this seems like simply a venting thread as nothing is going to change- inefficient speakers require more power than efficient speakers.
How important is the efficiency of a speaker to you?
I went to an audio meeting recently and heard a couple of good sounding speakers. These speakers were not inexpensive and were well built. Problem is that they also require a very large ss amp upstream to drive them. Something that can push a lot of current, which pretty much rules out most low-mid ( maybe even high) powered tube amps. When I mentioned this to the person doing the demo, i was basically belittled, as he felt that the efficiency of a speaker is pretty much irrelevant ( well he would, as he is trying to sell these speakers). The speaker line is fairly well known to drop down to a very low impedance level in the bass regions. This requires an amp that is going to be $$$, as it has to not be bothered by the lowest impedances.
Personally, if I cannot make a speaker work with most tube amps on the market, or am forced to dig deeply into the pocketbook to own a huge ss amp upstream, this is a MAJOR negative to me with regards to the speaker in question ( whichever speaker that may be). So much so, that I will not entertain this design, regardless of SQ.
Your thoughts?
Showing 3 responses by kennyc
@daveyf agreed. However, one can get the speaker first then get the matching amp subsequently - this has been my current strategy. I have 2 speaker types. Efficiency doesn’t matter - I purchased a full range herculean braced full range medium sensitivity speaker from a AXPONA demo that "resonated" with me. For this audio chain, I’m interested in transparency and dropping the noise floor. I use highly regarded SS electronics Efficiency matters - I wanted a "neutral", affordable, reasonable sized, speaker that can handle flea watt amps and other low powered tube amps. Purchased a 100db speaker specifically to explore tube amps including flea watt. I didn’t think much about synergy as I plan to experiment hearing different tube amps starting with the 300B, and the manufacturer confirmed I can also try a 45 tube amp. Good luck with your speaker search |
@daveyf This makes more sense. Your original post seemed to suggest your dissatisfaction with speakers not efficient enough for “your” tube amp vs speakers that are inefficient way below the average speaker. I’ve demoed many good/great speakers at brick n mortar and audio shows, but very few subjectively “resonated” with me. That’s why I thought it a good thing that the OP found such a speaker. Unfortunately, the speaker requires significant power. Maybe a tube pre + SS amp might work out economically and sonically. Good luck with your search. |