Tube amp with KEF Reference 1

CJ Premier 11A? RM-200 is a great amp, you shd be able to find a s/h one for $2500 

I remembered that the A'gon poster, @axo0oxa had some very interesting comments on KEF Ref 1 and tubes (what he uses). Do a member search and see his post from about a 1 to 2 weeks ago.

You need to look at the Soundstage review and measurements on that speaker as they are nowhere near 85db efficient.  I had a friend that owned a pair and gave up on trying to find even a SS amp powerful enough to drive them and deal with their impedance dips.  I would think for a tube amp big enough to drive them you would be well into five figures unless you can get one of the big Rogue amps to work.  I would call Mark or Dennis at Rogue and ask them if something like the ST-100 would work as new it is under your budget.  

I think perhaps a diraclive minidsp unit with a custom target curve will probably result in a better (and more configurable) sound.

Have you considered the Masters BoX? I think this would be an excellent match. It’s parallel single ended but has the ability to handle tougher loads without much if any issue. 

I dont think your speakers would be a tough load on a tube amp. The impedance has a bigger impact on them than the sensitivity as it taxes the transformers far more.  

I used 20 watt Cary CAD 572 SE monoblocks to drive KEF LS50s that have a sensitivity rating of 85 dB, the same as the Ref 1s.  I thought the pairing sounded very good, with a broad and deep soundstage.  I hope to try those amps with my Ref 1s as an alternate to the Ayre VX-5/20.

@justanotherhifiguy Sorry cannot help with the tubes question. However, maybe you can give some feedback on how the KEF R1 sound in your small room? Are you doing anything special to manage the bass?