Bookshelf speakers with a tube amp?

Run the Rocket 88, I prefer to run in UL mode, especially if you are short on power. Try the 4 ohm setting.

What preamp are you using?

I’ve been real happy with Bluesound Node DAC, and it fulfills all PreAmp aspects over my iPhone through an App. 

I’ve been real happy with Bluesound Node DAC

Budget a preamp for your future upgrade and loudspeakers. Keep the Rocket88.  

I think my Marantz 2226 B should be the preamp then. It has that capability. 

I think my Marantz 2226 B should be the preamp then. It has that capability.

You will not hear how good the Rocket88 is until it's matched with a good preamp. For the budget minded the Topping Pre90 might get you there. 

As much as I love vintage Marantz receivers, they were not built to be used as separate components. Their strength lies in the fact that the preamp and amp are built to be integrated. On their own they don't stand up to a dedicated preamp or amp.

I did a little experiment a few years ago....I set up a pair of Klipsch KG 1.5 in my main set up.   40 watts of Quicksilver EL34 goodness and they sounded great.   This bolstered my believe that even modest speakers sound better, maybe too good to believe with quality electronics.   The 15 watt Technics receiver did an OK job but with those amps and my CJ pre they sounded better than a little speaker has a right to.  Shortly after that I picked up a pair of Heresy III to replace the Revel 106 I was using .  Used them about 4 years and bought Forte IV...  I went in the other direction but I would definitely stick with the Cary , that was one of the best amps they made .   Good small speakers can sound good with a great amp

Yep. I’m blown away right now. This Cary is just so sweet in Triode mode with these Boston speakers, a great Henry Kloss, (Advent) engineer. I didn’t notice the UL/TRIODE switched difference with the Forte… but to think these bookshelf pair cost me only $35… definitely blessed!

I really love the Mancave sound room now… got a remote for my Node…streaming heaven on Preset buttons on the remote!

I use Reference 3A de Capos with my 4 watt Decware tube amp.  lovely sound not screaming loud but loud enough   92db eff. detailed

Fritz 2-way speakers have crossovers especially designed to work well with tubes.

+1Russ69. Last night I listened to my Aric Audio Transcend amp with a quad of KT120s running in ultralinear producing 40wpc driving my Esoteric MG10s. The MGs are a 6ohm speaker that drops below 4 ohms at one point in the frequency range, also  rated at 87dB sensitive( experience tells me this is a reasonable measure). I used the 4 ohm tap on the amp.

I felt this combo a better experience than using my Pass XA25 in same system.