Orchestral with 12 watts is a challenge, first I would try the new Omega Grands, they are single driver but sound big and have midrange or believe it or not you may want to check out vintage JBLs. They play big sound mostly midrange and up on few watts 102db sensitivity not the best soundstage or detail but you'll get big and loud music from them. I like them but not all the time. They were designed in an age (pre 1965) when tube power was king but there were few units that delivered a lot of power. Problem is that its a collectors market but you should be able to find C38 or 36s with the basic 030 package for about $1200 in good condition. The more magnet (and they used enormous alnicos) you want e.g. a 375 horn (Paragon, Hartsfields etc) the more you pay, but there are some in between the 175 potato masher horns. As I said its not for everyone but for some its nirvana. You can hook them up to a relatively cheap vintage SS with a few more watts and get really orchestral sound but I suppose that defeats your aim. Try the Omegas they will surprise you!
Budget speakers for Orchestral music?
I'm looking for an efficient speaker (at least 90db) that works well with tubes and is ideal for classical music, from solo piano to large orchestral works. Oh, and they need to be under $1000, used or new. Any suggestions? What interests me is a lush midrange, I was considering Thiel CS-1.5's, but my amp is underpowered for them. Any other ideas?