Best Speakers for Tube Amps

Product Strengths

• Improved bass performance due to the rear port offers tighter and faster low frequencies, and reduces port noise
• A new midrange horn delivers a much larger and more realistic voice presentation
• Super sensitive at 99DB efficient, even low powered single ended tubes can be magical
• Sound is live and alive
• Sound belies cabinet size

Product Considerations

• A subwoofer may be needed in larger rooms or for bass-heavy music genres
• Not as delicate and nuanced as some modern designs
• The bass response is remarkably balanced but not overly deep
• Looks a bit boxy from the front
• Bass does not dig overly deep

Takeaway: The Klipsch Heresy IV is a classic speaker improved to deliver exciting, dynamic, and lifelike sound. These speakers provide a fun and engaging listening experience.

Product Strengths

• The Cornwall IV delivers a big, massive sound capable of filling both small and large spaces alike
• It has a lively and forward-sounding character
• The mid-range has a huge sense of scale and good tone, especially with the human voice
• Dynamics are excellent—the speaker can move a lot of air, specifically highlighted for classical music
• The Cornwall IV is made in the USA and comes with a ten-year warranty

Product Considerations

• The Cornwall IV is large, weighing 100 pounds apiece, and requires significant space
• Placement is critical to getting the mid-range just right, as poor placement can cause low mid-bass detail to be lost
• The bass is more about quality than producing thunderous, visceral bass
• The speaker's design may not appeal to those seeking a modern aesthetic

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Heresy 4, the Cornwall IV has almost the same signature but more 'fullness'
• Compared to Forte 4, the Cornwall IV plays lower, but its base is more boosted, requiring more careful placement
• Compared to La Scala, the Cornwall plays notably deeper than the La Scala, but its base is more boosted and thus requires more careful placement to get the best results
• Compared to Polk R700, the R700s are easier to live with and set up and sound good across every genre
• Compared to Wharfedale Elysians, the Elysians are better across a wider range of genres, easier to set up, and less critical to placement

Takeaway: The Klipsch Cornwall IV is a unique speaker providing a big, live sound that is fun to listen to. This well-built speaker offers engaging sound and can become a lasting part of a listener's audio history.

Product Strengths

• Delivers weighty bass that can be felt due to its 15-inch passive bass radiator, a unique feature among Klipsch Heritage speakers
• Offers an open, transparent, true-to-life sound and a greater sense of scale compared to smaller Klipsch speakers, getting very close to the standards set by the La Scala in midrange clarity
• Detailed and nimble high frequencies, refined and easier on the ears than past Klipsch designs due to crossover updates
• Known for superb imaging, even better than some high-end bookshelf speakers, with a clean, sparkly, detailed, and 3-dimensional sound character
• Plays bigger, fatter, and taller than most speakers under £10,000, delivering effortless dynamics and a full-blooded, immediate sonic presentation

Product Considerations

• Placement is crucial; close to the wall can result in too much bass, compromising clarity, while too far can diminish bass capability
• May reveal faults in recordings, with some modern recordings not sounding as good as expected, and proper amplifier matching is essential to avoid tweeter hiss
• Can sound a bit more treble centric and forward compared to other Heritage speakers, potentially sounding hotter on top and thinner in the mids with certain amplifiers
• Requires careful amplifier matching, as the speaker can reveal weaknesses in the system

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Heresy Mark 4: Forte IV has more bass and scale, though some may prefer the size and styling of the Heresy
• Vs La Scala: Forte IV gets close to the La Scala's transparency but provides more bass
• Vs KLH Model 5: Forte IV is the better speaker overall, with greater scale, openness, and dynamics, but the Model 5 is easier to place and more forgiving of poor recordings
• Vs JBL L100 Classic: Forte IV has a more open and live sound

Takeaway: The Klipsch Forte 4 is a highly regarded speaker, offering a great blend of detail, dynamics, and bass performance making it a very enjoyable listening experience. With careful placement and amplifier matching, it can deliver exceptional sound quality that rivals more expensive speakers.

