[lcrim]

Inexpensive speakers are defined as less than $100 per pair, ready to use.  Low powered amp is defined as 5 real watts or less.
I still have an original Miniwatt @ ~2.5 watts per, it is fairly easy to find a Tripath unit for roughly the same approx. cost.  I'm sure there are other possibilities-el84 consoles from organs etc.  I have a number of older DVD players for a digital source that sound decent, the stumbling block, IME continues to be a pair of speakers that are efficient, sound nice and that have a "presentable" (esthetics can be very individual) appearance.
I would like your suggestions.  I think this is the correct circle.

[HT cOz]

Wow that is a tough budget. I think I would look for klipsch in craigs list. Someone will sell a pair without knowing the pedigree.

[Construct]

Since Klipsch was mentioned:  Polk audio Monitor 5's.  VERY smooth and transparent.  Total steal for $80-$150/pr. Also look into vintage infinity.  Boston acoustics hd-9's.

 

 

 

[dvenardos]

Yeah, cheap and high efficiency don't usually go hand in hand.

Wow that is a tough budget. I think I would look for klipsch in craigs list. Someone will sell a pair without knowing the pedigree.

[soundbitten1]

These were all the rage a few years ago.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia%26%23153%3B+-+6-1/2%22+Bass-Reflex+Bookshelf+Speakers+%28Pair%29/7705307.p?skuId=7705307&id=1138085354138

[JLM]

Yes, I thought about the Insignia too, but at 90 dB/w/m and 8 ohms not the greatest potential for a 2 - 5 watt amp.

For low power the Hawthorne Audio Silver Iris coaxial drivers are hard to beat (highly efficient, nearly full range, but designed to be used in open baffle).  For $400/pair Darrel will sell you a pair, with baffles:

http://hawthorneaudio.com/index.html

[Scott F.]

Larry,

That's one tall order. I'm not sure you can get there short of building a pair of Fostex full rangers (and the small Fostex at that).

If you can up your budget a bit, I can attest to the JBL 4410 Studio Monitors



They sit at about 91db and have a fairly benign impedance peak of 27 ohms at around 60Hz. Couple that to the fact that they sound really flippin' good and you could have a darned nice sounding system. Sure, you won't rock the house with 5 watts and 91db speakers but what you will get is far better than you might think. Oh, I personally think the 4410's sound significant;y better than the L100s and their cousins...but that's just me.

These can be found on Craigslist and eBay in the $300-$400 range.

I won't ever part with mine. 

[eclein]

I love my JBL 4312A's...best $50 I ever spent in my LIFE!!!!! There are incredible used items out there, mine were found on CL.

[pumpkinman]

I found a pair of Polk Monitor 7's for $5.00
at a local good will store not sure about
the eff. I don't think Polk's were all that eff.
Found these specs later
Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 25Hz - 25kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 40Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 23kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20-150 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB



 
Also a pair of Monitor 10's I paid $125.00

[MLS]

Those Monitor 7 look great.  $5 is a steal.  They are a very good speaker and are IIRC low 90's db efficient.

enjoy those.

MLS

[eclein]

Nice find pumpkinman!!!

[HT cOz]

I think I would up my budget $100 bucks and jump on something like this http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/clearance/542598495/klipsch-rf52-black-single-speaker

[srb]

I think I would up my budget $100 bucks and jump on something like this http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/clearance/542598495/klipsch-rf52-black-single-speaker

That's a single speaker and would be $429/pair.
 
Steve

[Construct]

I found a pair of Polk Monitor 7's for $5.00
at a local good will store not sure about
the eff. I don't think Polk's were all that eff.
Found these specs later
Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 25Hz - 25kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 40Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 23kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20-150 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB



 
Also a pair of Monitor 10's I paid $125.00

Yep, good call!  They are the bigger brothers of the monitor 5's I mentioned.  You got them "stupid cheap".  The good thing is that they are terrific stock, and a few buck will upgrade them greatly.  NICE speakers!

[HT cOz]

That's a single speaker and would be $429/pair.
 
Steve

Mono anyone?   

Sorry

[srb]

That's a single speaker and would be $429/pair.

Mono anyone?   

Sorry

Yes!  I have a mono system as my "Super Shower Radio" bathroom system (Yamaha MSP3 powered monitor + Airport Express).  I have absolutely no imaging, soundstage, lobing or cancellation anomalies!
 
Steve

[Construct]

Tivoli radios are a nice monaural system.

[Borisbadenov]

Wow that is a tough budget. I think I would look for klipsch in craigs list. Someone will sell a pair without knowing the pedigree.

To get the most out of your amp you will need the most efficient speakers and polk is far from that.
89-90 db is very low.
Try VINTAGE sounddynamics if you can find any or vintage klipsch.
Keep in mind klipsch are measured at 30 feet not 3.
They are EXTREMELY loud.

I can't say they are easy to listen to.
2.5 watts is like headphone volume.
You can get a good used receiver for 20 bucks and you won't hear much difference from others if you use the eq's.