6L6 or 300B or 2A3?

They may be to inefficient.The 45 only puts out 1.5-2 watts if
I'm remembering right.10-12 watts plus sounds more fair if its
not a large room.

My speakers are 97 db (Classic Audio Loudspeakers T-3) and I find 30 watts to be about the minimum, but I like to listen at higher volume levels (95db peaks).

A 45-based SET makes about 1 watt. You will have about 10% distortion at that power level, IOW you will not be hearing what the amp really can do- you need a speaker about 10 db more efficient than that (104db)! If you drive SETs hard, the qualities that they are known for will not manifest. A 2A3-based SET will only make about 3-4 watts, so you will still be limited by the power levels. Now if you had a P-P 2A3, then you would be making about 15 watts, enough to make things more life-like.

I was in the ballpark stating 1.5 to 2 watts for the 45 tube.
You would need speakers over 100db efficiency for them most likely.The 45 is an awesome tube though.Those vintage JBL's and Klipschorn's never sounded so good.With your speakers efficiency,I would want at least a 12-15 watt minimum amp myself.Wilson Audio is even happy with 15 watts on some of their mid-90's db speakers.45 links>>>>[http://www.nj7p.org/Tube4.php?tube=45][http://www.wavelengthaudio.com/low-watt.html]

Go for a SET. I have 3 different tube amps (45,2A3,300B) and use them in different applications. My speaker is a real easy load (Zu Essence - 97db) and I never need to crank up the volume.

IMHO, 300B is great for Orchestral Music and Hard rock. 2A3 shines in Jazz and chamber music. 45 is wonderful with solo instruments and especially female vocals. However, I think you will love any of them in comparision to a SS or pp tube amp.

Just to be safe, I'd recommend the 300B for you. Lots of good 300B's out there to choose from and 8W should give you enough power to play any type of music you want.