High Efficiency Speakers

schwarcw
schwarcw Posts: 7,341
edited June 2009 in Speakers
I've been looking for a pair of high efficiency speakers to go with my vintage Scott 222B. Which I think is one of the finest Scott amps made. I own the 299 with the 7591 tubes, but he 222B images and has a rich sound that is magical. The only problem is the amp put out about 12 - 13 watts of power with the EL84 tubes. I've been using Polk RT 28's and Monitor 5's which are pretty efficient. But I want something a little better.

The Klipsch RB-61 seems like a nice pair of speakers for the money. 97 dB efficiency 43 Hz - 22 Khz range. Price is right also for about $400.

I'm also reading good things about the Tektron speakers which are Fostex based full range speakers about 107 dB efficiency. Low end is poor at about 87 Hz, but people are raving about these on the Audio Asylum.

I'm looking for some guidance and your first hand experience with high efficiency speakers. I'm look for bookshelves and my budget is around $400, maybe a pinch more.
Carl

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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited June 2009
    I like the 7's I had. Horns you love them or hate them...
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • messiah
    messiah Posts: 1,790
    edited June 2009
    Klipsch does make some very efficient speakers. My Uncles sound great even after 30 years!
    "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
    Benjamin Franklin, February 17th, 1775.

    "The day that I have to give up my constitutional rights AND let some dude rub my junk...well, let's just say that it's gonna be a real bad day for the dude trying to rub my junk!!"
    messiah, November 23rd, 2010
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2009
    Have you heard full range drivers before? They're nice because there is almost no coloration, mids are usually excellent, and there are no phase issues, etc... But as you stated, low end is usually lacking, highs can beam, and any fast music usually falls apart.

    Have you thought about Tannoy?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,056
    edited June 2009
    Quad ESL-57s are far from efficient, but they'd match up really well with a Scott 222 I think.

    Altec VOT members (e.g., real VOTs, or Valencias or even Model Nineteens) would be dandy, too.

    Vintage ads speakers are sealed boxes, but surprisingly efficient. I have a pair of L-710s and they sound great with push-pull EL84 amps. Another vintage speaker that is surprisingly tolerant of lower-power amps were the original DCM timewindows (twin transmission line design).

    Fullrange? Well worth consideraion. I have, and like, Fostex FE-207Es in simple bass reflex cabients.
    www.fullrangedriver.com

    EDIT: BTW, I agree with you about the "small-tube" Scotts. The 7591 amps and receivers sound good, but for push-pull it's hard to beat the EL84 family (IMNSHO). I have a 222C that needs rehabilitation (and another one that's a basket case).
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  • mshan242700
    mshan242700 Posts: 823
    edited June 2009
    Maybe Omega Loudspeakers Super 3R, if you can find them on the used market? http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/omega2/super3.html
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited June 2009
    For the money you cant beat Klipsch.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • wizzy
    wizzy Posts: 867
    edited June 2009
    How about the horne shoppe

    http://www.thehornshoppe.com/index.html
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,056
    edited June 2009
    FWIW,I concur that Klipsch are definitely worthy of consideration. Most serious contenders from my perspective would be Cornwall or Chorus; K-horns if you've got the space and the $. If I were spending real money (i.e., K-horn money), I'd go Altec (but that's just me...).

    I also forgot to mention Altec 604 duplexes. Really magical speakers ('specially the AlNiCo flavor).
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited June 2009
    The next floorstanding speakers I will buy will be the JA8008 + TW034 TQWT.

    JA8008_A_400pxh.jpgJA8008_B_400pxh.jpg
    Jake
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,341
    edited June 2009
    Thanks for all the great ideas. The Klipsch RB-61 seems to have the best specs at 95 dB efficient and 43 Hz +/- 3 dB (look Here At around $500 these seen like a pretty good deal.

    I am perplexed by the single drive speakers for some of the reasons stated in this thread. Maybe a DIY project is in order.
    Carl

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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,341
    edited June 2009
    Face wrote: »

    Have you thought about Tannoy?

    Mike,

    I haven't thought about Tannoy, tell me more????
    Carl

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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited June 2009
    If you go horns please listen to them with your music before buying.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,341
    edited June 2009
    Amen Ben! I need to get a pair from my local brick and mortar guy and give them a trail in my environment and my music.

    Carl
    Carl

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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,279
    edited June 2009
    Used pair of Focal 807v's. You might want to get a listen on them. I still miss them. There is something so damn natural about that tweeter. Food for thought Carl.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,341
    edited June 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Used pair of Focal 807v's. You might want to get a listen on them. I still miss them. There is something so damn natural about that tweeter. Food for thought Carl.

    Thanks for the advice! I'll keep my eyes open on the 'Bay and the 'Gon. I'll check the efficiecy specs, what were you powering them with?

    Carl
    Carl

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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,279
    edited June 2009
    Many amps, both SS and just one little ol' tube amp. It was an 8wpc Radii and with all the amplification I had hooked up to it, the 8 watt tube amp made it shine the best. More reviews and information can be found here>>> http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63683&highlight=Focal+807v

    Good luck and happy hunting no matter what you choose bro'.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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