L100 Century and tubes.

[lutesk]

Hi all. I have a chance to pick up some L100 Century's locally, and was wondering how well they mate with tubes. Aren't they pretty low on the efficeincy scale? I'd be pushing them with a 50 Watt Manely Stingray. I listen to mostly rock.

Thanks for any info.

[Robh3606]

Hello lutesk

Actually they are high compared to most bookshelfs their size. They are in the 90's so 50 watts should work just fine with them providing the volume is not at concert levels. They also run on lower side impeadence wise, closer to 4 ohms so try both taps if you have them.

Rob

[LRBacon]

Howdy Lutesk,
According to the tech. spec. sheet, which uses the old method, their efficiency is 78 db/1w at 15 feet.

Larry

[HipoFutura]

I drive my L100s with a pair of 60 WPC mono-blocks. The sound is fantastic! I find the JBLs to be very efficient. When working in my home office I have the preamp volume turned up only one click off zero. This is the min volume level!

I have a tri-amp configuration with the mono-blocks and L100s handling the 80hz - 8Khz freqs.

I say go for it. Tubes and L100s are a terrific match!

Don

[lutesk]

Thanks all.

I'm wondering about some Altec Bolero's now.

[alexkerhead]

I used my magnavox 12wpc tube amp on one of my sets of L100s a while back, sounds real nice at listening levels.
50wpc tube will sound excellent.

[SUPERBEE]

Hi all. I have a chance to pick up some L100 Century's locally, and was wondering how well they mate with tubes. Aren't they pretty low on the efficeincy scale? I'd be pushing them with a 50 Watt Manely Stingray. I listen to mostly rock.

Thanks for any info.

I have a set of L100s that I have run with both MAC and Marantz SS and tube and they sound great with either. I did notice that they really seem to open up with the tube power. Those are a great match.

[alexkerhead]

I noticed the same thing superbee noticed, they really open up with tubes.
They also lose the harsh mids, and sound more warm and neutral.