Integrated S.E.T Amp and Bookshelf Speakers Recommendations

Wow! Thanks for the helpful responses. There is quite A LOT to "digest." Yogiboy and br3098, you are right about the Harbeths.

dekay-the room is 12" x 10.5", with 8.5" ceilings. It has a row of windows on 10.5" wall, with an entry door galley closets leading to a bathroom on the other wall. Because of room design the speakers will be placed on a 12" wall. Figuring with speakers away from the wall listening will be a nearfield experience.

dxbwineguy and auroravengeance-I appreciate your recommendations. Somewhere I read someone describing low powered amps and they used the phrase "liquid chocolate sound" which really resonated. Sometime in the past I read about the EL-84 Quicksilver integrated.

soix-we have discussed preamps and DAC’s in the past. I am going to add the De Capos to my list.

Here’s the latest-I’m going to audition a Unison Simply Italy Integrated (It puts out 12 W using EL34’s and 12AU7’s) and Focal Aria 906’s (90db sensitivity/8 ohms). I’m starting at the upper middle/lower high end of my pricepoint for the room layout and situation. We shall see.....

I’m also going to audition DaCapo Ref 3A, Nola Boxer, Decware Zun Tube Tots, and Zu DWX. I have heard Triangle speakers, and for me, they do a lot of things well, but the high frequencies are harsh sounding due to tinnitus.

If I think I can do better than the Simply Italy, I’ll audition the Audio Note Cobra and Quicksilver EL84 integrated.

Stay tuned (or not).

David

Update--I have auditioned the Simply Italy, an Elekit 8600S, the Quicksilver EL84 integrated, and an Audio Note OTO. Yes, it's been a very busy couple of days. Paired them with my friend's Super Tablette, his Focal 906 Arias, and his Closer Acoustics OGY bookshelf loudspeakers.

Since I already have a resolving slightly on the warm side balanced system (Audio Research), I wanted a lower powered amp with "liquid chocolate" sound characteristics like an SET, EL84, that wouldn't break the bank, for a 120 sq ft room. So far, I like the Simply Italy. It is a push/pull amp using EL 34s and 12AU7s. Compared to my ARC-based system, the sound characteristics of the Simply Italy are fluid, at a tad sweet, while still having a dynamic signature characteristic of push/pull tube-based amps.Cost-wise, it's not going to break the bank and irritate my budget conscious sweetie. WAF is real!

As far as speaker choice-Based on what I heard, am reading both here (thanks!) and other internet sites, I'm excited by exploring full range driver speakers. At this time, of the speakers I auditioned the OGY is the one that excites me. It's a full-range driver, small footprint, bookshelf speaker, that is 8 Ohms, 91 db efficiency. It  is also compatible with lower watt amps. On a purely an emotional level the OGY sounded natural, detailed sound with a surprisingly large 3D soundstage for its size.

What are other full-range drivers worth auditioning, in the $2K price range

Thanks again!

David