"Speakers I would recommend looking include the Song3’s, Song3-A’s and Song3 BeAT’s. These do not play quite as deep as the HT3’s, but still get down to 33Hz. The Song3 Encores play just as deep as the HT3’s but are much easier to drive".
Then he states......
Of course, the ultimate speaker in this sensitivity range would be the new SS 9.5’s, although they may break your budget.
I let him know that while the SS 9.5's would be doable, I would rather not have to spend quite so much on speakers. I thought the Encores would be more within my price point.
He then stated......
"Yes. Think of the Encores as an SS 9.5 with a few bells and whistles
eliminated. They use the same woofer and tweeter. It may even be
possible to produce a version of the Encores with the same midrange as
well."
I then asked if this would require a custom crossover and he told me....
"They would probably not need a custom crossover. We would simply build the same speaker with a front port and no open back midrange."
So there you have it. A summary of my recent exchange with Jim. Send him an email and mention this comparison. I'm sure he will be surprised as well. I am seriously considering the Encore's but of course I am going to listen to them first.