What vintage speakers to pair with McIntosh C20 preamp and McIntosh 240 amp?

[BMSIII]

You would want 91db efficiency minimum with that amp IMO. The L96's would be a good go and seems how I bought my MC240 amp from WhiteSE he would know how it would power them. They would also cost half or less than a pair of Jubals - not knowing your budget.
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Carl

Thanks for the great explanation of speaker efficiency! Now, If I can find a great looking set of JBL L96's with no problems and good price I will be in business....

 

[WhiteSE]

They are a bit hard to find..one of the least resold JBL's..heck, I have seen less L-96's than Paragons.

I drove them with MC275's, MC240's, MC40's, and other tube gear..I honestly say they sound great with all.

 

[BMSIII]

I have located a pair of JBL L96 East of Berkley, California. The seller will only agree to local pick up. Can anyone recommend AK member or JBL repair shop nearby to inspect and ship on buyers behalf? I know it's a long shot but never hurts to ask.

 

[Beanstocks]

With my MC240 and Eico HF85 pre, lacking an interesting new pair of speakers, I dragged a pair of Dahlquist DQ-10s out of the closet. And, when connected to my ARX turntable or Sony CDP what emanated from those big screens totally floored me! Beautiful luscious voices and huge mid range realism that defied description. Two years later, I sold the Mac with the DQ-10s to a nagging friend and this act tops my list of the most regrettable vintage audio transaction ever, period!! If possible, give these speakers a listen with your components.

 

[JohnMac]

I currently have several of the speakers that you mentioned. AR2s, Large Advent, KLH 17s and just got some Wharfedale W70s. I've been switching them around with my Fisher 400 and Pilot 240 tube units. The Ars and the KLHs sound very nice. I like the Advents better with a higher powered SS amp. They don't seem very efficient. The Wharfedales seem to be the most efficient. Good tight bass. I haven't recapped them yet so I really can't speak for the overall sound yet. I'm really fond of the KLHs clear (maybe a little thin) sound. All of these would be good candidates but in the end it's up to the listeners preference. I guess that's why I try so many speakers. Each one has its own qualities.

 

[BMSIII]

You would want 91db efficiency minimum with that amp IMO. The L96's would be a good go and seems how I bought my MC240 amp from WhiteSE he would know how it would power them. They would also cost half or less than a pair of Jubals - not knowing your budget.
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=775&stc=1&d=1062560177


Carl

There have been several suggestions for JBL speakers, what are the differences in L96, L166, and L100? I really want to stay within 23" tall X 14" wide size, and all of these fit the size requirement

 

[WhiteSE]

L96 I believe has a lot better crossover, better tweeter than the L-100.