Howie
I knew I had seen the Coltrane's with Ongaku at RMAF '10.

See post #104 in this thread

http://www.audioaficionado.org/event...2010-a-11.html

Jim

Replacement. Ongaku can't handle the 2.7ohm dip on the strads but boy does it sound good though! :tears:

You should pick gear to compliment your speakers, not the other way around...

I think it depends and there are no hard and fast rules. You change your components as and when the budget allows and something takes your fancy.

Especially for those who have decided to go the SET way, there is no way you can just find a SET to suit any speaker. The decision to go SET means you will have to accommodate your amp by finding an appropriate speaker. I don't think there is a right or wrong here.

Having a 27 watt amp does limit my choices of speaker but the SET magic is a big draw to so I am willing to compromise a little!

Just my 2 cents! :yes:

howie

Howie...what is the Coltrane's sensitivity and how benign is its impedance curve?

Thanks Mike. Yeesh...I am not sure this is such a great pairing with the Ongaku amp. A good portion of the low frequency portion of the pass band well below 4 ohms. Howie, have you tested the two together? :scratch2:

Cyril,

I am actually looking more at the Coltrane II which is nominal 8 ohms with a 4.1 ohm minimum if I recall correctly.

I have found though, that measurements on paper don't always correspond to real life situations especially with regards to tube amps which can produce thunderous results with what would appear to be an incompatible load.

A much more reliable way, in my experience, is to see what real people use with certain speakers or amps or what manufacturers use to demo their products. You can bet your bottom dollar that they won't purposefully compromise their system.

The ktema is actually a similar load as the strads but much much easier to drive. Some of the very sensitive speakers i looked into like the JBL DD6600, Tannoy Kingdom Royal are real pigs even with 95db + and 8ohm ratings and you rarely see these speakers with SETs. Don't ask me why but I 'm sure 15 inch woofers play a part!

Best way is to demo I guess and make double sure.:yes:

Howie...understood. As you said, trying them out together is the only way to really know if they are synergistic :thumbsup: Good luck. I have always been intrigued by Marten speakers, so looking forward to your impressions. And if you do get a chance to listen to the Django down the road, PM me please with any thoughts. Thanks much.

Don't worry i will look out for the Django for you. :yes: