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Hello all. Looking for advice.
My system is an Innous Server, Chord Qutest DAC, Goldpoint Attneuator, Kurashima 45 Set Amp, and Lowther Alerion rear loaded horn speakers. The link is to a review of the Alerions as many may not have heard of them (as I recall when I purchased from Jon VerHalen, my speakers were in fact the test units).
This set up is to me anyway, about as good as it gets listening to jazz trios, quintets, and even some of Duke Ellington's larger band offerings.
It is good, if not always optimal for solo classical piano, chamber music and voice recordings.
Where it leaves much wanting is symphony recordings. On many recordings one might almost think someone had cut the power during the more quiet movements.
For example the other night listening to Mahler's 6th (Deutsche Grammaphon Weiner Philharmoniker) my volume selection was fine for the opening Allegro and Scherzo. But then when the Andante movement started I could not hear a thing.
As there are good number of what appear to be more efficient speakers or powerful amplifiers around the same price, I am conflicted as to which way to go.
Wondering if any of you have experienced similar challenges and how resolved. Thank you.
Follow Ups:
nt
Hello all. Sorry for so long replying.
In fact the reason behind this question coming to mind now is I am in the process of moving from my home of 24 years to a smaller place out west. Downsizing is proving to be more work than anticipated.
Thank you for the good points. Although the Alerions were conceived as a smaller horn option for space constraints, they are fairly large from the perspective of planning a move. Selling them and getting new, more sensitive speakers makes sense. Will look into the suggested replacements.
One point about the Alerions: with the update from DX55 to DX65, I think the sensitivity is somewhat better than what is reported in the linked review. Clearly not sensitive enough, however.
Now I just have to figure out how best to safely crate my SET amplifier before handing it over to the movers.
Much as I admire Lowther's use of single drivers, I have never considered they match the overall performance of a good 2 or 3 way system.
I think you are happy with your electronics but the limitation is the output from your amp. I'd look towards changing the Lowthers for a good quality full-range floor-standing horn system of even more sensitivity than the Lowthers. My money would go for a pair of used Avantgarde Unos or Duos depending on your budget.
I've been using AGs since 2002 after Stereophile voted the Unos as their Speaker of the Year following a fantastic review in their mag. I switched from big active ATC 50s and what a huge smile those Unos pout on my face!
I bought them new and sold 17 years later with not a penny loss! Then I spotted a pair of circa 2006 Duos at a bargain price. Most recently I bought new Duo XDs but I'd suggest perhaps Duos of pre-XD vintage would offer best value.
With twin 10" bass drivers (self-powered bass section), mid and top horns with 104 dB sensitivity, they need only a few watts to do justice to your Mahler, or Ellington, or anyone else.
DIY another pair of speakers. It's not hard as you "outsource" the hardest tasks. You'll have $500 into the equivalent of a 99db $4k speaker.
Keep the 45 and get another PP in the 15-20 watt range: 6L6 or el84 etc..
Swap between the two depending on the music
Live happily ever after with no wants.
Lots of possibilities, and I'm sure you've thought of them already. You don't mention your price range.
1) you could add a powered sub, if feasible. That would certainly extend the FR of your speakers (much needed), and take much of the load off of your 45s. This will also help with dynamics.
2) Get more efficient speakers. You'd be hard pressed to find some that didn't go deeper in the bass.
3) get a more powerful SET, or a low powered PP amp. I've lived with SETs for over 10 years, including custom type 10 SETs. 1.5 glorious watts. Even with 100db speakers, they felt somewhat limited. That will help with dynamics, but won't solve your bass issue though.
Or, any combination of the above. If you want to listen to classical, you're going to need deeper bass, and more dynamics. It seems that your speakers are the most limiting factor. I would at least address that issue first, then *maybe* the amp.
That's my ramble for the day. :-)
Good luck.
Jack
Yes, there are sensitive loudspeakers that'll go deeper, but I don't think he'll find more sensitive loudspeakers without going to theater horns . I mean, not that that would be a bad route with a 45 amp... ;)
45 is definitely a little borderline for fullrange amplification of big music. I (FWIW) consider 2A3 a little more practical -- even with biggish loudspeakers. :)
all the best,
mrh
They are 93 db/w/m, according to the review linked in his post. That's really not what one would call super efficient.
Plus, they only go down to 70 hz. He could get some Zu speakers that are a lot more efficient, and have deeper bass. Just an example, there are a lot of options, depending on budget.
Jack
enn tee
all the best,
mrh
... that cuts the screechy lower treble. Without the filter, you can have 103dB (above 2kHz). Many highly-regarded "efficient" fullranges have this issue. Few are much better than 92dB/W/m in the piston range.
I definitely vote for different speakers. I love the 45 SET amp and have been using them for over 20 years. Currently I have Jeff Korneff Design Monoblocks.... Don't get rid of your 45 amps, you'll regret it.I use Oris Horns - The Orphean System. which are 115db and are driven by the Korneff 45 Amps. I have Klipschorn Bass Bins which are driven by Hypex Class 'D' amps. So with Bi-Amping, I never run out of power.... So, consider Bi-Amping and the Oris Horns (Orphean Model).
Orphean - See Link Below. BTW - Where in the Midwest are you located? I'm in Minneapolis.
Edits: 02/26/24 02/27/24
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