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SET 45 and their (real) required speaker efficiency

Hello,

Gosh, wasn't sure if to post in the speaker or amp sections. But here it is. 

I've got a Finale/Triode Lab F-300B Monoblock amp paired with the Omega Super Alnico monitors stated at 94.5db efficiency. It does very well with this amp and I'm very happy with the pair overall. With classical being 90% of what I listen to, I guess I haven't really pushed the system to its limits, but it delivers plenty of what I like with acoustic instruments. Harmonics (texture and timbre), tone, minor dynamic shifts (musicianship), etc.

My question is for SET 45 tube owners and recommended speaker efficiency. Do the 2 watts from these amps have a 'real world' threshold where they simply can't deliver under a certain efficiency rating? So, for example, my speakers state 2 watts and up are enough. But I've had a few people tell me that 94.5db is not enough for this SET. However, on the Decware site, it does put a pair of Omega speakers on it's site as, what I imagine being a suitable speaker to pair with their 2 watt amps. The amp I'm thinking of getting will have Hashimoto transformers and a 20 watt output transformer. Not sure if that will give a bit more for the speaker to use or not. Also, are speakers w/o crossovers something to consider if I need to go look for another pair of speakers? Finally, what would your experience with the 45 SET amp suggest as far as the optimal efficiency rating for these tiny two watts?

Geesh, it's 5:40 am, no sleep yet, please ask a question if all the above sounds like someone hasn't had sleep yet.

Anyway thanks folks, really appreciate any suggestions to an optimal efficiency.

take care,
rob


vvcv
vvcv OP
13 posts
 
Hello Isochronism,

Thanks for that. I had not idea a single driver could get there. Curious, after having made a great gold find, have you done any post research to see if there are any other Lowther, or perhaps Fostex, drivers/cab pairing that give the same performance as far as db? I would enjoy having those I'm sure, just too much for my limited space. 

On a separate topic, how would you rate the Lowthers, as far as tonality, paired w/your amps? Say, starting at neutral on acoustic instruments? 
vvcv OP
13 posts
 
Hey roberjerman,

Yep, I've considered those just for the size aspect. I don't want crossovers, but hey, at 100db, with the bonus of that size for my room. All win win. 
vvcv OP
13 posts
 
Yep, I've considered those just for the size aspect. I don't want crossovers, but hey, at 100db, with the bonus of that size for my room. All win win.

I did run across a thread where the original Heresy is around 96db. Do you have the original, II, or III?

thanks
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
vvcv, I have no other listening experience with Lowthers nor with the others you mentioned. I did read a review, I'm sure easy to find, where the reviewer felt the Virtuoso was the best cabinet design tonally (etc) for that driver, and had experience with many. Some complain that they (all single driver, I supposr) don't go low or high enough. I have always been very satisfied. No crossover (of course) so very immediate and dynamic (?)  Small scale music Jazz, Chamber, they excel at.(imo) But not only, of course. Female voices sound like they are there! 
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
... well Men's voices as well, I suppose. Although, I don't invite them over much 😄
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