Product Strengths

• High sensitivity and efficiency makes it easy to drive with low-powered amplifiers, including tube amps
• Exceptional dynamics, scale, and ability to recreate the feeling of a live performance
• Excels in midrange reproduction, with many emphasizing the realistic and engaging quality of vocals
• Well-built with high-quality materials, with its book-matched wood veneer and hand-finished cabinet
• Excellent imaging and soundstage, with the speakers disappearing in the room

Product Considerations

• Lack of deep bass extension, with the speaker rolling off around 50Hz, meaning a subwoofer may be needed for those who listen to bass-heavy music
• Large size can be a challenge, requiring a large listening room
• Placement can affect the sound, with some finding it sounds best when not pushed up against a wall
• Potential to sound bright or harsh, particularly with improper setup or amplification, so careful matching of equipment is recommended
• Polarizing aesthetics, while some appreciate the La Scala's retro looks, others may find its appearance unattractive or dominating in a living space

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Heresy Mark IV, La Scala has better transparency, effortlessness, dynamics, detail, and scale, but the Heresy Mark IV can produce arguably deeper bass
• Vs Cornwall IV, La Scala has a nicer and bigger midrange, better imaging, and provides a more holographic presentation
• Vs Forte IV, La Scala has better musicality and bigger sound that is not nearly as bright

Takeaway: The Klipsch La Scala AL5 is a unique loudspeaker that delivers an engaging and dynamic sound, especially when paired with the right equipment. If one values a lifelike presentation and has the space to accommodate them, these speakers could bring one closer to their music than ever before.

Product Strengths

• Impeccable build quality and attractive aesthetics, with various wood veneer options
• The speaker can be used in different orientations (right side up, upside down, or sideways) to accommodate unique placement needs
• High sensitivity (95dB) makes it easy to drive with a variety of amplifiers, including low-watt tube amps
• Flexible with recording quality, making even poor recordings sound good
• Large soundstage and good imaging
• The midrange is a strong point, with a sense of scale and separation that rivals more expensive speakers

Product Considerations

• Bass is linear and not boosted, so some listeners may prefer to use a subwoofer
• Can be large and heavy, making them cumbersome to move
• The full-range driver is exposed and could be vulnerable to damage
• Finding the perfect speaker stands may be a challenge
• The DW6 floor-standing version is only slightly more expensive

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Heco Celan Revolution 3, the DWX has a much larger and more neutral midrange, and extends lower with quicker bass, while the Revolution 3 is warmer and slightly bass-boosted
• Compared to the Buchardt p300, the DWX has more air, separation, and effortlessness in the treble and a more open—expansive midrange, while the p300 is warmer and has more bass quantity
• The DWX offers more placement flexibility than the DW6
• The DW6 is brighter, more alive sounding, and has more agile and higher definition bass than the DWX

Takeaway: The DWX is a well-built, versatile speaker that offers a large soundstage and impressive midrange performance, and it is easy to pair with different amplifiers due to its high sensitivity. Its ability to sound great even with poor recordings makes it a practical choice for a wide range of listening scenarios.

Product Strengths

• High sensitivity (96dB) makes them easy to drive with low-powered tube amplifiers
• Known for a large, engaging, and vivid soundstage with good imaging
• Produces supple and fruity bass
• Known for instrumental timbre and an uncanny ability to capture inner detail
• Beautifully made with a high-quality cabinet finish
• Described as "highly sensitive" which works well with the creature it is named after of course
• Speaker placement needs care and experimentation to dial in for optimal sound
• Wide baffle design may not appeal to everyone aesthetically
• The speaker terminals are underneath, this makes for a great looking cabinet but a rather fiddly—neck craning installation process
• With some amplifiers, balance terms can be a bit colorful

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Audio Note AN-E/La Loudspeaker, the DeVORE FIDELITY O/96 are definitely not for corner loading

Takeaway:

The DeVORE FIDELITY O/96 is a unique speaker that is very musical and sounds great with different amplifiers. If one wants something that sounds lively and makes listening fun, these could be worth a listen.

Product Strengths

• Known for their ability to make music sound beautiful, big, and alive, similar to a live performance
• Produce a natural-sounding, non-fatiguing sound with warmth, transparency, and exceptional dynamic range
• Design enables 'honest electron translations', allowing more of the source file to reach the listener without impediment, recreating the sounds of instruments and voices in a lifelike way
• Relatively easy to drive, working well with low-power tube amps and solid-state amplifiers
• Have high-quality cabinetry and beautiful finishes

Product Considerations

• Sensitive to room placement, requiring careful positioning to achieve optimal sound
• Digital audio replay needs to be exceptionally good, otherwise it can sound either too 'peaky' or dull
• Some may find the midrange to be slightly 'woody'
• May offer less soundstage depth and image specificity compared to some speakers
• May not be ideal for those with short attention spans who prefer immediate, upfront sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The O/93 delivered a martial prowess and an extra-drunk dancing quality that the GoldenEars didn't, more flesh and blood, though the GoldenEars imaged better
• The O/93 is smoother through the midrange, captures more microdetail and dynamic nuance but seems to compress larger dynamic contrasts, the Zu Audio Soul Supreme made music sound louder and more direct, with amazingly lifelike macrodynamics

