Loudspeakers that go LOUD?

Rather than GO loud I think you should pay attention to "sound good loud". A lot of speakers change their response curves at different volumes - will sound flat at low volume - and screechy, harsh or compressed at high volumes - so there is only a small range in the middle that sounds just right.

Revel claims they make sure the response is flat across all volumes. And my Joseph Audios seem to do this right also - its easy to turn them up loud and not realize it because they do not get harsh at loud volumes. Coincidentally both these speakers use very sharp crossover slopes.

As things stand, you'll either add that "bass unit" (i.e. not a subwoof) -- or you'll have to purchase new, fullish range speakers & a new amp. Indeed, if you keep the speakers you'll probably need a higher powered amp anyway (unfortunately): that's judging from your quick description up top.

A side clarification for our Seas afficionado: Seas happens to be in Norway -- not Denmark.

Two words - full range!

More words - or at least speakers that go down to the low 30s.

I have a very large room (39x19x9) and found happiness with a pair of used Alon V Mk IIs. I listen to about 70% classical and 30% everything else. I've always preferred full range speakers for classical, especially for the coherence required of large scale orchestral & vocal music.

My Alons play VERY loud if needed, without any strain or harshness, with a nice, extended treble, a rich midrange and solid bass. Very balanced. They are also quite open, dynamic and transparent, with a huge soundstage. They do demand a good quality, reasonably powerful amp, be it ss or tube. I drove mine with Herron M150 monos to excellent effect. A pair of Alon V MkII or IIIs will cost you $2k or under - which is a stone cold bargain. I think there's a pair for $1750 listed now. You won't get quite the same imaging characteristics with floorstanders as you do with monitors but the Alons image very, very well.

You might also look for the the full range Alon Lotus Signature Elites with the 16 ohm woofers - they were specially made to be sympatico with tube amps and possess more than enough cojones for a room your size.. 50 tubed watts is more than enough to drive them. Alas, they are no longer in production although the pop up here from time to time.

I've heard the Zu Druids on classical and they did not do it for me. They are fun and they boogie but I wouldn't want to own them, especially if I were primarily playing classical, opera and vocals. Just my 5 cents YMMV.

You were all kind to render your opinions and help, so I figure I owe you an update. I bought a Plinius 8150 integrated amp which puts out more than 230 watts/channel/4 ohms (the Tyler Linbrook Monitors are 4 ohm speakers). With this increase in power I find I can play the system as loud as I care to with no signs of distress. The 50 watt tube amp was, indeed, running out of steam. So, it seems that those of you who urged me to try more power were right on target. Thanks!