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

Those Spendors list for $2300.00! 

Spendor A1 Bookshelf Loudspeakers (pair) – Upscale Audio

@yogiboy , the specs say they only require 25wpc which means they must be an easy load to drive, yet their sensitivity is rated as 84.  I guess it is due to the impedance 8 ohm nominal) only dropping to 6.6?

@immatthewj Those non ported speakers would be fine in the size room and type of music that the OP listens to! He should make an offer on them!!

Fritz Carbons would not be too much for the room.  I have a similar size room and use the Rev 7se.  I have port plugs and  when I use them it does not diminish the tone of the speakers.  I usually have them unplugged and they work well for me.  I also have a pair of Falcon Acoustics Q7s that might work for you.  They are a slightly deeper cabinet version of the LS 3/5a.  They would work well with the music you like but I’m not sure about the amp pairing.  They are only 83-84db sensitivity but are 15 ohm.