High value, high efficiency speakers for SET amps


Hi, Gang,
I know that some of what I want to discuss here has been dealt with in other threads, some of them quite old, but I wanted to see if any of you fine, knowledgable folks are willing to help update and consolidate some of this info in a more current thread.
I am currently running my new Audio Note Kit 1 300B SET amp with a pair of Reference 3A De Capo speakers. I think it's a fine pairing and I am really enjoying what the 300B SET experience brings to the table in terms of musicality and emotional connection.
Still the De Capo, while supposedly an easy load due to its crossover-less design (only 1 cap on the tweeter with the mid-woofer directly coupled to the amp), is "only" rated at 92 db efficient, and based on the most recent Canadian NRC specs, that rating may be optimistic.
So, I am toying with the idea of trying a pair of more efficient, deliberately SET-friendly speakers in my rig, something that might also play lower and with greater dynamic swing than the De Capo's. Note that the De Capo's have served me well and I am very fond of them, but I can't help but wonder if my lovely Kit 1 would shine even better coupled to a VERY easy to drive speaker.
Devore and Audio Note are obvious options - the O/96 looks really tasty. Unfortunately, both of those choices are out of my budget, which I'm thinking maxes out (for real) at around $1500. I am willing to consider used equipment.
Tekton Lore 2.0: This is the speaker that Eric Alexander of Tekton has recommended when we've spoken on the phone, based upon my medium-small listening room and amp. I've read the epic "Lore vs. Zu" thread elsewhere in this forum, and clearly Tekton has its enthusiastic fans here. What I wonder is whether the Lore 2.0 has the refinement of the De Capo in terms of resolution, sweet high end and imaging. Audiogon'er Mikirob has pointed me to the many rave reviews of Tekton's speakers and I'm definitely interested.
I've corresponded with the Sonist folks (who are super nice) but their really high-efficiency, nearly-full-range floor stander is out of my budget.
Then there's the "vintage" route, going after some used JBL's or other high-efficiency "classics" from the 80's (or '70's). I am not inclined to go in this direction, but mention it because it's been suggested to me.
And then there's Omega. I spoke to Louis some time ago and he recommended his 7XRS hemp cone model. But I know all the raps on single driver designs and I'm cautious, although I would like to hear from any of you who own or have owned Omega's.
I'm in no rush to make a switch but I am very interested in your thoughts. Thanks, folks!
rebbi
Like a SET, Klipsh or any HE speaker are a unique breed and is not likely to sound its best with the same gear as thw more typical modern speaker fare.

Its all about getting good synergy/performance to start with and tweaking the details from there. Many different recipes for this. The ones for unique breeds like SETs and HE speakers will also be unique. So I do not pay any attention to those who merely plop a Heresy into their existing system and expect excellent results. Like a good sports team, you have to identify your "star performers" whatever those are and build around those accordingly over time until you hit the bullseye.
I have my STAX SR84 phones up for sale. If they don't sell, I envision keeping them for use with a SET amp someday.

Here are the specs:

Specifications Earspeaker SR-80
Type Electret/push-pull
Frequency Response 25--25,000Hz

Impedance 150k ohms/10,000Hz
Sensitivity 95dB/100v rms input
Maximum Output Sound Level 110dB

Continuous Maximum Input 5W(lkHz)
Momentary Maximum Input 30W(lkHz)
Frequency Response 10~30,000Hz( ± 2.5dB)
Distortion Less than 0.02% THD(lkHz/1W)
Everybody,
I know this is a bit of an odd place to post this, but since I have spent so much time here over the years conversing with so many of you, I thought I'd just share the sad news that my mom passed away last weekend. She was 92 years old and had Alzheimer's disease. She was married to my dad for 73 years. She was funny, bright, loving, musical and a great baker. She also put in thousands of hours of time visiting hospital patients as a trained pastoral care volunteer.
Her memory is a blessing to all of us.
I will say that, for all the time we spend discussing this hobby of ours, a loss like this reminds you of what's really most important, and it's not speakers and power cords.
Do hug the people you love and tell them you love them!
Rebbi,
My parents died a few years ago and I think about them very often, so many memories. Your mother had a very long and productive life. You and your family have my sympathy.
Charles,