In search of low powered tube amp that isn’t overly hot

From other threads, I know that you are interested in Audio Note AN-J speakers.  That is a terrific choice, in my opinion, and they can be used with lower-powered tube gear.  However, much depends on the size of your room, how loud you want to play the system, type of music, and how much you can accept that you may not be able to play certain music at very high volume levels.

I like the 45 tube a lot.  It is my favorite among the three most common low-powered triode tube (45, 2a3, 300B).  I run speakers that are more efficient than yours and I don't listen at high volume levels, but I heard some effects of compression with 45s running in pushpull configuration (about twice as powerful as 45s in single ended operation).  Strangely, this was most obvious with acapella mass choral music (e.g., Rachmaninov's Vespers).  If you go with a 45 SET amp, you will face much more severe restrictions on volume level.  But, I can easily see someone, myself included, who could live with that if the sound is otherwise to my liking.  

Super helpful, Larryi.  I have recently become aware of Charney Audio's Maestro speaker which also is best positioned in the corner (like Audio Notes) but are easier to drive.  101 db sensitivity, 8 ohm load.  Might work better with the 45 amp, given what you have observed.  Thanks for pointing this out.

I ordered a Decware amp on April 7, 2023. There are 239 orders ahead of me. Yeah it’s over 3 years. The Luxman is a nice little amp. The LTA Z40+ is on my wish list too.

I have heard several Charney Audio speakers and I like them a lot.  I particularly like the Charney Companion with the AER driver option.  I heard both the Charney Companion/AER and the Charney Companion/Voxativ driven by single ended 300B amplifiers.  The Lumaca I heard had the AER driver, but I don't recall the amplifier.  In any case, these speakers are efficient enough that a single-ended 45 would work well with them.

Fezz audio produces a number of interesting integrateds in your price range.  For example, the Luna and Titania can both be had for under $5k.