I have an Audio Space AS-3i in my second system. I am very satisfied indeed with it and do not feel that it will hold back any speakers at your price point; indeed you need not hesitate to go a good way higher with speakers if, eventually, you are so inclined.
My own speakers are Triangle Titus ES, quite sensitive speakers at 90 dB/w. They cost a bit more perhaps than you want to spend -- I have seen them here for around $400 used. They're an excellent match for the amp.
I don't know the other speakers you mention. I did at one time own a pair of AE Aegis Ones, and they might have done well with the AS-3i, perhaps with more limited dynamics than the Titus ES. I would avoid speakers with under 88 dB sensitivity.
Triode vs ultralinear is nice to have for the times you want to trade a little midrange sweetness for a bit more power. I have my amp set mostly for triode operation, but there are sometimes recordings which would benefit from a little more oomph... and there it is at the flick of a switch.
It sounds fine out of the box, but the AS-3i is also a good candidate for tweaking, in good time. You can profitably upgrade the power cord and the tubes if you so choose.
Overall, I think the Audio Space / Duntonic line is tremendous value.
My own speakers are Triangle Titus ES, quite sensitive speakers at 90 dB/w. They cost a bit more perhaps than you want to spend -- I have seen them here for around $400 used. They're an excellent match for the amp.
I don't know the other speakers you mention. I did at one time own a pair of AE Aegis Ones, and they might have done well with the AS-3i, perhaps with more limited dynamics than the Titus ES. I would avoid speakers with under 88 dB sensitivity.
Triode vs ultralinear is nice to have for the times you want to trade a little midrange sweetness for a bit more power. I have my amp set mostly for triode operation, but there are sometimes recordings which would benefit from a little more oomph... and there it is at the flick of a switch.
It sounds fine out of the box, but the AS-3i is also a good candidate for tweaking, in good time. You can profitably upgrade the power cord and the tubes if you so choose.
Overall, I think the Audio Space / Duntonic line is tremendous value.