Help with Yamaha 801 pairing

I've had the 801 for a while now - its in a secondary system now.  6 moons gave it a very good review a number of years ago - and the sound it produces at it's price is really good, IMO.

But I found that despite it's power specs, the SQ of the 801 diminishes quite a bit if using harder-to-drive speakers.  The sound will get flatter, with minimal dynamics.  As such, I'd recommend more efficient speakers with the 801.

Consider speakers like the NSMT 50/Jamaica ($2995), or a Zu speaker in your price range.

i've owned the 801 and still have the polk model 10--the 801 is a good sounding amp but tends towards sounding a little bright, so you might pair it with something a little warmer--in your price range maybe focal aria, wharfedale or kef

You may want to spend some of that 2500 budget on a good phono stage. Post a question on the analog forum here and see what people say. 

Given your listening preferences and budget, I would go for the Zu Audio Dirty Weekend floor standers.  I have had a pair in use in my main system for the last 4 years (tube amp; ss preamp, TT's & CDs).  I also have the Zu Omen Monitor in a second system.  Very energetic and realistic sounding.

Thanks Simao and kota1

I plan to just that .. appreciate any help to narrow the choices

JBL L100

or 

Your 801 puts out 100w and is an underrated, overpowered machine whose biggest fault us that it can be a bit flat in its presentation. Its pure direct is a sonic delight. Owning one, however, I will say its phono stage is a weak point.

There are tons of possibilities at your price range. You’d best be off taking the 801 to whatever dealer is near you to test out speakers. You gave a large room, so you’ll want something with projection. Consider Maggie’s or open baffles like Spatial Audio