I'm on an even tighter budget than you - but I power my Belle Klipsch horns (ca. 1984) with an older Antique Sound Labs MG SI 15 DT SET integrated amp rated at 5/15 wpc (triode/pentode) running upgraded tubes.
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/the-antique-sound-lab-mg-si-15-dt-singleended-class-a-tube-integrated-amplifier
I'm not advocating this particular brand or model - just illustrating it doesn't take much juice (or $$) to get decent sound from the 104 dB SP Belles. Like you - I'm dreaming of one day upgrading to the QS monos (or something comparable).
My maximum "bang-for-the-buck" system also includes a Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC ($700) and a refurbished Cambridge Audio CXC transport ($400).
Whatever you end up going with - plan on adding a decent subwoofer.
Terry
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/the-antique-sound-lab-mg-si-15-dt-singleended-class-a-tube-integrated-amplifier
I'm not advocating this particular brand or model - just illustrating it doesn't take much juice (or $$) to get decent sound from the 104 dB SP Belles. Like you - I'm dreaming of one day upgrading to the QS monos (or something comparable).
My maximum "bang-for-the-buck" system also includes a Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC ($700) and a refurbished Cambridge Audio CXC transport ($400).
Whatever you end up going with - plan on adding a decent subwoofer.
Terry