Ray77
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Most (all?) Decware amp owners must be using high efficiency speakers, given lack or response to your post. Jerry at Falcon Acoustic did not respond to my query about using low powered SETs (aren't they ALL low powered?). Ekkehard Strauss (Medialux blog) offered an opinion (nearfield listening). I notice you have an LM mini 218IA SET (2xEL84, 2x12AX7). What was your impression driving the LS35a's? I have same amp and DIY FA LS35a's with No. 23aB (15 ohm) crossovers. At my listening position (9 ft), I get up to 85 dB SPL with volume control at 11 o'clock position - same as with my KT88 push-pull integrated (35w ultralinear/28w triode). I use a REL T/7i sub to augment below 100 Hz. The mini 218IA is the opposite of the Super Zen Triode - solid state rectification, PC boards, mass produced in China. That said, it provides a clearer, more holographic image than the bigger P-P amp. Stereophile published a review of the FA LS35a's showing impedance curve characteristic (> 8 ohms; 7 ohm dip from 7 to 15 kHz). I think its the impedance that makes this a tube-friendly speaker. Based on my system configuration, music preferences (jazz, vocals) and ears that can no longer tolerate loud, a Decware 2 watt SET might be my next amp upgrade.
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