They are 83db but are 8 ohms, but still not easy to push.
I find tubes to be best on the ET8a.
If your listen levels aren't unreasonable, you can get away with a lower powered amp. But it MUST be a Quailty amp.
I like your thinking with the Forte amp, but I believe only the Class A Forte amps will do ( Model 4 ). The 50 watt Forte will smoke the Model 3, even though the 3 has higher rated power.
I used a Model 6 that was converted to #4 and it was far far better than the 200 watt Forte 6.
Another good amp in your budget is a Threshold S/150 and mine worked very well with the ETs.
I have moved on to Tubes and am very happy.
If I was to do it again on a budget, I would get a Forte Model 4 or 4a and then later when I could aford it I would get another Forte #4 and Biamp. If you run into a Forte #6 just remmber it can be converted to pure Class A.
Jon Soderbreg of http://www.vintageamprepair.net/ can repair or upgrade any Forte or Threshold amps. He worked there when they were built, super nice guy and helpful.
He even has a link to the Eminent technology website from his website.
I find tubes to be best on the ET8a.
If your listen levels aren't unreasonable, you can get away with a lower powered amp. But it MUST be a Quailty amp.
I like your thinking with the Forte amp, but I believe only the Class A Forte amps will do ( Model 4 ). The 50 watt Forte will smoke the Model 3, even though the 3 has higher rated power.
I used a Model 6 that was converted to #4 and it was far far better than the 200 watt Forte 6.
Another good amp in your budget is a Threshold S/150 and mine worked very well with the ETs.
I have moved on to Tubes and am very happy.
If I was to do it again on a budget, I would get a Forte Model 4 or 4a and then later when I could aford it I would get another Forte #4 and Biamp. If you run into a Forte #6 just remmber it can be converted to pure Class A.
Jon Soderbreg of http://www.vintageamprepair.net/ can repair or upgrade any Forte or Threshold amps. He worked there when they were built, super nice guy and helpful.
He even has a link to the Eminent technology website from his website.