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Efficient Speakers with SS Powered Subwoofers for SET amps?

Been loving my Martin Logan Expression 13a but I need my tubes back. Been enjoying low powered SET amps again and would love to use them in my primary setup. Currently running a Woo Audio WA5 that is doubling as my headphone rig. Will probably end up with something else in the near future. 

Trouble is I'm having a tough time getting off the powerful authoritative bass coming from the Martin Logans and their 300 watt class D 10 inch woofers. I've seen the Zu Audio definition's with their powered woofers but I'd like to spend less. Ideally under 10k. Looking to run the tubes for all the mids and highs with solid state running the lows. 

I realize I could simply run a separate dedicated sub but an all in one package is more appealing and space is a concern.

Can you guys make any recommendations?

Thanks!
chrisallen

Showing 2 responses by larryi

larryi
3,716 posts
 

Charles 1 dad's suggestion of the Rethm speakers is interesting.  I heard one of their speakers not too long ago and it was quite nice sounding, particularly for the money.  I believe it had a built in powered woofer and utilized a full-range driver to handle everything from the upper bass on up.  It is efficient enough to work with a SET amp for the full-range part of the system.

At a much higher price, the truly full-range Charney speakers are quite interesting.  I heard them operating as a one driver, full-range system (no subwoofer), but, I think a subwoofer that came in at a fairly low frequency would help that system.  It was also quite efficient too.

larryi
3,716 posts
 

Chrisallen,

Voxativ already has several models that feature an active (powered) woofer coupled to wide-range drivers.  I haven't heard their speaker systems, but, I have heard a number of different systems utilizing their drivers.  The sound of these systems varied widely; clearly implementation plays a big role.

The Charney speaker I mentioned above used a Voxativ full-range driver.  Charney offers a choice of drivers.  For my taste, the Charney with the Voxativ driver does not need a subwoofer.  The sound was full and had plenty of bass.  If anything, what I would want is a little bit more extension on top.  That is a somewhat strange thing to say because sound a bit harsh and have a prominent peak in the treble range that makes one want "less" on top.  This speaker was quite different from the typical single driver experience. 

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