Easy to drive, outstandingly natural sound from 40-50 Hz up.....AN-E, O/96, others?


If my goal were to find natural-sounding, dynamic, and efficient speakers that can be driven with a somewhat lower-powered a (i.e., 50-watt SS) amplifier, and that work well with a variety of music, would I be looking at AN-Es, O/96s, or which others?
I am not particularly interested in using a 10-20 watt SET, but being able to use something lower-powered than the 300-watt amplifiers required for my 85dB speakers would open up a lot of other amplifier options and simplify things for me.  I have two fairly high-quality powered subs so the goal would be to fill my (moderately large) room from 40-50 Hz and up and let the subs handle the lower registers.
Any thoughts on the two speakers listed, or recommendations for others?
mitch2

Showing 14 responses by exlibris

I did like the Hornings I heard at a show once but I found that the bass woofers did not integrate with the driver for the highs and mids. It could have been the room, but it sounded like two completely different speakers.
I have AN-Es right now but am looking for an alternative. 
The ones I'd like to demo are:
Charney Concerto
Zu (not sure which model)
Cube Audio Nenuphar
Pure Audio Project Trio15

I'm a little hesitant about going for anything with down-firing bass woofers because I live in a condo.  If this wasn't a concern I'd be interested in:

hORNS Universum III
Tune Audio Anima
Odeon No.33
I have Duke's "Swarm" subwoofer system but have never heard his regular speakers.

The full range speaker at the top of my list is the Cube Audio Nenuphar.  It has a 10" driver that is made in-house.  I've also heard good things about the full range drivers from AER.  
My exposure to full range speakers is, however, very limited. 
I've demoed a number of horn speakers but have never truly enjoyed any that I have heard. 
...and I can vouch for Duke's swarm subwoofer system.  It's really transformed my room.

I have a demo of the Cube Audio Nenuphar arranged for early April.  These speakers are at the top of my shortlist.  I'm fortunate to be able to demo them using my 45/2A3 amp.  (The manufacturer uses a 45/2A3 amp at shows.)
Thanks Charles.  My amp is made by Thomas Mayer and his designs and builds are, I believe, generally well respected.  I think it should be a good match for the speakers.  I tend to use 45s more than 2A3s but I will bring both tube types to the audition.
I've had Audio Notes for the past 7 years and haven't found anything yet to replace them.  Maybe I never will.
I had it made by my local technician. I was skeptical that it would sound good but it really worked out great.
mitch2,

I actually do use a high-pass filter between the preamp and the main amp. The main speakers are now down 3dB at 60Hz (9dB at 30Hz etc.). The device is passive and uses a small Audio Note UK capacitor.  This takes a lot of strain off the main amplifier. 60Hz and below is largely covered by the subwoofer system.
Thank you very much for the compliments Charles.  I'll be sure to post my listening impressions of this demo and any other demos that I do.  I suspect that I will also be demoing the Odeon No. 28/3.
Duke,

I agree with what you say: "a delicious richness about them that really stood out from the crowd. One could easily get totally lost in the music listening to them. My impression was that they’d be totally non-fatiguing to listen to all day long."

The reason I’m interested in making a change is not because adding subs threw off the balance, it’s because I find the speakers to be a bit "sleepy." They simply don’t do anything wrong but they don’t generally grab me. My mind can easily wander when listening.
The reason I said I may never replace them is because I can listen for hours on end with absolutely no fatigue.
I’ve tried them with many different amps of different strengths and in an almost infinite number of positions within my room but the speakers simply are what they are. They sound best in the corners, set up exactly how Audio Note (and I assume Peter Snell) say to set them up. Driving them in this position with 2, 4, 8, 16, 20 or 250 watts doesn’t bring about the difference that I’m looking for.

But, in the end, I will not trade long-term listening enjoyment for excitement. 


Thanks Duke.  I've been thinking of doing that, at your suggestion, and have been looking at the Townshend maximum supertweeters.  

I'll add one thing...
Sometimes it's as if my system has even less jump after 2 or 3 hours of listening. I've often wondered if this a subjective thing or if it was something in my amplification chain.  Reading a post on another forum, the poster said this could be caused by hot speaker voice coils.  It's a drawback of a speaker being pushed beyond its natural efficiency for a long time.  
I demoed the Cube Audio Nenuphar again yesterday and it’s a fantastic speaker. I’ve posted a few thoughts about it over on its own thread. If you’re looking for a Harbeth, Spendor, AN sound, this speakers might not be for you.
I also demoed the Odeon No. 28/3. It’s only 93dB efficient so it’s pretty easy to drive but probably not in the ’high efficiency’ category. Ive heard a number of every expensive horns and these are the only ones that have ever really impressed me. I listened at around 90dB for over an hour with absolutely no fatigue and I never noticed any of the typical horn drawbacks.
As one would expect, the dynamics were there in spades. What floored me, however, was the fact that this modest system was the most emotionally communicative system I’ve ever heard. The speakers are so musical. They convey all the emotion and intention of the musicians. They’re really soulful yet spacious and room energizing. I find those two qualities don’t always go together. They also have really nice shove, grunt, and testicular fortitude. I mostly listen to rock and lots of 70s rock and these do that wonderfully. But, they also convey so much emotion in singer-songwriter music and they keep everything sorted in complex post-rock stuff with orchestra.
The dealer and I loved both the Nenuphar and the Odeon and I suspect upon hearing both in that system many if not most listeners would choose the former -- they are really special.