Speaker reco for vintage 35w amp in small room?


Since my last child has graduated and left the house, I now have a small bedroom I can set up for dedicated listening. The room is (unfortunately) 11' x 12', but I can treat it however I like. ...and I will have to, given potential for strong common room modes. I'm looking to build a small system (LP-based) around a really great vintage amp.

The Pilot SA-260 amplifier shares some characteristics with a Marantz 8b for those who don't know it, with about 35 watts per channel. It' an EL-34 based amp, with dual tube rectifiers, and has HUGE output and power transformers, and a lot of drive. It's just been refurbished, with new power supply caps and coupling capacitors. I temporarily put it up in the bedroom where it sounds extremely nice through a pair of PSB Alpha's. But the lure of a dedicated space where it can shine is too much.

My Musical tastes tend to classical, alternative folk, female vocalists. Classical includes big symphonies as well as chamber music (but no opera). I have about 1,500 LP's, mostly classical versus maybe 600 CD's.

Considerations. I've owned both Maggies (1.6's) and Vandersteens (3a), but most of my speaker experience is with vintage speakers--Altec's, Bozaks, Klipsh's, KLH's, etc. At one point I was considering a set of Quad 57's restored for the new room, but after talking to a couple of owners, I think the space really doesn't seem right for them.

For the new room, I'd like to get something more modern, and stay below about $2,000 if possible.

I'm not looking for a list of all the speakers anyone's heard are "good" for $2,000 or less. I can find that without any help. I'm looking for first-hand experiences where folks have found nice synergy between vintage tube amps and modern speakers. Anyone who has heard the Pilot is amazed at how spectacular some of these old amps can sound. Don't think "rolled off treble and fuzzy bass." It's a solid perfomer that deserves appropriate speakers. On the other hand, it's not powerful by today's standards. As my own experience is so limited, I'm hoping to benefit from yours. Anyone BTDT?

All help and advice greatfully accepted. Thanks!
dfhaleycko

Showing 2 responses by dfhaleycko

Thanks for your responses. I've heard great things about Green Audio, so I'll try to track down a dealer where I can audition them.

I've heard the Gallo's and thought they were a trifle grainy on the high end (my buddy's house, with solid state Audio Research gear). Might be they'd love my tube amp. I'll have to lug it over there and ask him to let me try it.
I had had a Transcendent Sounds T8 OTL amp that the previous owner used with Reference 3a De Capo's. He was ga ga over them (I assume that's a positive).

I had reservations about their ability to fill the room, especially on the low end. Live & learn.

Thanks!