[zeke]

Coincident Technology Triumph Sigs are another monitor to consider ......

[Zero]

Smooth - non fatiguing - affordable musical *bookshelf* speakers that can work well on 30 watts of tube power? Two idea's automatically spring to mind;

The first speaker that pops to mind is the ACI Sapphire XL. It's easy to drive, has exceptional dynamic range, and is one of the very few speakers I've come across to where I can listen for hours and hours without fatigue (even on less than perfect recordings). There is no type of music the Sapphire XL cannot play extremely well. They ride the upper echelon of your price range.  Highly recommended.

The second speaker that pops in my mind would have to be bought used - the Spendor Classic SP 2/3's. They don't have the range and refinement of the ACI's, but they are easier to drive and are also intensely musical.  At $2000.00/pair new.. they ride above your current budget. They are fairly easy to pick up on the used market however.

Good luck

[acresm22]

The Loth X-Ion series might be worth looking into...

http://www.ossaudio.com/lothx/index.html

[Bucky]

I use Joseph Audio RM7XLs.  The previous version can be found used in your budget range and sound pretty close to the new model.  They are very tube friendly (flat impedance curve), a SET may be pushing it because the sensitivity is around 88, but 30W is more than enough.  In terms of being laid back, they are very neutral so if you match it with upstream components that are laid back than it will work. 

I auditioned many monitor speakers and really found that I disliked the high efficiency single driver speakers.  Not for my ear.  The JAs have a nice crossover design the really eliminates alot of the typical crossover issues.

[anubisgrau]

I've heard Teresonic Magus, and if you can live with an absence of low bass, and have $4000 to pay, it's probably the best small speaker I've experienced.

It's a fullranger based on a small Lowther 5.5" driver in a very clever folded TQWT cabinet - it looks like a normal mini monitor but it's a beast inside.

[SonQ]

The Infinity Primus series has rather high efficiency and a great price; more importantly, a decent midrange. I think they run from 90 to 93db depending on model.

I've heard the older 360 driven beautifully from a low powered tube amp. This model was designed by Robin Marshall of Epos fame but I'm not sure about the latest version.

[spud]

 Try Epos. Proac, Paradigm. One of these lines will float your boat.

spud

[Turnandcough]

Triangle.

[jimdgoulding]

Triangle is a good recommendation.  They are easy to drive, don't require a lot of power, and are cheap relatively speaking.  You might even get a floorstander out of the deal.  Sam Tellig at Stereophile loves and owns a pair.

Dizzy me . . there is a circle here on AC for Reference 3A.  Have a chat.  They have a smaller speaker called the Dulcet that has racked up raves.  If one pops on Audiogon or in the circle, be ready to pounce (after you've done your homework, of course).  Happy listening.

[*Scotty*]

You might look at the x-ls loudspeaker from AV123. It is at least 5dB more efficient than your Harbeth  HL-P3 and has a risk free trial. From the published graphs it appears to have a  flatter response curve than the HL-P3 with perhaps better low frequency extension.
Scotty

[SonQ]

The Loth X-Ion series might be worth looking into...

http://www.ossaudio.com/lothx/index.html

I've tried an older model Loth-X with quite an unique sound that may be typical of single driver & no x-over design. Nice seductive midrange but may be an acquired taste.

[larryrx7]

I will second the Decappo recommendation...I have had the VR1, sr15, spendor s5e,quad 12L, but the Decappos are the one's I have now and I love them.

[tanchiro58]

I have had the VR1, sr15, spendor s5e,quad 12L, but the Decappos are the one's I have now and I love them.

I still have my VR1 but it is modified one. I love it a lot in my living room system and do not want to replace another pair for now. However, I am also interested in a pair of Reference 2A Di Capos too but they are out of my budget.