I know I know, yet another 'what kind of speakers should I 'get' thread, right? Well, sort of.
I don't want you guys (and gals) to tell me what kind of speakers to get, but rather what kind of speakers I should go listen to myself. There's a lot out there so I'd like to narrow the field a bit.
Here are the nuts & bolts:
Source: SACD player (I have a few, Pioneer 563a, Samsung HD840, Oppo 980)
Preamp - Tube based, chinese made. It's called a B-283.
Amp - I have two - a Vuum and a Grant Fidelity A-88. The A-88 runs on KT88 power tubes, 12AX7 preamp tubes, and 6SN7GTB Rectifier tubes (I think they're rectifier tubes). This amp can operate in Triode (32w/channel) or Ultralinear (65W / channel). So when I need to 'rock out', I can go to Ultralinear, and when I want to listen to subletities of Jazz or Classical, I can use Triode.
The room is small - 10 x 12. It's a spare bedroom.
I'd like the speakers to be able to do both types of listening (according to my mood) very well. Needs to be full range (say around 35 hz min. for low extension, 28 or even 25 hz would be nicer, but probably not required). I prefer speakers that image very nicely and have a deep soundstage. Off axis irrelevant as due to room size I'll be in the 'sweet spot' all the time. I also want a speaker that will let my tube amp(s) sing. I don't want a 'coloured' speaker ruining the 'tube' experience for me.
Amps can drive any load (4ohm or 8ohm) though a 4 ohm load will suck the life out of the KT88's in a hurry.
Speakers on my short list already include
Energy RC50's and RC70's.
Jamo C-605's & 607's
Paradigm Studio 60's
Currently using Polk RT800i's. Don't really like this speaker too much anymore. It's not a bad speaker per say, I just don't think it does anything well. Bass is bloated, there's a bit of a midrange hole and the highs can be a bit grating at times
Budget would be around $2000 for the pair. Used will be considered as well though I'm limited in my area and probably wouldn't want to pony up for the delivery bill.
So, what speakers would go good with tubes in a small room? I'll audition all I can based on your recommendations. Otherwise, I'll be wandering aimlessly from store to store.
Thanks!
I don't want you guys (and gals) to tell me what kind of speakers to get, but rather what kind of speakers I should go listen to myself. There's a lot out there so I'd like to narrow the field a bit.
Here are the nuts & bolts:
Source: SACD player (I have a few, Pioneer 563a, Samsung HD840, Oppo 980)
Preamp - Tube based, chinese made. It's called a B-283.
Amp - I have two - a Vuum and a Grant Fidelity A-88. The A-88 runs on KT88 power tubes, 12AX7 preamp tubes, and 6SN7GTB Rectifier tubes (I think they're rectifier tubes). This amp can operate in Triode (32w/channel) or Ultralinear (65W / channel). So when I need to 'rock out', I can go to Ultralinear, and when I want to listen to subletities of Jazz or Classical, I can use Triode.
The room is small - 10 x 12. It's a spare bedroom.
I'd like the speakers to be able to do both types of listening (according to my mood) very well. Needs to be full range (say around 35 hz min. for low extension, 28 or even 25 hz would be nicer, but probably not required). I prefer speakers that image very nicely and have a deep soundstage. Off axis irrelevant as due to room size I'll be in the 'sweet spot' all the time. I also want a speaker that will let my tube amp(s) sing. I don't want a 'coloured' speaker ruining the 'tube' experience for me.
Amps can drive any load (4ohm or 8ohm) though a 4 ohm load will suck the life out of the KT88's in a hurry.
Speakers on my short list already include
Energy RC50's and RC70's.
Jamo C-605's & 607's
Paradigm Studio 60's
Currently using Polk RT800i's. Don't really like this speaker too much anymore. It's not a bad speaker per say, I just don't think it does anything well. Bass is bloated, there's a bit of a midrange hole and the highs can be a bit grating at times
Budget would be around $2000 for the pair. Used will be considered as well though I'm limited in my area and probably wouldn't want to pony up for the delivery bill.
So, what speakers would go good with tubes in a small room? I'll audition all I can based on your recommendations. Otherwise, I'll be wandering aimlessly from store to store.
Thanks!
