Need new speakers

I posted about this months ago, but didn't supply much info. Here's another try...

I've been using some old Sherwood speakers for a while now, and they are getting really annoying. One of the tweeters is close to death, and I've never been impressed by the low mids and below.

I have a small 12'x12' room. I have a Fisher KX-100 tube amp (the kit version of the X-100). It has six 12AX7's and four 7868 tubes.

I'll admit I'm a novice at determining the type of speakers to use. I think the output of this amp is about 20-25 watts per channel, but not 100% sure (going off conflicting information from Google searches). There are outputs for 4, 8, and 16 ohm speakers.

I'm looking for something that would sound good in my small room. Some decent bookshelf speakers would probably suit me fine, or some smaller floor-standing speakers.

Budget? I guess that depends. I can see myself spending about $300 on a set, but if I can get a huge improvement for some more cash, then I might save my pennies. I'm not in the market right now, but hoping to get something early next year.

I realize I should listen before I buy, but I thought I'd throw this out for some suggestions. Judging from some research, I'm considering Acoustic Energy AEGIS EVO 1, Klipsch KG-4, or AR-3s.

Also, can somebody please point me to a decent site that clearly explains the technical side of matching amps and speakers?

Thanks!!!

 

Check this one out...

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetailprint.asp?sku=EPOELS3

The EVO-1 has great reviews too.

Jose.

 

Correct. You need at least 25 watts to get them going. I would not use them with anything less than 50 watts per channel.

You do have enough power for AR-5's. They are an AR-3a with a 10 inch woofer. Or if you want something smaller, AR-4x's. I would go with AR-5's. You may need to have the foam on the woofers replaced. AR-2ax's are nice too. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50597&item=5723801691&rd=1

 

I only have one class tomorrow, French, and its at 2:00. Homework is done. I like to get that stuff over with on Friday and Saturday, so that I have my weekend free. I don't believe in Sunday night cramming. No quizzes or tests this week, thank God!

 

Thanks guys. Any other suggestions?

 

I use a pair of Klipsch SF-1 floorstanders for my "hometheater". Actually it's just a cheap Sony stereo receiver, a dvd player, and the Klipsch. I have been pretty impressed with them for the price, in your price range at Best Buy. I have used them for the occasional dvd concert video and they sound really good. Great bass for their size. I would say they are about 85% as good as the Klipsch RF-35's I use in the main system, relative to their size. Anyway, they would be a great choice for a tube amp.

 

Hello, In case anyone is interested, I happen to have a pair of the above mentioned Klipsch KG-4's, and I have used them and can recommend them.. And in response to the above request, I am willing to part with them to someone who can appreciate their qualities. They are quite efficient, with a small amount of power they really play. A very clear midrange, which is good for movies and dialog, a 12 inch rear facing passive radiator which "excavates" low bass from the signal when present. Two driven rubber surround Klipsch built eight inch woofers are fast and under good dicipline. The horn mid/tweeter is well balanced and gives a "theatre quality" to the listening experience. It took me a little while to "warm up and get used to" this type of sound. But once I did, it was enticing. On home theatre work, it added the element of "at the movies" and I started to listen at elevated volumes during the show. They handled with ease this challenge, with no distortion or "power limiting" and a new and enjoyable experience was thus created. They have some cabinet flaws but no perfomance flaws... I would accept $250/pair. Let me know if this helps you out. RE "Transducergeek"

 

For a lot of bang for you buck listen to some KLH's

 

May not be in your comfort zone (buying them unheard), but you get a good bang for the buck buying used speakers. Some audio shops down your way might have some used models available. I've been buying a few repairable pairs of Boston speakers on eBay, and haven't been disappointed yet...but then again, I know their basic sound anyway. Depends, too, on what you listen to.

 

I'll throw out a suggestion for some Epos ELS-3 speakers. These are right in your price range and were rated Best Budget Speaker by The Absolute Sound and got a great review in Stereophile.

I bought 2 pairs plus the center channel for music plus a home theater and love them.

http://www.epos-acoustics.com/

 

I've heard those Epos models image like crazy. Also, for awhile quite a few people here were buying some Tannoy model for a killer deal off the web. Everybody said great things about them. Not sure what they were called though.

 

The Tannoy Proto J Plus monitors require 50-100 watts of amp power.

Anybody know much about the B&W DMD303 speakers?

 

I would expect the B&W to be less efficient than the Tannoys, just by reputation. The 303 did okay in What? HIFI's shootout, but was bettered by a Tannoy model (consumer, not professional) and the Energy EVO Ones which won the shootout. The best value in the B&W line is in the 600 series 3. More expensive than the 300s, but jumps up in quality by quite a bit. The 602s are a heck of a full sounding stand mount speaker. The 601s are supposed to be a very nice little speaker, but I haven't heard those. Again, I don't think the B&Ws will pair well with a lower powered tube amp, though. Just my opinion.

 

Yeah, I found the B&W website after I posted that.

I'm going to look into the Epos most likely. I might just call John at Red Trumpet and discuss it with him...

 

Normally, I would recommend the Energy Connoisseur C-1 bookshelf monitors. In fact, here's a review from audioasylum.com. While it seems to be a little on the expensive side for a small speaker ($300.00/pair), it is a must-hear....amazing imaging, smooth sound, and amazing bass for a small speaker. Not to mention the excellent craftsmanship (made in Canada).

However, 2 months ago, I came upon a sale on the larger Energy Connoisseur C-3 bookshelf monitors at my local Energy dealer. $300.00/pair new in box!! The C-3 is even better....I A/B'ed it against the Monitor Audio Bronze B-2 ($400.00/pair) and the Energy was the better speaker, IMO. The C-3 was Soundstage.com's "Budget Leader" Award winner in 2002. So watch out for deals on the C-3.

Both Energy speakers are quite efficient....being rated at 92 dB or above. Should be OK with tube amps.

 

Should I bother?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5723211800

It's close enough that I can pick them up. However, even though I read some positive comments from a Fisher tube amp owner that uses these speakers, I have a feeling they're not a good match. Or am I missing something here?

 

Keith, at that price I would definitely think it would be worth it.

 

Now that I look at the picture closely, I notice that one of the cones on the right speaker is pushed in, and the same with the flip side!

Is that easy to fix, or would it need replacing?

 

Good catch! Hmmm, risky at best. I have removed pushed in cones before, but it isn't an easy task. If it can't be done with tape in a pull fashion it's cause for replacement IMHO.

 

The seller won't let me pick up... PASS!

 

A good decision me thinks Keith. Keep lookin' and good luck.

 

I find that to be a pretty accurate statement.

 

And the winning bidder is... ME.

The seller lives in Canton, and he'll be here in Columbus this Saturday. He's agreed to bring them down for me!

He's a really nice guy too (we've exchanged a number of emails). His hobby is speaker refurbs, so he should be a good contact to have.

You know, over the weekend I switched out my Fisher amp with my 80s JVC solid state receiver. It's a much better match for my current speakers, but I really miss that tube warmth! I'm going to have to get the Fisher refurbed next... there are too many weird quirks right now. The 12AX7s need to be replaced, the on/off switch for the speakers doesn't work, the left channel is quieter than the right, and the line out level is REALLY low compared to the JVC. At least when it's fixed I'll be done spending money on my system. Right? Right? Ummm....