Integrated S.E.T Amp and Bookshelf Speakers Recommendations

Update--I have auditioned the Simply Italy, an Elekit 8600S, the Quicksilver EL84 integrated, and an Audio Note OTO. Yes, it's been a very busy couple of days. Paired them with my friend's Super Tablette, his Focal 906 Arias, and his Closer Acoustics OGY bookshelf loudspeakers.

Since I already have a resolving slightly on the warm side balanced system (Audio Research), I wanted a lower powered amp with "liquid chocolate" sound characteristics like an SET, EL84, that wouldn't break the bank, for a 120 sq ft room. So far, I like the Simply Italy. It is a push/pull amp using EL 34s and 12AU7s. Compared to my ARC-based system, the sound characteristics of the Simply Italy are fluid, at a tad sweet, while still having a dynamic signature characteristic of push/pull tube-based amps.Cost-wise, it's not going to break the bank and irritate my budget conscious sweetie. WAF is real!

As far as speaker choice-Based on what I heard, am reading both here (thanks!) and other internet sites, I'm excited by exploring full range driver speakers. At this time, of the speakers I auditioned the OGY is the one that excites me. It's a full-range driver, small footprint, bookshelf speaker, that is 8 Ohms, 91 db efficiency. It  is also compatible with lower watt amps. On a purely an emotional level the OGY sounded natural, detailed sound with a surprisingly large 3D soundstage for its size.

What are other full-range drivers worth auditioning, in the $2K price range

Thanks again!

David

@wharfy any update on your search?  I also have the Unison Simply Italy running a pair of Zu Soul 6 - pretty nice!  Goes as loud as you could want, but nice at low volumes.

@jimmy2615 -Happy to hear you have a combination you like. Have to say the Simply Italy is a wonderful integrated. I have it paired with either the OGY monitors and/or a ProAc Anniversary Tablettes. I have a REL T/5X that both supports the mids and boosts the bass.

I'm finding the ProAc mates wonderfully with the Simply Italy. In my smallish listening room (12" x 10.5", with 8.5" ceilings) the ProAc's deliver an expansive and pleasing euphonic/liquid soundstage--the other day I was listening to a Ron Carter/Houston Person CD and Person's sounded like he was performing in the adjacent bathroom :-). The speakers disappear.

I'm listening to them more often than the OGY's, which sound terrific and trade soundstage and euphonics for a more precise listening experience. My better half thinks I should sell them and use the proceeds for travel. Something I'm seriously considering. 

I haven't really pushed the volume and strongly agree the Simply Italy sounds terrific at low volume. When I purchased the integrated, the dealer/salesperson said I had a 30-day return window, but would not want to use it. Spot-on guarantee.

Have you changed/tried different tube combinations? The sound characteristics of the EL34 tubes really shine. I'm using the stock EL34's-Tung Sol with NOS Cifte 12AU7's.

David

Thanks for the update.  I’ve gotten a pair of Proac Tablette 10 to try out, so I appreciate your comments there.  Unfortunately my primary room is probably a little too big for this combo, but I’ll try it.  Yes, I’ve tried some Primaluna and Sophia EL34s and some RCA clear top, blackplate, NOS Mullards and a few other 12au7s.  I find the smaller tubes seem to make a larger impact on the sound.   

@jimmy2615 -

I really like ProAc. I have a pair of DR30R and they can be driven with as little as 10W. Just because, I paired the floorstanders with the Simply Italy in the bigger room and they sounded sublime. There will come a time when I'm going to downsize. I would happily replace my separates with another Unison integrated amp--a Triode 25, for instance. 

David