+1 on what speakermaster said.
For DIY look at GR Research. Danny has some amazing stuff, most very efficient. I have XLS Encore, and they are crazy good for less than $1k with flat pack box kit and every crossover upgrade offered.
Don’t rule out designs like KLH model Six, Advent large, and Warfedale models. I rebuilt a pair of model Sixes eliminating the tweeter level switch, using nice mid level crossover components, and they are jaw dropping with 12 watts of EL84 power. Most of these models would likely perform admirably with similar upgrades.
You can’t really begin to narrow the field till you add room size, music genres taste, and desired listening levels. My room is small, and I like rock. I doubt I use more that 2 watts in normal listening, that give me plenty of reserve power for dynamic swings.
For DIY look at GR Research. Danny has some amazing stuff, most very efficient. I have XLS Encore, and they are crazy good for less than $1k with flat pack box kit and every crossover upgrade offered.
Don’t rule out designs like KLH model Six, Advent large, and Warfedale models. I rebuilt a pair of model Sixes eliminating the tweeter level switch, using nice mid level crossover components, and they are jaw dropping with 12 watts of EL84 power. Most of these models would likely perform admirably with similar upgrades.
You can’t really begin to narrow the field till you add room size, music genres taste, and desired listening levels. My room is small, and I like rock. I doubt I use more that 2 watts in normal listening, that give me plenty of reserve power for dynamic swings.