My recommendation would be to try Tannoy, something like the Kensington, which, if you find on the used market, should be similar in price to used Cremonas, or maybe even less.
Although my Tannoy HPD 315's (12" Dual Concentric) are custom built, their drive characteristics probably aren't too different from the Kensingtons.
The point being, I am able use two quite different amps to successfully drive them in a fairly large room (16' X 34' W/cathedral ceiling). A very powerful VAC PA 35.35 push-pull EL 34 amp @35Wpc, and a SET 300B amp at 9Wpc.
Try to get out and audition some Tannoy speakers, and see what you think.
Although my Tannoy HPD 315's (12" Dual Concentric) are custom built, their drive characteristics probably aren't too different from the Kensingtons.
The point being, I am able use two quite different amps to successfully drive them in a fairly large room (16' X 34' W/cathedral ceiling). A very powerful VAC PA 35.35 push-pull EL 34 amp @35Wpc, and a SET 300B amp at 9Wpc.
Try to get out and audition some Tannoy speakers, and see what you think.