TWL's recommendations are excellent, as usual. He is experienced and competent. I haven't heard the Lamhorns, but in this price range I like Rethm speakers, from India.
If you're willing to do a little custom cabinetry, then PHY of France makes some excellent high-efficiency 16-ohm drivers. I chose to become a dealer for PHY because their drivers deliver a bit warmer tonal balance and more satisfying bottom end (in my opinion) than other high-efficiency full-range drivers. The PHY's are actually crossoverless two-ways, with a high-quality coaxial piezo tweeter filling in the top octave. The recommended cabinets are quite simple, and even a large open baffle can be used.
If you want a multi-way speaker with a crossover, and if your heart is set on a 45 SET, then I'd suggest you try to find speakers with a rated impedance of 12 ohms or higher. The Classic Audio Reproductions T-5 is a possibility, though I've never seen a pair show up used.
Best of luck in your quest!
Duke
If you're willing to do a little custom cabinetry, then PHY of France makes some excellent high-efficiency 16-ohm drivers. I chose to become a dealer for PHY because their drivers deliver a bit warmer tonal balance and more satisfying bottom end (in my opinion) than other high-efficiency full-range drivers. The PHY's are actually crossoverless two-ways, with a high-quality coaxial piezo tweeter filling in the top octave. The recommended cabinets are quite simple, and even a large open baffle can be used.
If you want a multi-way speaker with a crossover, and if your heart is set on a 45 SET, then I'd suggest you try to find speakers with a rated impedance of 12 ohms or higher. The Classic Audio Reproductions T-5 is a possibility, though I've never seen a pair show up used.
Best of luck in your quest!
Duke