Probably klipsch will be your best bet, I know the RB7's which are the reference series klipsch are excellent at all you are talking about, and they are compact, will play loud, and very clear.. Best paired with the tubes like you are requesting as well.. you can find many reviews in the positive for this speaker all over online, and I think new they are around 700.00
used I bet you can get them for close to half that, or at least shipped for another 50 to 100 bucks.
Good Speakers for Low Watts
I am putting together my first system. I am a Jazz Bassist and listen to around 2-3 hours of music a day. I am not after a super hi-fi system,as the watts and pricerange indicate,just somthing better than the day to day mini system stuff out there. I am thinking of getting an older musical fidelity amp A-1 20w or B-1 35w. I want clear sound with definition. Loudness is socondary. I like to hear seperation of instruments. Can anyone sugesst a monitor/book shelf speaker pairing for 200-300 used?