What speakers for 50s/60s receivers?

[Mingo]

I know a lot of folks are listening to refurbished Fisher, Scott, Pilot, etc. receivers from the late 50s and early 60s. I currently have a Fisher 800C matched with a pair of Snell Type J III. They sound pretty good to me. I may be in the market for another tubed receiver soon, and was wondering what speakers others are using. Any better than average pairings, anything to avoid? I know that there are a lot of variables involved, but any advise or insight is appreciated. What receiver/speaker combinations are others using?

 

[62caddy]

You're correct- huge variables involved such as room size, volume levels you enjoy, type of music, speaker placement restrictions and...the depth of your pockets.

Without knowing more, I'm gonna throw a Hail Mary pass and suggest a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls, La Scalas or Heresys- all of which are well suited for low to moderate power tube gear- by many accounts.

 

[cnh2]

Any classic KLH will sound wonderful with vintage tube power! Klipsch classics above are also an excellent choice!

cnh2

 

[tubedude]

I'm going with KLH and Acoustic Research. The older receivers just love anything Henry Koss developed. It's been my experience that older gear simply sounds better with gear of the same vintage. Klipsch and Altec stuff might also be a good match.

 

[JohnVF]

The speakers have no way of telling if the watts getting to them are old or new. I mate my vintage tube gear with whatever sounds good. Currently that is Cabasse Sloop M2s from the early '80s and Harbeth Compact 7s from last year.

 

[tubedude]

So you like your highs and lows rolled off those fancy speaks of yours?

 

[mhardy6647]

The 1960s Fisher vacuum tubed receivers partner well with Cornwalls. Is it the optimal choice? No, but there's tons of fun to be had there for relatively modest cost.

The 25-ish wpc of the 400/500/800 buys one plenty of flexibility in choice of loudspeakers.

 

[ken.nelson]

I might suggest the AR A3's.