Seeking speakers under $3K for 10x12 ft room and driven by 20wpc tube amp


I currently have a pair of Apogee Acoustics Centaur Minors driven by a new Black Ice integrated tube amp. The small but dedicated listening room means I’m doing near-field listening with me and the speakers forming a 6’ triangle. As you might expect, these speakers have terrific midrange but at 85dB sensitivity they are a bit difficult to drive and feel limited in dynamics. The room is acoustically treated.


I almost exclusively listen to small combo acoustic jazz and vocals and I’m seeking recommendations for something easier to drive and more dynamic that provides a more “palpable presence” of the musicians when played at louder levels. Prefer small floorstanders for aesthetics but not essential and preferably a brand where I might have a chance to audition them (I’m in SoCal). Also open to used (e.g. something like Wilson Cubs). TIA!

p.s. thanks for the Sonus faber suggestion.

ristretto

I have Omega S.A.M. and they sound great but I would not recommend them if you like playing loud.  They'll play fairly loud but push them too much and they lose their composure.  As mentioned , need a sub

I am tempted to try Studio Electric M4.   They look nice for the money.  

I am listening to a pair of refurbished Acoustic Research AR-2ax in my office, a similarly sized room to yours, essentially 6’ triangle. You could call them large bookcase, or compact 3 way.

They have level controls for both the tweeters and mids to balance their output in any space. I drive mine with a Luxman 10wpc tube amp. The 10" woofer produces full range without over-powering you when close. My prior Wharfedale 225’s 6.5" woofers needed a sub to avoid sounding small.

They sound so good, I restored a 2nd pair for my Garage/Shop system. I bought new level controls and new tweeters for that pair, and new grille cloth, everything is available for these.

A restored pair of AR-2ax, I would get the stands he shows them on also

ar-2ax rehab

I second the Reference 3A de Capos. i use mine with a 4 watt tube amp and the room is 12 x 22 and plenty loud and with great full sound even low volume.

 

I've hear soem Omegas and that is another great choice