amps of 8 watts or more(like 300B), I recommend you select speakers with 93db/watt or higher sensitivity.
For amps of 3.5w - 5w(like 2A3) I recommend speakers of at least 96db/watt.
For amps of 2w(like a 45) I recommend speakers of at least 99db/watt.

Drivers like Lowther, Fostex, AER, REPS, Diatone, Coral, and similar single-driver speakers work well with SET amps, and are often used. Front horn, back horn, or TQWP setups are common.

Some commercial speakers that a commonly mated with SET amps are Cain & Cain Abbey, Beauhorn, Lammhorn 1.8, Lowther(various models), Oris horns, Avant Garde horns, Klipsch horns, etc.

The sensitivity of appropriate speakers depends in part on how powerful your chosen SET amplifier is and how loud you like it. I'd say ballpark guidelines would be 93+ dB speakers for 10 watt SET's; 96+ dB speakers for 5 watt SET's; and 99+ dB speakers for 2.5 watt SET's. These combinations will probably give you undistorted peaks in the 100 dB ballpark at the listening position in your room. If you don't need that kind of output, scale back accordingly.

Speakers that work well with low-powered SET's include models from Classic Audio Reproductions, Avantgarde, Omega, Cain & Cain, Klipsch (Heritage series), Coincident, Vivaldi, Edgarhorn, Rethm, and Tannoy (Prestige line). This list is by no means comprehensive, but includes speakers I've spent time with and have been particularly impressed with.

If by chance you have corners available, you might want to consider the Klipschorns, or perhaps the Hartsfields by Classic Audio Reproductions. If you don't mind building your own cabinets, or have access to a good woodworker, add Pi Speakers and Supravox fullrange drivers (especially the 215-2000 EXC) to your list.

If you're looking more for a fairly inexpensive first pair of high-efficiency speakers, consider the Omegas (the little Super 3R is very nice) or the Cain & Cain Abbey. Disclaimer - I peddle the Omegas.

Best of luck with your quest!

Duke

I second the Omega loudspeakers. I had a pair of TS1s and they were really really cool. Super efficient and sound excellent but do realize they have bass limitations.

Twl...What is TQWP?

Pal,

I use the Reference 3A MM DeCapo with a 3.5 watt/ch. 2A3 SET amp. My room is somewhat smaller than yours, but it can get very loud, so the DeCapo may work well for you.

Enjoy,

TIC