Takeaway: The DeVORE FIDELITY Orangutan O/93 speakers bring music to life with a rich and natural sound, making them a great choice for listeners seeking a deep connection with their favorite recordings. Their versatile design works well with various amplifiers, offering an enjoyable and engaging listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Offers a fast and sheer immediacy that makes many narrow baffle rivals sound languid
• Creates an utterly spellbinding image, giving the required space to the orchestra
• Impressively transparent about kit changes in a system
• Plays music with presence, texture, and vibrancy more convincingly than other speakers in its category
• Has a raw liveliness that is intoxicating, and a very realistic sound

Product Considerations

• Does not take kindly to being placed close to walls or wedged into corners and requires careful speaker placement
• Finish might not be the most lavish compared to other speakers at the price
• Bass will be less impactful than larger speakers
• It is necessary to be above the tweeter height to avoid a directional and congested presentation
• Despite high sensitivity numbers, the speakers benefit from more 'juice' than expected to reach their full potential

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Versus Klipsch Cornwall Fours, the Cornwalls sound like much bigger speakers, with more 'oomph,' fullness, and better bottom-end, while the O/baby offers a sweeter midrange
• Versus the DeVORE FIDELITY O/96, the O/baby does not deliver the precise imaging of the DeVORE FIDELITY O/96, but instruments have more body and presence
• Versus Harbeth Compact 7, the O/baby costs about 60 percent more than the Harbeth Compact 7

Takeaway: The O/baby speakers are a smaller package that still delivers a taste of the DeVORE FIDELITY Orangutan line, making them a fun option for small to mid-sized rooms. Their engaging sound and lively presentation make them enjoyable for long listening sessions.

Product Strengths

• Lively sound with a lot of punch, especially in the bass
• Image well, and voices and instruments have good placement
• Can work well in smaller rooms and can be pushed close to the wall without being boomy
• Bass has grip and control, and is not a muddy mess, complementing the music
• High sensitivity and easy to drive with different amplifiers

Product Considerations

• Newer revisions have a more pronounced top end that some may not prefer
• Large speakers are hard to ignore
• Impactful, so they don't disappear like small speakers
• May not have a warm, meaty sound for those preferring a warmer characteristic
• Directional speakers have a defined 'sweet spot'

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Buchardt S400, the Double Impact is for large rooms and loud volumes, while the S400 is for compact solutions and a wider variety of music
• One reviewer sold their KEF Blade 2 after purchasing the Double Impacts
• Compared to Wilson Sasha, the Double Impacts were better sounding

Takeaway: The Double Impact is a strong speaker with a lively and controlled sound that works well in various room sizes and with different amplifiers. It's a great option for those seeking a powerful and engaging audio experience with impressive imaging.

Product Strengths

• Wall-to-wall soundscape that extends to the listening position(s).
• Able to go from a whisper to a rollicking roar and back again, in control at any decibel level without flinching, and the floor shook.
• Reproduction of an instrument's delicate overtones and harmonics is not dampened by the weight of a traditional midrange cone.
• Very revealing speakers nearing electrostatic performance, but with body weight and authority.
• The 15-dome hybrid MTM array is a patented design that is the latest generation from Eric Alexander, and a unique design in the sense that it uses tweeters acting as midrange drivers to achieve lower crossover frequencies and therefore playing some part of the midrange with low mass tweeters.

Product Considerations

• Depending on the recording, the speakers can project music with an enthusiasm and force that paints some instruments as larger than they are.
• Inner detail falls a bit short of absolute world class, tending towards big and meaty.
• Some listeners might prefer a more scrupulously objective truth, which would require speakers with less 'bigness' and a mite more restraint.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs MartinLogan Odysseys: The Tekton Moab became the new reference speakers, edging out the MartinLogan Odysseys that had been the conduit to musical joy for years.
• Vs Wilson Audio and Magico: Some listeners have traded in five-figure Wilson Audio or Magico for a pair of Moabs.
• Vs Tekton Ulfberth: At less than half the price of the Tekton Ulfberth, the Moab can come close to its performance.
• Vs Focal Scala Utopia Evos: While the Moabs left none in the dust, neither did the Focal Scala Utopia Evos easily outclass the Moabs.
• Vs Tekton Encore: Compared to the Moab, the Encore is a bit more laidback with a smoother, warmer, richer bass sound.

Takeaway: The Tekton Moab are suitable for listeners who like their music to sound like a live performance with the ability to deliver solid sound. For listeners who want speakers that emit a wall-to-wall soundscape, these speakers could be the right choice.

