Quality speakers that don't need tons of power

But I didn't want to steer this conversation in a different direction, I do believe you should get your favourite speaker and build around it and if it happens to need strong amplification, so be it...interesting case with Silverline Bolero, whcih uses Dynaudio drivers but it's much easier to drive than Dynaudio...anyway, thanx for all the responses so far

I would look at Focal...maybe the Electra line. If you go uses a 1027 be will be well below budget.

Horns. Will allow you to experiment with amps on a qualitative, rather than quantitative, basis.

FWIW, I think the 'interesting case' is due to the crossover and Silverlines implementation of the drivers. I have another set of speakers with identical drivers (except for the tweeter) but different cross-overs, cross-over points, and boxes/design. Those speakers are fairly flat FR types, 86db efficiency, and fairly flat impedence curve (ideal for tubes). They sure don't sound like the Boleros, which I have owned for 2 1/2 years and highly indorse.

I use small tubed PP pentode/triode amps which cost less than 3K. Works for me! I'm sure there are 'better' electronics but I've been there/done that and can pass on the opportunity to go down that road again. :-)

There's some speakers that have powered subwoofers like Vandersteen I think...does that mean they dont need as much power to drive the rest of their system effectively?