Best speakers for SA-8800?

V

vfromd

Member
Hello everyone and happy weekend!

Not the most original subject, but.. I'm in the process of replacing my Marantz receiver with this Pioneer amp.. And I've always thought my Martin Logan speakers look too modern with my system, so I'm finally ready to start looking into replacing them with something vintage or vintage looking - that would be a good match both sonically and visually.

Naturally, the HPM series are top of my list so far - but not sure which model was meant to be a perfect match with SA-8800. Also, no idea really as to what else would be a good or a better match than the HPMs.

What I would like is:
1. Keep it under or around $1K - and
2. I don't really like my sub here visually speaking, but with Martin Logan it's a must. So I would like the replacement speakers to have enough bass - so that I don't need the the sub here.

Please share your favorite speakers that you have used with SA-8800 / SA-9800!

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This is subjective...but my opinion - Get a pair of HPM-100s and youre set!!

Arrived at that conclusion after trying out several speakers with my SA-9800, some of which were much more expensive than the 100s.
 
Ya, that is at the top of my list also, but a slight concern I have is - would they be too much for my 8800 amp? SA-9800 seems like a perfect match for those speakers, but with 8800 they would work as well?
Do you mind sharing what other speakers you've tried with your SA-9800?
 
Not much of a difference between the 8800 and 9800. They are both non-switching amps and the power difference is 20W but you'll never actually play them at a volume loud enough to notice the difference. Also bg difference int he design of the amps (9800 is a dual-mono amp with two transformers for each channel) but again doesn't make a difference with the choice of speakers. So I would still recommend the HPM-100 for your SA-8800.
Ive tried the JBL-L100s, and a bunch of modern speakers but the HPM-100s won hands down.
 
Appreciate the response, we’ll check what’s available. Looks like they are rather common, but most are in poor condition from what I can see
 
Oh wow, that is an old thread.. I actually just completed my “vintage room” this past weekend, which looking at the date, took me exactly 2 years. The new setup is completely different, and the only component that stayed is my equalizer. I replaced my Marantz 2252b which I thought was too bright with SA-9800. Fully rebuilt and recapped. Only the case is original, most everything on the inside has been replaced. Same with SG-9800 eq. Pioneer HPM-100 speakers fully serviced inside out, refinished , sanded, painted, recapped, super tweeters replaced, brand new grills in custom navy color. My Technics 1200 has never been serviced in 20 years I’ve had it, and my technician says don’t even worry it will work another 20. The only “weak” link is the Denon tape deck that works fine, but could use a little tlc. Overall a huge improvement.
My wife is very polite about this - as long as I don’t attempt to move this into living room, ha.PXL_20250319_173751559~2.jpg
 
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