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High efficiency speakers

Hi,
I am getting into low wattage SET amps (specifically the 18w Lamm ML2.1). I am told that to realize the full benefits of such low powered SETs, you need high efficiency (>95db) speakers with benign impedance curve. But when I look around, these speakers are often horn based, huge and unattractive (to my eyes), and have problems with low bass (either no low bass or needs powered woofers whose integration is a problem).
My question to the experts out there. Have you come across well designed high efficiency speakers that are full range, don't take space like Avantgarde Trios, and look as nice as a Kharma?
Thanks for your suggestions.
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Showing 2 responses by twoleftears

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Silverline. Though check discussion threads for synergy of specific models with SETs.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Specs don't always tell the whole story.

My ProAc Response 2.5s are rated at 8 ohms and 86 dB. When John Atkinson measured them back in the day, he calculated 83 dB!

Yet they work wonderfully well with my Cary 300B-based SET, rated at a whopping 14 watts!

Part of it is the real-world (not claimed!) 8 ohm load--Atkinson's graph shows them barely dipping below 8 over the whole 20-20k range.

BTW, I was turned on to this synergistic combination years ago by Arnie (founder of A'gon) in his previous incarnation as owner of Accutronics of Ann Arbor, MI. According to Arnie, Dennis Had used (at least back then) ProAcs to voice his Cary amps.
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