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Another "help me pick speakers" thread

(sorry long post)
Yes, I know these threads are all over the place, but here’s what I’m looking for…
Looking for a small footprint (12 X 8 would pretty much be the max) floorstander, which costs up to $2K used. I much prefer used, because I hate breaking-in speakers, plus, they are generally easier to sell. My amp is a Rogue Audio Tempest 2 (Integrated tube 90 wpc, both 8ohm & 4ohm)- I love it, and have no intention of selling it. I was using Tyler Acoustics monitors and subs (then, a single sub when I moved to a smaller apt), and I just didn’t have the floor space for the sub and anywhere to put monitors. However, I really liked the sound- no complaints (had I not moved, I would have kept that setup). So, now I have the OHM Microwalsh SE (the SE model supposedly goes an octave lower than the older “Tall” model). They are broken-in, and sound great, except the bass. I’m missing the bass-drum kick and the snare-drum thump with these. A sub might help, but I have nowhere to put one (plus, I’m trying to simplify things). I listen to rock- only (and I’m 95% vinyl)… stuff like early Sabbath (the first 4 albums). A few problems… my apt has little room to maneuver speakers- they will have to be very close to the side walls (I sit on the back wall, about 2 feet behind the speakers, and about 5 or 6 feet from each). The WAF is not an issue- she doesn’t care what they look or sound like- but the size IS an issue. When I said 12 X 8 would be the max footprint… I will have to turn them sideways against the wall when I’m not using them- so we can walk by (yeah, I live in NYC). Smaller would be better, but I do need them to move some air. I’ve only ruled out B&W’s (never heard a pair I liked) and Gallo Ref 3 (don’t think my amp could drive them, plus, I don’t want to buy a sub amp- I just sold mine). As for those who say “go demo some and let your ears decide”… I only think in-store demos are good for 1 thing, and that’s comparing one speaker to another. It’s rare to find a store that has 2 different models that I’m even considering. In Living Stereo probably has the coolest employees in the NYC hi-fi shops… most others are clueless, or just trying to make a sale (like, they don’t even ask what amp you are using!) So, here’s what I am considering, please feel free to add to the list (this is compiled purely from reading- I have not heard any of these):

Proac Studio 140 (probably my first choice)
Joseph Audio RM25si
Totem Hawk (worried about placement near wall)
Totem Forest (again, placement)
Rega R5 (might be a little too big, plus not many used ones show up)
Zu Druid (never heard this type of speaker… this one’s a wild card choice)
Quad 22L2 (these are so cheap, it makes me wonder)
ron325

Showing 7 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
Totems are hard to beat for the size but also seem to like gobs of SS power from what I have seen, beyond what their specs indicate.

The Quads are the only others on your list I have heard. They are nice but am not sure about their power needs. I believe they are 6 ohm nominal speakers which on paper would not seem to be an optimal match for tube amps.

I'd look for speakers that are both higher efficiency (89-90Db or better) and also provide more of a consistent 8 ohm or higher load for best results with the tube amp. Zu Druids would seem to fit the bill here but I've read deep bass in lieu of a sub is not their forte.

Of the speakers I am most familiar with in your price range that might fit the bill, Triangles might be the first place I would look.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
I was reading the Salks are 4ohm nominal impedance and not particularly efficient.

They may be fantastic speakers but you might not be any better off in the bass department in the end possibly, unless these just happen to have a most powerful low end regardless.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
never heard the Von Schweikarts, but on paper, they would seem to fit the bill to a tee! I'd really like to hear these sometime!
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
VAndy's are nice but also rumored to sound best with higher power SS amps. I see their impedance goes down to 2 ohm? Yikes!
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
The Tyler's should sound very good.

If you ahve a chance to compare to the OHMs, I'd be interested in what differences you hear regarding dynamics, soundstage, imaging, etc.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
Ron,

The area where the less than optimal tube amp matching with the OHMs would likely evidence itself be in the bass levels and perhaps also correspondingly unnatural brightness, the things you describe. That could be part of what you are hearing.

Obtainable volume is not the issue, rather the ability of a tube amp to drive the OHMs evenly at all frequencies due to variable impedance at different frequencies.

Nonetheless, I would not expect the tiny MWTs to deliver sub like bass levels in most setups, though a high current high power SS amp would probably have the best chance of getting there.

Glad the Tyler's are sounding good! My only advice would be to not base any listening decision solely on first impressions if you have the option not too.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
"I was wondering if you meant, because the speakers wouldn't be broken-in (although, both of my sets are used). Or, if you were referring to how your brain expects to hear songs a certain way, and hearing something "different" might be mistaken for "better" (although, I guess it could also be considered "worse", but if you are shopping for speakers, you probably weren't totally satisfied to start)."

Mostly the later but possibly both assuming Tylers are subject to changing with break-in (I do not know if they are or not), but ususally speakers only get better with break in, not worse.
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