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Requesting Your Expertise - Best Options - High Sensitivity Speakers For A Smaller Room

As the title says, I am looking into the best options for higher sensitivity speakers for a somewhat small room. The room itself is 12.5 feet by 9.5 feet. The speakers would be placed along the 12.5 foot wall. Amplifier power is 8wpc. 

The system will be used for a variety of music, including folk, instrumental, rock, jazz, and singer songwriter offerings. Budget is a max of $3k, used. And a quality subwoofer, chosen specifically for the room, and use with whatever speakers that I choose, is available to employ.  

I already have some ideas, but, clearly, none of us are aware of everything, and, in the higher sensitivity space, things can get a bit tricky. Your experiences, thoughts, recommendations and expertise would be appreciated in terms of outlining all the worthwhile options available. Thanks. 

nightfall
nightfall OP
257 posts
 
georgemunn

20 posts

 

+1 ZU, they make several speakers in your price and size range, new. 

I drive my ZU ODS’s (I’m not recommending these for you there 55” tall and 105lb ea) with a 25 watt pass labs XA25 amp in a 24x21x8’ room easily to concert levels bringing in 2 15” sealed Rythmic subs at 40hz no cut to the ZU’s. They make several speakers in your price range and more appropriate to your room size. I think the ODS’s are 98 db sensitive their smaller platform units are 95 db’ish I think. They have a return policy so very little risk. Build quality is excellent, these are likely my last speakers, for my listening room anyway.

You have a truly exceptional amp there, in your XA25. The only power amp I would consider if I decided to go without tubes. I do know the Zu speaker line well. I have previously owned the exceptional Druid MK IV’s, I have had many discussions with Sean, and have tremendous respect for the speakers they make. I once also owned the first generation of the Perfect Sets, from Tekton. I would seriously consider the current version of the Perfect Sets, but Eric has told me that really need at least 12-15 wpc, to truly perform well, so that eliminates that option.

larryi
4,577 posts
 

Zu speakers are very dynamic and detailed  speakers, but this comes at a price of being quite sibilant, lean, and harsh sounding.  If you like the Devore O96, I seriously doubt you would like Zu speakers.  You must hear them first.  Someone above mentioned AN-Js which would be terrific and would be reasonably priced if you can find them used.  

I have not heard the Tekton Perfect SET, but the other Tekton speakers I have heard would suggest that they are contenders.  

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,882 posts
 

There are Dual Concentric Drivers that are extremely efficient. 

These are designs able to substantially impress and many options for how the Single Driver is used.

An Open Baffle through to a Transmission Line are options. 

I use a DC TL Speaker with 5 Watt Output SET 300b and just love the moment that is created. 

An uncomplicated OB design should not cost much more than the Drivers Only @ approx' $450 - $800

Add $500ish if a more complex Cabinet becomes of interest. 

Have a look at Joseph Crowe he recently commission produced Don Sachs Speakers, of which Don states "never has better been ecperienced" or words similar? 

 

 

nightfall OP
257 posts
 
mihorn

712 posts

 

Below video is 2A3 amp (4 watts) with Wavetouch v2 speaker. 8w tube amp is excellent match with v2 spkr. Alex/Wavetouch audio

WT v2 - The home entertainment show 2021 - Long Beach, CA

I was not familiar with the Wavetouch models, and the video was worthwhile. However, it appears those speakers start at $6k, per their website. 

jackd
1,125 posts
 

@nightfall 

 

If your looking for a speaker that fits your budget, will work with your amp and sub and has a top to bottom smooth frequency range the speakers from Fritz are your best option.  Plus he will let you try them. 

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