Need help with bookshelf speaker choices. . .


Looking for suggestions on a good (economical) set of bookshelf speakers to use with a Dared VP-16 integrated tube amp (10-12WPC) that I just picked up. I KNOW the Dared products are not considered the "best", but this is my first foray into tubes. My biggest concerns are 1) best overall sound for dollar (<$500/pr) and 2) are the suggested speakers efficient enough for the power I have. Some speakers that may be under consideration are the Paradigm Studio 20's or 40's, Klipsch, etc. Also, how about the Tube Audio Design (TAD) 803's? Can I get away without a sub with any of the above or other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your opinion(s).
kketron

Showing 1 response by tobias

I run a pair of Triangle Titus ES with an Audio Space tube integrated in a small, rather lively room. The combination is a great success. The amp puts out 16 watts in triode mode, the Tituses are rated 91 dB. I never need to turn the volume up high and there is plenty of bass. (As always, you will need to experiment with positioning to get the best out of the speakers.)

The room is very small--about 8 x 9--and you might want to consider the slightly larger Comète if your room is larger.

Both the Titus ES and Comète ES have been well reviewed. They are both imaging champs. The earlier Titus 202 was very highly praised by Stereophile but note that it is a smaller speaker than the current Titus ES.

Another small speaker with a high sensitivity rating that sometimes comes up here is the JM Reynaud Twin.