Product Strengths

• Solid bass performance for a speaker of its size
• Able to do justice to any genre of music and at realistic volume levels
• Very easy to drive
• Offers a balanced presentation from top to bottom with seamlessness between the woofer and tweeter
• Started sounding like far more than a pair of 8″ two-way monitors when properly positioned along the side walls

Product Considerations

• Achieving the best imaging and deep bass may require experimenting with toe-in and distance from corners and the back wall
• Does not provide much forward/backward information, with the image typically stopping at the outer edge of the speakers
• The basic 'D' model comes only in black ash veneer, while higher-end models offer more choices
• Bass can be overblown if not adjusted properly in room placement

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The AN-E has more bass, is easier to drive, and has a bigger presentation
• Some may prefer the J because they find it a more taught presentation in the mid bass, as well as more "present" in the voice band

Takeaway:

The AN-J is a near full-range loudspeaker capable of articulation and organic flow, making music sound natural and engaging. If someone is looking for a communicative quality that remains consistent wherever they listen, then the AN-J could be a good fit.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional build quality using real wood.
• Unique and beautiful design.
• Smooth, non-fatiguing sound with excellent midrange and vocals.
• Wide and deep soundstage.
• Versatile with different amplification, easy to drive.

Product Considerations

• Treble response may not be exciting enough for some.
• Stands may be overpriced, and the stands could be damaged if assembled incorrectly.
• Placement and listening height can be critical, especially regarding ear level relative to the horn.
• Not a small speaker.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Klipsch La Scala, DeVille has a more refined top end and bigger, tighter bottom end, and the DeVille is smaller, uses real wood—with higher quality parts as well.
• Compared to Avantgarde Uno, DeVille has a more balanced sound from top to bottom, lacks the horn coloration, and doesn't shout like the Avantgarde Uno.
• The Deville is more refined in sound, build, and quality parts with no real coloration or ragged edges compared to Klipsch Heresy IV.

Takeaway: The Fleetwood DeVille is a beautifully designed and well-built speaker that delivers a smooth, musical, and non-fatiguing listening experience. It's a great choice for audiophiles seeking a unique sound signature with exceptional midrange and a wide soundstage.

Product Strengths

• Excellent value for money, performing above expectations
• Quality exudes in its design and construction, with attention to detail in the veneer, binding posts, and grilles
• Smooth and pleasant reproduction of music with surprising openness
• Cool, retro aesthetic blends in with furniture while making a bold statement
• High sensitivity due to its larger drivers and wide baffle

Product Considerations

• Bass can boom if not positioned correctly—requires distance from the wall
• Treble can sound overly 'crispy'
• Imaging can be a little blurry and not super-precise
• Mid area can sound pretty up-front
• Stands are essentially a must-have

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs KEF LS50: The KEF LS50 offers better imaging precision

Takeaway: The Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakers are a well-made, retro-styled speaker that provides a lot of value and sounds great. They offer an enjoyable listening experience with a touch of fun, making them a solid choice for real-world listening.

Product Strengths

• Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
• Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
• Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
• Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
• Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics

Product Considerations

• Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
• Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
• Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
• Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
• Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
• Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
• Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
• Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
• Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound

Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.

Product Strengths

• Open, airy, lively midrange that was smooth yet rich, and with inviting tonality
• Imaging prowess and transparency were evident, with every nuance of the sounds of plucked strings untainted by any speaker-cabinet colorations
• The tweeter is designed to make high frequencies less directional, thus improving off-axis performance
• Positions every tone with precision, creating a good soundstage width

Product Considerations

• Treble can be bright, requiring careful matching with other equipment to avoid excessive brightness
• A lack of midrange was noticed, giving a mellow sound rather than a warm one
• One reviewer found inconsistent sound and technical flaws, like resonances, breakups, and other problems that make the midrange sound recessed compared to the higher frequencies
• Bass extension and fullness were a bit underwhelming for a ported minimonitor of this size
• The speaker's sound has a definite character with a little bit of emphasis in the midrange and the top of the treble

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Q Acoustics 3030i: The Borea BR03 is more engaging and forward-sounding, with more punch and a livelier sound overall—but probably needs more care with pairing
• Vs Klipsch RP-600M: The RP-600M can create an even wider soundstage and equals Triangle when it comes to dynamics, but the Borea BR03 is better when it comes to imaging and layering
• Vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2: The Elac is tonally more balanced and its frequency spectrum is more coherent, while the Triangle Borea BR03 offers bassline authority, dynamics, speed, resolution, and overall engagement that Elac simply can't match
• Vs Bowers & Wilkins 685 S1: The Borea BR03 presented a more spacious, detailed, and airy midrange, and better high-frequency extension

Takeaway: The Triangle Borea BR03 is an engaging speaker that offers a lively sound, especially in the midrange and treble frequencies. With its detailed sound and good imaging, it can bring a lot of enjoyment to listening sessions.