Djh, FWIW the transistor amp you are mentioning at the beginning of this thread has marginal power for dealing with a low-efficiency speaker like you have.
A lot has to do with your listening habits in this regard, but if you like to rock out or you like Wagner at realistic levels, you simply will have to come to grips with the understanding that to do so you will need a more efficient speaker, tube or transistor notwithstanding.
From what I have seen, finding a speaker that is easier to drive will be a piece of cake. Here are a couple off the top of my head- the Audiokinesis Stormbringer and the ZU Druid. Neither are very expensive and both are easier to drive than what you have, and both will do nicely with a lower-powered amp (i.e. 60 watts or so), allowing you to consider tubes on a budget again. I doubt either one will be a step backwards either, I've heard them both and they can be very convincing!
A lot has to do with your listening habits in this regard, but if you like to rock out or you like Wagner at realistic levels, you simply will have to come to grips with the understanding that to do so you will need a more efficient speaker, tube or transistor notwithstanding.
From what I have seen, finding a speaker that is easier to drive will be a piece of cake. Here are a couple off the top of my head- the Audiokinesis Stormbringer and the ZU Druid. Neither are very expensive and both are easier to drive than what you have, and both will do nicely with a lower-powered amp (i.e. 60 watts or so), allowing you to consider tubes on a budget again. I doubt either one will be a step backwards either, I've heard them both and they can be very convincing!