Apologies for delay in acknowledging/replying to all the very helpful and detailed responses. Have been reading them and trying to digest. Some of which make me realise not only that I should have tried harder at school but also that I picked the wrong subjects. Don’t fully understand the techie replies but they are still useful in painting a picture, eg:
- different behaviour of ss vs tube amp when different impedance speakers used.
- falling speaker sensitivity at low frequencies often being cause of valve amps having loose bass.
All worth knowing.
Trying to respond more broadly:..
Re Room size/current speakers
Have been using the Rega R3s in new house as that's all I have (with the 8 ohm taps - there are no others). I don't generally listen at seriously high levels although they will 'go loud' but too easily. Cannot really consider going above say 20% of the unmarked volume control - is that due to going from 8 to 6 ohms maybe? Interesting point though about how they get there...not so listenable at much higher volumes but I'd put that down to room size/characteristices, duff ears or of course the music being played.
Re horns
Am not really sure tbh. My only real experience is from playing in the brass band at school. I imagine they are highly directional which makes me wonder how it would sound for passive listeners. I didn't realise until seeing these replies that the Odeon Rigolettos have horns in them...was intrigued by the look of that top 'speaker' when I saw the advert and was drawn to them but didn't get anywhere then. I think almost certainly that the bigger horns I have seen would be a no-no in this house, irrespective of SQ.
Re new/old
Was thinking if I went new I'd go up to c.£2k. Quite happy though looking at used provided vgc etc. As mentioned Odeons caught my eye along with Heco Einklangs that were for sale recently but I was too slow there. Since seen unfavourable [Einklangs] reviews/comments but nonetheless am still prepared to have a go should some surface. Was suggesting new mainly as hard to find WAF etc pieces, i.e. colours/aesthetics plus they'd be in perfect condition. Heco I know a bit funky but was prepared to take a punt there.
Re diy
Sounds like a nice idea but I have enough jobs around here already. Unlikely therefore that it would happen.
Re Specific models/types
Zu no longer avalable in UK. They sell direct now within US regions only - new ones look epic
although $$$$ too.
'Big ass' Eltax look great. Could end up being my ass though... Maybe I should be brave enough to try these out with the OGF
Big 'horned' would be a no-no. Smaller ones? maybe but no familiarity really.
Snell Type Ks - Hmmm? stand mounted. Not sure. Think I'd prefer floorstanders.
Still need to look at the various links.
Many thanks all