Speakers for low power amps?

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

Here is A link from wellborn labs with a list of recommended speakers for SE Amps. I have owned every Klipsch, and still have highly modifided lascalas, (Heritage series) speakers. they work well with se amps.I like them because you could listen at low listening levels and with just a few watts, they have slam.I have a highly modifided Edgarhorn system 80 that I use mainly. It is not as efficient as Klipsh but has a more neutral midrange, and a better midbass, with a good sub woofer. I get good sound for the type music I like (jazz, rock, r&b, and easy listning). That is an important factor. Certain speakers do better with certain types of music.Take that into consideration.

Good luck
Hemihorn

www.welbornelabs.com/recomendspeaks.htm