[greg7]

Looking for help on this one.

I've been looking for a valve friendly smaller speaker since going to a 30 wpc push pull tube amp (Leben CS600). I'm in a smaller room. Harbeth HL-P3 were OK but not great with the Leben and were just sold. I can't afford Merlins or bigger Audio Notes, nor do I want anything ultra sensitive like horns or single driver. Just a simple, efficient, natural sounding 2-way.

Open to suggestions or comments on the list below -- I'm stuck in analysis mode. Can't home demo. I think this is the final cut and I want to order soon.

Proac Studio 110 or Studio 100
Reference 3a Dulcet
Silverline SR11 or SR16
ACI Sapphire XL
Audio Note AX-2 Signature

I'd say I'm leaning towards the Sapphire XL, Proacs second choice.

[DavidS]

Hi Greg - I am running the Audio Note AX2's with a Dared MP15 which is a little Kt88 based tube integrated that puts out 15 watts or so.  Plenty of juice.  These speakers work well in my small room and listening nearfield.  Using a squeezebox as my source.  I have a bigger system which does much more with music dynamics, excitement and soundstage but am beginning to think that this small system is the one that just makes music.  Very easy to listen to.  Very good at lower volumes.  Probably better with jazz and acoustic music than with the likes of Porcupine Tree (loud allmost orchestral rock) but this is mostly what I am listening to these days. 

Some nice speakers on your list but have not heard any other than the Reference 3a which I was very impressed with in the showroom.  I have actually been thinking of single driver like an Omega in my small system so will be interesting to read the responses you get.

David

[TONEPUB]

The Sapphire XL's get my vote.  I've got my pair hooked up to about
$30k worth of electronics and I'm still happy with them!

Mike D is a great guy to deal with as well...

Don't let the efficiency rating scare you, they are
super easy to drive.