Livin, I think the SF Venere's would most likely be a nice step-up from your Hales. My experience with SF's is that they do need a good power amp with some ability to drive them up stream. I don't think some of the single ended flea power amps need apply.
Hales were good speakers for their time, but they have been surpassed in many areas by several newer designs...including the SF's.
Hales were good speakers for their time, but they have been surpassed in many areas by several newer designs...including the SF's.