Tube Friendly Speakers - Down to 30Hz - $3000?

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. There are some excellent ideas here.

Tvad, I did some modelling and what you are looking for (89 dB efficient, -3 dB at 30 Hz without significant reinforcement from nearby walls, fairly small footprint) is definitely possible. An 89 dB efficient woofer in a 3 cubic foot enclosure will give you honest extension to 30 Hz.

Note that marketing department claims can and often do wax a bit optimistic, but the basic tradeoffs of box size vs efficiency vs bass extension that the engineers work with are pretty consistent, at least in this quadrant of the galaxy. An overly optimistic claim doesn't mean that the engineering is suspect; only that the marketing department's claims aren't reliable. I can think of a manufacturer who exaggerates bass exension claims by almost a whole octave, yet in my opinion builds some very competitive speakers despite their (imho) questionable marketing approach.

Duke

Tvad, I see you have ruled out the Druids. What didn't you like about them? I know, from previous posts, that you weren't impressed with them at trade shows, but if you can get a listen in a more acoustically friendly place, you may like (love) them. Possible? peace, warren :)

08-27-06: Warrenh
Tvad, I see you have ruled out the Druids. What didn't you like about them?

I don't want to rehash this. Suffice it to say, they are not under consideration. Let's leave it at that.

"Given that the Tyler PD speakers failed the WAF test, can you give us an example of a speaker that would pass, even if it doesn't meet your other requirements?"

The WAF factor is a major consideration, far more important than sensitivity, impedence or output transformers. Mine likes the Living voice Avatars and she grudgingly accepts the Acoustic Zen Adagio's might be OK, but some of the bigger units like the Tyler PD's, forget it. Speaker manufacturers really must get their designs passed by a representative comitte of house proud audiophiles partners