[saxguy]

Louis is currently building me a custom pair of Super Alnico HO XRS with integrated powered downfiring Deep Hemp 8" Subs.  I had purchased them to use with my Decware Sarah 300B, but I'm still probably 6 months out on that amplifier based on Decware's current waiting list.  In the meantime, and for a little different sonic signature than the 300B, I have a pair of Alan Eaton 45 monoblocks.  Being that I don't have my speakers yet, I'm wondering if the 45 will be enough for the SA HO XRS or if I should be looking at 2A3 monoblocks instead.  I sit about 10 feet from each speaker in a room that's 12' deep and about 24' wide with a 9' ceiling.  It's a common area with the kitchen, so the system is blocked to one side in a 12' x 12' space where the right side of the listening space is open to the rest of the room. 

Any thoughts?

[seikosha]

Really, it’s all going to depend on how loud you like to listen.  Do you have a SPL meter?

[saxguy]

I don't, no - but I could use an app on my phone.  The truth is, how loud I listen depends on the system.  I've had systems that were very clear and revealing that I could listen to at lower volumes and be completely satisfied.  Other systems required me to push the volume level a bit to get it to open up.  I'm going to assume that the SA HO XRS will fall into the first category.

I know the 45 tube has a very distinct sound, even as compared to the 2A3.  That's why I initially thought having the 45 monoblocks and the 300B Decware would be great complements to each other.  I'm going to have to put some time on the speakers to break them in before judging things for myself.  I've read that using a 45 amp to break in the Omegas probably isn't the best way to go about it, though.

[seikosha]

I can’t speak for you, but for me, I could live with a 45 SET on those speakers.  They are very revealing and come to life with little power.  Just play them with the 45’s, they’ll break in fine.

[RDavidson]

I can’t speak for you, but for me, I could live with a 45 SET on those speakers.  They are very revealing and come to life with little power.  Just play them with the 45’s, they’ll break in fine.

I agree with this. I’ve owned a few Omegas including a sweet pair of wide baffle 3 HO monitors, which are most certainly less efficient than SA HO XRSs. I drove the 3’s with a 2 watt Decware Zen and it was plenty loud for my needs. Like you, as long as the system comes “alive” at relatively low output, I rarely feel the need to turn it up much beyond conversation levels. Of course I do sometimes just for extra fun.